Substation Designer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Network Groups

Inclusive environment

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Substation Designer in Spokane, Washington. The role involves performing design tasks for high voltage substations and preparing technical drawings. Candidates should have experience in both Protection and Control and Physical aspects of substation design, alongside proficiency in AutoCAD and a commitment to collaborative culture. This position offers a chance to contribute to innovative energy solutions while working with industry experts in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years working as a CAD Technician.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or MicroStation, and InRoads.
• Intermediate understanding of engineering concepts.

Responsibilities

• Perform substation design tasks for engineering projects.
• Prepare engineering drawings including diagrams and schematics.
• Conduct calculations and designs for electrical substations.

Skills

CADD design

Attention to detail

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Associate or technical school degree

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

InRoads

Microsoft Office

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?

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.

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized 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. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Designer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals in our Substation group.

The successful candidate will be a part of a team that provides designer 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.

Specific duties include:

• Work independently to perform substation design tasks, CADD design, develop design drawings and documents, modeling and/or analysis, prepare material lists, perform field reviews, and other tasks for simple to moderately complex projects.
• Prepare engineering drawings, including One Line Diagrams, General Arrangements Sections, Grounding & Conduit Plans, Foundation Plans, Material Lists (BOM), Relay and Control Systems Schematics and Wiring Diagrams.
• Perform calculations, reports and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium and High Voltage) and substation systems to support engineers.
• Understand client standards and complete small to moderately complex projects, exercising judgment in design criteria, evaluation, and design, subject to review by engineers.
• Based upon experience, can perform most design responsibilities without assistance on simple projects, and may work independently, but with some engineering guidance on moderately complex projects.
• Communicate with Project Managers, Project Engineers, and client personnel.

Qualifications

• Experience in both the Protection and Control (Indoor) and Physical (Outdoor) aspects of High Voltage (HV) Substation design.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Associate or technical school degree, or combination of education and relevant experience
• A minimum of 5 years working as a CAD Technician
• Proficiency using AutoCAD and/or MicroStation, and InRoads
• Experience using Microsoft Office in production workflows
• Ability to be a lead technician and work closely with less experienced CADD Staff
• Strong attention to detail and organization skills
• Intermediate or Advanced understanding of engineering or architectural concepts, workflows, and deliverables
• 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.

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting: Mar 18, 2026

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

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

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.