Substation Engineering Manager

HDR; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a professional with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and at least 8 years of experience in technical design for high-voltage electrical switchyards and substations. The candidate will develop and coordinate projects, mentor junior engineers, and ensure quality deliverables. Strong communication skills and a commitment to engineering principles are essential. Role based in Ames, Iowa.

Qualifications

• 8 years of technical design experience with high-voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects up to 500 kV.
• Previous experience in electrical design of buildings (lighting/power/systems).
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and execute technical projects.
• Assign project tasks and provide technical guidance.
• Coordinate quality checks and reviews for project deliverables.
• Lead multiple projects concurrently with various teams.

Skills

Technical design experience

Strong written and verbal communication

Experience with AutoCAD

Experience with Microsoft Office

Experience with Revit

Experience with SKM

Experience with AGI and Easy Power

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineering license

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?

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and execute the technical aspect of projects in partnership with the Project Manager, ensuring scope, schedule, budget, and client management are aligned.
• Assign project tasks and provide technical guidance to project team members, including mentoring and training of junior engineers and designers.
• Support the technical aspects of schedule, scope, and budget, including proposal development, work breakdown structure development, progress assessment, risk assessment/mitigation, change management, and schedule management.
• Coordinate and perform quality checks and reviews for all project deliverables per HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements to deliver a world‑class quality product to the client.
• Work independently and may direct, mentor, or train one or more Project Engineers, EITs, or CADD/Designers.
• Lead multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.
• Participate in project reviews as needed and assist with developing technical papers or presentations that showcase HDR’s technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.
• Previous consulting firm experience is desired; self‑starter with strong written and verbal communication skills is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 8 years of technical design experience with high‑voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity up to 500 kV.
• Knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, and other applicable design and equipment standards.
• Track record of working cooperatively with diverse teams and regional, department, technical managers, and project staff.
• Some travel may be required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis.
• Previous experience in electrical design of buildings (lighting/power/systems).
• Professional Engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered.
• Strong computer skills using AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, Revit, SKM, AGI and Easy Power.
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

Location

• United States: Nebraska – Omaha (Primary)
• United States: Iowa – Des Moines
• United States: Iowa – Ames
• United States: Nebraska – Lincoln

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

Business Class

Substation Engineering

Job Posting Date

Nov 12, 2025

EEO Statement

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.