Substation Designer II

HDR; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is looking for an entry-level Substation Designer to join their team in Charlotte, NC. This role involves preparation of engineering drawings and design deliverables for electrical substations as well as collaboration with designers and CADD technicians.

The ideal candidate will have at least a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and strong skills in AutoCAD and MicroStation. Candidates are expected to participate actively in the team-oriented culture of HDR, contributing to meaningful projects in the Power industry.

Qualifications

• EIT certification or ability to pass the FE Exam within 6 months.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Self-motivated and initiative-driven.

Responsibilities

• Prepare engineering drawings and calculations for electrical substations.
• Develop design deliverables including diagrams and layouts.
• Conduct site visits during various project phases.

Skills

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

HDR is currently seeking an entry-level Substation Designer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium and High Voltage).
• Preparation of calculations, design sketches and redline drawings.
• Working with Designers and CADD Technicians to develop drawings in accordance with national design standards, safety codes and project specifications and requirements.
• Developing design deliverables including one-line diagrams, protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA schemes, communications plans, substation physical layouts, material lists, conduit and cable sizing/routing, AC and DC systems calculations and sizing, and substation grounding.
• Performing site visits during the design, construction and as-built phases of projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• EIT certification or ability to pass the FE Exam within 6 months strongly preferred. Candidates hired without an EIT certification will have the title Substation Designer and will be expected to obtain their EIT certification for career progression.
• Experienced in using AutoCAD.
• Experience using MicroStation.
• Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility.
• Strong written and confident verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Self‑motivated and ability to take initiative.
• Local candidates preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.

Primary Location: United States - North Carolina - Raleigh

Other Locations: United States - North Carolina - Charlotte

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

Business Class: Substation Engineering

Job Posting: Jun 9, 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.