Substation Project Manager

HDR, Inc.; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking a Substation Project Manager to lead Power Delivery projects, coordinating engineers and cross-functional teams to deliver on time and within budget. The role emphasizes strong communication, risk management and client relations.

The position requires years of project management experience, PE or PMP credentials are preferred, and some travel may be involved to support regional opportunities and project execution.

Qualifications

• Must have a Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of related experience.
• At least 2 years of project management experience.
• Strong ability to interact with various design teams and excellent organizational and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently coordinate the work of engineers and the project team through the project life cycle.
• Oversee non-engineering components such as public involvement, environmental permitting, ROW acquisition, construction management, and other services.
• Lead the QA/QC process to ensure world-class quality delivery.
• Provide mentorship and training to junior staff (PMs, coordinators, CAD techs, engineers).
• Represent HDR in support of marketing and proposal development for new opportunities.
• Travel may be required for project execution and BD activities.

Skills

Project management

Communication (written & verbal)

Team coordination

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

PMP certification

PE license

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.

The primary duties of a Substation Project Manager include executing and managing all aspects of Power Delivery projects of all sizes and complexity, including scope and/or proposal development, project team development and assignment, project execution, project closeout, quality control, schedule, and budget. Experience with substation, system protection/planning, transmission line, distribution line, or associated strategic services aspects of projects is preferred.

Duties also include participating in building local teams and/or leveraging existing staff across the company to execute work and deliver world class services to clients in the region as well as engaging in business development activities to support existing and new clients in the region.

In the role of Substation Project Manager, we'll count on you to:

Understanding and application of basic project management tools and techniques including the following: project life cycle, client goals and objectives, contract terms and project risk, work breakdown structures, project scope/schedule/budget, project initiation, project planning, financial management and controls, including earned value, internal/external communication, team management, change management, and project closeout.

• Independently coordinating the work of engineers and the balance of the team throughout an entire project life cycle.
• Overseeing non-engineering components of projects, potentially including public involvement, environmental permitting, right of way acquisition, construction management, and other services.
• Leading the QA/QC process on projects to ensure delivery of world class quality.
• Providing mentorship and training to junior staff including assistant project managers, project coordinators, CAD technicians, and engineers.
• Representing HDR in support of marketing and proposal development for new opportunities.
• Some travel may be required for project execution activities as well as potentially marketing/business development activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Experience with Earned Value Management concepts including:
  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
  • Physical Percent Complete
  • Earned Vs Planned Value
  • Cost To Complete
  • Estimate At Completion
  • #LI-KJ1

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field
• 7 years related experience
• A minimum of 2 years project management experience
• 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

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.

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Substation Engineering

Job Posting

Jul 10, 2026

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

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employee.

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