Substation Designer

HDR; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 30,913 - 44,165; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental insurance

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays and parental leave

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Substation Designer to join their Power Delivery team in Spokane. This role involves performing independent substation design tasks and preparing engineering drawings for projects. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience as a CAD Technician and strong proficiency in AutoCAD and MicroStation. This position offers a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment focused on employee ownership and empowerment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years working as a CAD Technician.
• Experience in Protection and Control aspects of High Voltage Substation design.
• Ability to be a lead technician and work closely with less experienced staff.

Responsibilities

• Perform substation design tasks independently.
• Prepare engineering drawings and documents.
• Conduct calculations and designs for electrical substations.
• Communicate with Project Managers and Engineers.

Skills

AutoCAD proficiency

MicroStation proficiency

CADD design

Attention to detail

Education

Associate or technical school degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

InRoads

Job description

About HDR

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.

Job Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Washington: $22.44-32.06.

Location & Other Details

Primary Location: United States-Idaho-Boise

Other Locations: United States-Idaho-Coeur d'Alene, United States-Washington-Spokane

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full‑time

Employee Status: Regular

Business Class: Substation Engineering

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.