Substation Engineering Manager

HDR; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Substation Engineering Manager to lead the design and construction of high voltage switchyard and substation projects up to 500kV. You will work closely with a PM to manage technical execution and ensure quality deliverables.

With 10+ years in power engineering, you will mentor engineers, coordinate multi-location teams, and help drive HDR's grid modernization projects. Travel may be required; a PE license is required; a master's degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in related design/engineering.
• Professional Engineer license recognized by the licensing board for the position location.
• Extensive experience in Power Market Sector project execution.
• Proficiency with Power Market Sector design software (PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, Revit).
• Willingness to work independently and lead teams; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develops a project execution plan for the technical aspect of projects.
• Assigns project tasks and provides technical guidance to project team members.
• Supports schedule, budget, and scope with quality checks across deliverables.
• Mentors engineers, EITs, or CAD/design staff; leads multiple projects across locations.
• Contributes to technical papers or presentations for HDR events as needed.
• Participates in project reviews and may travel.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in 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?

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-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.

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.

HDR is looking for a Substation Engineering Manager to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. This is a great opportunity to lead teams to support quality project delivery. The Substation Engineering Manager (EM) has broad technical knowledge and experience with design and construction of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects up to 500kV. Leveraging that knowledge and experience, they work in close coordination with a project manager (PM) to manage and execute the engineering and design components of projects. The EM is an experienced, competent engineer who understands the technical requirements of substation projects of any complexity and can lead, guide, and advise clients, projects, and teams. Depending on the EM’s strengths, the EM can also serve as a PM. Specific duties include:

• 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.
• 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.
• Some travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Engineering
• Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm
• 10+ years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity up to 500kV preferred, including at a minimum, conceptual knowledge of physical, electrical, civil, and structural design components, and knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, and other applicable design and equipment standards.
• Previous consulting experience desired.
• Self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem solving, and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

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-Missouri-St Louis Other Locations:United States-Missouri-Kansas City Industry:Power Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Substation Engineering Job Posting:Jul 30, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.