Substation Engineering Manager

HDR; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Substation Engineering Manager to lead technical execution of complex substation projects across multiple locations. You will develop project execution plans, assign tasks, and guide teams through scope, schedule and budget challenges while ensuring high quality deliverables.

The role requires a BE/Engineering degree, a PE license, and at least 10 years in the Power Market Sector, with strong leadership and mentoring abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years of experience.
• Professional engineering license (PE or equivalent).
• Extensive experience in the Power Market Sector project execution.
• Proficient with MS Office and Power Market Sector design software (PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, Revit).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a project execution plan for the technical aspect of projects.
• Assign project tasks and provide technical guidance to team members.
• Support scope, schedule and budget with risk assessment and change management.
• Perform quality checks and reviews to deliver a world-class product.
• Lead multiple projects concurrently with teams in different locations.

Skills

Project management

Electrical engineering

Leadership

Mentoring

Quality assurance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical/Architectural Engineering

Tools

PLS CAD

AutoCAD

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

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?

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:

• Develop a partnership with the PM; the PM is responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and client management, while the EM is responsible for technical execution of the project.
• Develop and implement a project execution plan for the technical aspect of projects.
• Assign project tasks and provide technical guidance to project team members.
• Support 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.
• Coordinate and/or perform 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. Perform 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 point 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.
• Coordinate protective relay communication port parameters and data maps with system protection engineers.
• Coordinate 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.
• Work independently and may direct, mentor, or train one or more Project Engineers, EIT’s, or CADD/Designers.
• Lead multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.
• Work with senior engineers and technical leaders to identify and develop specific technical expertise and attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline.
• Assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR’s technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.
• Participate in project reviews as needed.
• Previous consulting firm experience desirable.
• 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 desirable.

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 (e.g., 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.

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
Business Class: Substation Engineering
Job Posting: Apr 27, 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.