Substation EPC Program Lead

HDR, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking a Substation EPC Program Lead in Portland, Oregon. This role involves leading multidisciplinary EPC projects focused on substation scope, advising clients on technical execution, and ensuring project alignment across teams.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree, at least 10 years of experience, and will possess strong leadership and communication skills. The position offers a full-time role within the Substation Engineering business class.

Qualifications

• 10 years related experience in power or utilities.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience.
• Ability to interact with various design teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead substation scope within multidisciplinary infrastructure programs.
• Advise clients on substation development aspects.
• Mentor and develop staff working on substation projects.

Skills

Leadership in technical delivery

Risk management

Communication skills

Substation design expertise

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

PMP certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Substation EPC Program Lead

As Substation EPC Program Lead, we expect you to:

• Assume leadership responsibility for the substation scope within large, multidisciplinary EPC infrastructure programs, focusing on technical delivery, coordination, and execution alongside contractor partners.
• Advise clients on the technical, regulatory, and execution aspects of substation development, including site development, physical and electrical design, permitting, constructability, outage planning, protection and control integration, and equipment strategy.
• Plan, direct, and monitor all aspects of substation scope execution, working in partnership with the EPC contractor responsible for construction. Responsibilities include oversight and coordination of:
  • Site selection and layout development
  • Engineering (physical design, electrical systems, protection & controls, grounding, SCADA/communications)
  • Environmental planning and compliance
  • Permitting and land use coordination
  • Procurement support and long‑lead equipment strategy (e.g., transformers, breakers, major electrical equipment)
  • Construction support and field coordination
• Outage coordination, energization, and commissioning support.
• Serve as the primary substation interface between the owner, engineering teams, and the EPC contractor to ensure alignment on design intent, execution strategy, system integration, and constructability.
• Coordinate closely with transmission line, system planning, real estate, and environmental teams to ensure seamless integration across the broader program.
• Anticipate and identify risks and issues specific to substation delivery, including equipment lead times, design coordination challenges, outage constraints, system integration risks, and contractor execution challenges. Support the client in issue resolution, risk mitigation, and timely decision‑making.
• Develop and implement execution plans, work processes, and tools specific to the substation scope to improve efficiency, enhance coordination with the contractor, and maintain transparency.
• Provide oversight of design and construction activities performed by others, ensuring compliance with client requirements, industry standards, and program QA/QC expectations.
• Direct and coordinate a multidisciplinary team of HDR staff and subconsultants. Promote alignment through effective communication and ensure resources are in place to meet scope and contract requirements.
• Monitor scope, schedule, and budget performance for the substation portion of the program, while ensuring conformance with contract documents. Support change management processes and ensure alignment with overall program goals.
• Engage with clients, utilities, agencies, and stakeholders to support permitting, approvals, communication, and resolution of technical and execution challenges.
• Mentor and develop staff working on substation projects and programs.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) License
• Significant experience in substation design and/or EPC delivery
• Experience delivering or overseeing high‑voltage substation projects (e.g., 69kV–500kV+)
• Due to applicable government contract requirements, this position requires U.S. citizenship.
• Strong understanding of substation design standards, protection and control systems, permitting processes, and construction methods
• Experience working collaboratively with EPC contractors or construction partners
• Familiarity with alternative delivery models (EPC, P3, DBFOM)
• Experience working within a Program Management Office (PMO) environment
• PMP certification
• Willingness to travel and support project and field coordination activities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• 10 years related experience
• A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
• Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Location: United States – Oregon – Portland

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full‑time

Employee Status: Regular

Business Class: Substation Engineering

Job Posting Date: Jun 15, 2026