Substation Design Manager

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Sacramento is seeking a Substation Design Manager to lead high-voltage substation projects. In this full-time role, you will guide technical teams, develop project execution plans, and mentor junior engineers. The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor's degree and have over 10 years of experience in the Power Market sector. Strong organizational and communication skills are crucial to successfully manage concurrent projects and deliver on client commitments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the Power Market Sector.
• 5 years related experience in Power Delivery projects.
• Professional Engineering licensure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical team and project deliverables.
• Develop project execution plans for technical aspects.
• Mentor Project Engineers and other team members.

Skills

Project execution

Technical guidance

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

AutoCAD

PLS CAD

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

Revit

Job description

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? We believe electricity powers modern life. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry‑recognised engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand.

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

Each and every role throughout our organisation 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.

Role Overview

As a Substation Design Manager in an established Power Delivery practice, you’ll draw upon your broad technical knowledge and experience in design and construction of high‑voltage substation projects to lead, guide, and advise clients, projects and teams. Having previously performed a leading technical role on increasingly complex substation projects, you’ll be ready to undertake greater challenges and responsibilities. You will develop a partnership with the Project Manager (PM), whereas the PM is responsible for scope, schedule, budget and overall client management, you will be responsible for technical execution of the project.

Responsibilities

• Develop a partnership with a PM and lead the technical team and execution of project deliverables.
• Develop and implement a project execution plan for the technical aspects of projects.
• Assign project tasks and provide technical guidance to project team members.
• Support the technical aspects of scope, schedule and budget, including proposal development, work breakdown structure development and implementation, progress assessment, risk assessment/mitigation, change management and schedule management.
• Work independently and direct, mentor and/or train one or more Project Engineers, EITs, or CADD/Designers.
• Coordinate and/or perform quality checks and reviews for all 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.
• Lead multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.
• Work with senior engineers and technical leaders to identify and develop specific technical expertise and attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to the discipline.
• Assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR’s technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.
• Work with Project Manager and Project Controller on project reviews with management as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineering licensure.
• Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm.
• Willingness to have a strong in‑office presence 4‑5 days a week.
• Interest in engaging in technical and industry groups (IEEE, NAPE, EPRI, etc.).
• Due to client contract requirements, US Citizenship is required.
• Takes initiative and is flexible with embracing change to accomplish project goals.
• Extensive experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe and Revit).
• A minimum of 10 years of experience.
• Thrives in a team environment and has strong communication, organisational and problem‑solving skills.

#LI-JM8

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• 5 years related experience.
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organisational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills.
• 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 organisational 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

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Business Class: Substation Engineering

Job Posting

Mar 31, 2026

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.