Substation Physical Engineering Team Leader

HDR; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a dynamic Substation Physical Engineering Team Lead to guide HDR's nationally ranked Power Delivery team in North Carolina, based in Charlotte or Asheville. You will manage a high‑performing substation design group, oversee project execution, and contribute to proposals and business planning.

The role requires 10+ years in substation design, a BS in Electrical Engineering, and experience with engineering consulting firms.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Substation design experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with engineering consulting firms preferred.
• Experience managing staff, contracts and project budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow HDR's Substation Physical Engineering Team in North Carolina, overseeing technical execution and resource planning.
• Oversee project quality, timelines and budget compliance; mentor junior staff.
• Assist with technical proposals, writing and project estimation in the substation domain.
• Support growth through identification of new technical expertise and client opportunities.
• Collaborate with Client Managers and other leaders to deliver integrated, world‑class power delivery solutions.

Skills

Substation design

Project management

Leadership

Client relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

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.

HDR is seeking a dynamic and experienced Substation Physical Engineering Team Leader to lead and grow our nationally ranked Power Delivery team in North Carolina, to be based in either our Charlotte or Asheville office. This technical leadership role is responsible for knowledge and execution of the technical aspects and deliverables of projects assigned to them. This role requires a self‑motivated, strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of substation physical engineering, and the ability to manage teams and projects. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of HDR’s substation practice in the North Carolina area and beyond. As a key member of our NC Power Delivery management team, the Substation Physical Engineering Team Lead will be responsible for:

• Team Management & Development: Managing a high‑performing substation physical engineering team. This includes assigning responsibilities, mentoring junior staff, and fostering a collaborative culture focused on technical excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Project Oversight: The Team Lead will oversee the technical execution of substation projects, ensuring quality, timeliness, and budget compliance. They will plan and allocate resources for junior staff, ensuring alignment with HDR’s project execution processes.
• Proposal Development: Assist with developing proposals to include technical writing and project estimating within the area of technical expertise.
• Strategic Growth & Business Planning: Supporting the Substation Business Class Manager’s growth strategies by identifying and developing specific technical expertise.
• Technical Leadership & Innovation: Attend trainings to further develop understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline.
• Collaboration & Integration: Work with Client Managers, Operational Managers, and Technical Leaders to ensure seamless integration of services and consistent delivery of world‑class solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years of Substation design experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Extensive experience in project execution within the Power industry
• Self‑starter with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm
• Previous experience managing commercial aspects of small to medium sized projects
• Experience and client relationships in the Carolinas, local candidates are preferred
• Previous experience managing staff, clients, contracts and hiring staff for an engineering consulting firm

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 7 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

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 Carolina-Charlotte
Other Locations: United States-North Carolina-Winston-Salem, United States-North Carolina-Raleigh, United States-North Carolina-Wilmington, United States-North Carolina-Asheville
Industry: Power
Schedule: Full-time
Employee Status: Regular
BusinessClass: Substation Engineering
Job Posting: Aug 5, 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.