Substation Project Manager

HDR, Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR Engineering in Irvine, CA seeks a Substation Project Manager to run complex substation projects. You will lead cross-functional teams, manage scope, schedule, and budget, and ensure QA/QC per HDR standards. The role involves client engagement, collaboration with design teams, and potential multi-office coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Experience leading engineering projects and teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage substation engineering projects from start to finish.
• Lead project engineers, EITs, coordinators, and designers.
• Coordinate QA/QC per HDR standards and client requirements.
• Engage with clients, manage scope, schedule and budget.
• Assist in hiring planning and coordinating with leadership.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Engineering

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Project

MS Office

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 Engineering is currently seeking aSubstation Project Manager to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. As part of a well-established global Power Delivery practice, you will have the opportunity to manage Substation projects of all sizes and complexities, domestically and potentially abroad. Additionally, you will have the desire to roll up your sleeves and work with the design teams to help execute these projects. The primary duties of a Substation Project Manager include executing and managing all aspects of substation engineering projects, including scope and/or proposal development, project team development and assignment, project execution, quality control, scope, schedule, and budget management, and project closeout.

As a Substation Project Manager, your role will encompass the following:

• Managing and leading projects and programs throughout the entire life cycle.
• Working independently and/or directing, mentoring, training, and/or supervising one or more Project Engineers, EITs, Coordinators, Designers, CADD Technicians, and administrative staff.
• Providing team member oversight over workload, schedule, quality, utilization, morale, and performance.
• As applicable, being responsible for overseeing non-engineering components of projects and programs, such as public engagement, County/State/Federal agency engagement, permitting, right of way acquisition, and construction management.
• Leading the QA/QC process per HDR’s Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements with a commitment to delivering services and work products that exceed client quality expectations.
• Supporting client management and at times engaging in broader business development activities with existing and target clients in the region and beyond.
• Coordinating with Area and Regional leadership and HDR’s Talent Acquisition team to develop a hiring plan to help build and grow a group of professionals to meet program and practice needs.
• Ability to workshare with staff in multiple offices to execute projects.
• Represents HDR to support marketing and proposal development for new opportunities.

#LI-JF1

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, related field or equivalent experience.
• Experience with or exposure to system projection and planning, communication, distribution, and transmission lines as well as public involvement, environmental permitting, and real estate acquisition are an added benefit.
• Must have the ability to interact with various design teams and have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills.

Due to client contract requirements, US citizenship or Permanent Resident Status (Greencard holder) is required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 7 years related experience
• A minimum 2 years project management 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.

• MS Office and MS Project experience is required (Access experience would be plus)
• Demonstrated leadership 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-California-Irvine

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Substation Engineering

Job Posting

Aug 8, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.