Substation Civil / Structural Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Glen Allen (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Substation Civil / Structural Engineer in Glen Allen, Virginia. This role involves leading structural and foundation design tasks on key projects, collaborating with various teams, and ensuring quality deliverables. Candidates should have a degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and a relevant professional license. Strong technical and communication skills are essential. This full-time position offers a significant opportunity for growth and impact in the engineering sector.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience with high voltage electrical switchyard projects.
• Professional engineering license required.
• Experience with consulting firms in engineering.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural engineering tasks for substation projects.
• Oversee foundation design tasks for substation structures.
• Perform quality checks and reviews for project deliverables.

Skills

Technical design experience

Strong written and verbal communication

Problem-solving skills

Collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

MFAD

L-pile

Job description

Substation Civil / Structural Engineer - (187157)

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

The successful candidate will be a part of a team that provides design support for large and small-scale substation engineering projects. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a self-directed individual who wants to learn and take on new challenges.

Responsibilities

• Lead, oversee, review, and/or execute structural engineering tasks for a variety of substation structural members such as rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded plate tubular steel shapes. Engineering duties include detailed design, calculations, and detailing for fabrication or development of loading and concept drawings for submittal to a steel fabricator.
• Lead, oversee, review, and/or execute foundation design tasks for substation structures, including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and potentially other types, using industry standard software.
• Work with physical substation layout designs, plans, elevations/sections, details, and associated bills of materials.
• Prepare and/or review specifications for construction & materials.
• Coordinate and/or perform quality checks and reviews for project deliverables per the HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements, processes, and procedures to deliver a world class quality product to the client. Perform quality checks and/or reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis.
• Collaborate with transmission line civil/structural engineers to cross-train and share resources.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain standards.
• Work independently, direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise one or more EITs or CADD/Designers.
• Ability to support multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.
• May also assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR's technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.
• Participate in project reviews as needed.
• Some travel may be required.

Due to client contract requirements, US-born citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 4+ years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity, including foundation and steel structural design.
• Working knowledge of the latest AISC-360, ASCE-7, ACI-318, ASCE 113 and other industry standards.
• Experience using industry standard design software, including MFAD, L-pile, or equivalent.
• Track record of working cooperatively with diverse teams in multiple office locations.
• Self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Preference given to local candidates.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

United States-Virginia-Roanoke

Other Locations

United States-Virginia-Vienna

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Aug 28, 2025

EEO Statement

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employee. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more?

Let's work together to make great things possible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We're always looking for great talent to join our global teams.