Substation Engineering Manager

HDR, Inc.; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking an experienced Substation Engineering Manager in Fargo, ND to lead technical execution on complex substation projects.

You will guide a team of engineers, coordinate with project management, and ensure adherence to HDR quality standards and client requirements. The role requires a PE license, a strong track record in power systems, and proficiency with industry design tools (PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Rev it).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering is required.
• Professional engineering license is required (PE or equivalent).
• Minimum 10 years of experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.

Responsibilities

• Develops a partnership with the PM, with the EM responsible for technical execution.
• Develops and implements a project execution plan for the technical aspects of projects.
• Assigns project tasks and provides technical guidance to team members.
• Supports scope, schedule, and budget including proposal development and risk assessment.
• Coordinates and conducts quality checks per HDR QMS to deliver a world-class product.

Skills

Project leadership

Mentoring

Client coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical/Architectural Engineering (Electrical emphasis)

Tools

AutoCAD

PLS CAD

Plant 3D

Revit

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?

Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story

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.

In the role of Substation Engineering Manager we'll count on you to:

• Develops a partnership with the PM, whereas the PM is responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and client management, the EM is responsible for technical execution of the project.
• Develops and implements a project execution plan for the technical aspect of projects.
• Assigns project tasks and provides technical guidance to project team members.
• Supports the technical aspect of scope, schedule, and budget, including proposal development, work breakdown structure development and implementation, progress assessment, risk assessment/mitigation, change management, and schedule management.
• Coordinates and/or performs quality checks and reviews for all project deliverables per the HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements, processes, and procedures to deliver a world class quality product to the client. Performs quality checks and/or reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis.
• Complete all technical requirements of substation communication projects of basic to moderate complexity.
• Support substation project scoping efforts by reviewing existing communication infrastructure, current utility standards and best practices to provide a project communication recommendation to the design team.
• Complete technical reviews of substation protection and control schematic diagrams from a communication and/or SCADA perspective.
• Develop RTU and EMS points lists and documentation of RTU data.
• Develop configurations for RTU's, HMI's, I/O devices, meters, PLC's, communication processors, and network devices using proprietary software packages.
• Execute testing and troubleshooting of device configurations in a lab environment.
• Coordination of protective relay communication port parameters and data maps with system protection engineers.
• Coordination of EMS database changes with utilities.
• Provide technical and troubleshooting support for field technicians. This will primarily be via telephone and email, although on-site support will also be required on an as-needed basis.
• Works independently and may direct, mentor, or train one or more Project Engineers, EIT's, or CADD/Designers.
• Ability to lead multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.
• Works with senior engineers and technical leaders to identify and develop specific technical expertise and will attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline.
• May also assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR's technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.
• Participates in project reviews as needed.
• Previous consulting firm experience desired.
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm desired

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• A minimum of 10 years of experience
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• Extensive experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

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.

Primary Location: United States-North Dakota-Fargo

Other Locations: United States-South Dakota-Sioux Falls, United States-South Dakota-Rapid City

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Substation Engineering

Job Posting: Apr 27, 2026