Substation Engineer – Power & Data Center Projects

HDR; Chattanooga (TN); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship

Competitive compensation

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

HDR is seeking a skilled engineer for substation design projects located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The role involves ensuring project specifications and schedules are met while collaborating with various departments in a thriving engineering environment.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, relevant project experience, and a passion for innovative, sustainable solutions. HDR offers professional growth, competitive benefits, and flexible work arrangements including remote options.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in substation design or power delivery projects.
• Professional engineering license is required (e.g., PE or P.Eng).
• Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.

Responsibilities

• Prepare scopes, schedules, and budgets for projects.
• Understand physical substation design elements.
• Prepare equipment specifications for procurement.
• Coordinate design activities with other departments.

Skills

Substation design

Project management

Technical communication

Team leadership

Engineering software proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

PLS CAD

Revit

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

Job description

At HDR, 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 everyday. We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and communities, constantly asking how we impact the world.

What You’ll Do

• Support preparing scopes, schedules, and budgets, and ensure that schedules and budgets are met.
• Understand physical substation design, including yard layouts, plans, sections and details, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, interior and exterior raceways, auxiliary AC/DC power systems, and associated bills of material.
• Understand protection and control design including panel arrangements, one‑line/single‑line, three‑line, AC/DC schematics, equipment wiring and relay panel wiring.
• Prepare calculations for studies and reports (grounding, lighting protection, AC/DC load studies, etc.).
• Prepare equipment specifications for procurement and/or factory acceptance testing.
• Coordinate design activities with other departments (Civil/Structural, Networks, Transmission Line, etc.).
• Effectively communicate and coordinate project activities with manager, clients, and others as needed.
• Work independently and may direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise efforts of less‑experienced EITs and/or Designers.
• Perform other duties as needed.

What We Offer

• Exciting, high‑impact projects in power and technology sectors.
• A collaborative, people‑first culture focused on innovation and sustainability.
• Professional development opportunities, mentorship, and career growth.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Flexible work arrangements (remote/hybrid options available).

Preferred Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in substation design or power delivery projects (data center experience is a plus).
• Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE) or P.Eng).
• Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and standard Power Market Sector design software (e.g., PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit).
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our employee‑owned culture.

Primary Location: United States – Tennessee – Nashville

Other Locations: United States – Kentucky – Louisville; United States – Tennessee – Memphis; United States – Tennessee – Chattanooga; United States – Kentucky – Lexington

Industry: Power | Schedule: Full‑time | Employee Status: Regular | Business Class: Substation Engineering | Job Posting: May 21, 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.