Substation Project Structural Engineer

HDR; Fort Collins (CO); On-site; USD 90,682 - 145,990; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Substation Project Structural Engineer to design high-voltage switchyard components and mentor junior engineers. This full-time role offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, requiring a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and a professional engineering license. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in high-voltage projects and strong software skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience in high-voltage substation projects.
• Commitment to employee-owned culture.
• Prior structural engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Execute detailed structural design of substation members.
• Design foundations using industry-standard software.
• Conduct quality checks per HDR Quality Management System (QMS) standards.
• Mentor and train EITs and designers.

Skills

Design software proficiency

Strong communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Professional engineering license (PE or P.Eng)

Tools

AutoCAD

RISA

PLS-Tower

STAAD

MicroStation

Job description

Join to apply for the Substation Project Structural Engineer role at HDR.

HDR is a leading engineering firm focused on powering modern life through innovative energy solutions. We welcome professionals who are committed to creating resilient, sustainable power systems and thrive in a collaborative, employee‑owned culture.

Job Overview

As a Substation Project Structural Engineer, you will design and analyze high‑voltage switchyard and substation components up to 500 kV, coordinating closely with Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams across multiple offices. Your work will contribute to reliable, resilient power infrastructure worldwide, while mentoring junior engineers and enhancing industry best practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute detailed structural design of substation members—including rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, folded plate tubular shapes—calculations, detailing, and fabrication drawings.
• Design foundations (drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, etc.) using industry‑standard software.
• Prepare and review construction specifications and material requirements.
• Assign tasks to EITs and provide technical guidance to non‑structural team members.
• Conduct quality checks and reviews of deliverables per HDR Quality Management System (QMS) standards.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain structural standards.
• Mentor and train EITs and designers, working independently across multiple projects.
• Participate in project reviews and support cross‑location teams.
• Travel may be required.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

• Experience in physical/outdoor design of high‑voltage switchyards and substations.
• Familiarity with NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, ASCE‑113, and related standards.
• Proficiency with design software such as PLS‑Tower, Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD, MicroStation, STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L‑Pile, or equivalents.
• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience in high‑voltage substation projects.
• Knowledge of AISC‑360, ASCE‑7, ACI‑318, and other industry standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication, conceptual, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Professional engineering license (PE or P.Eng) recognized in the location of the position.
• Prior structural engineering experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar.
• Experience with an architectural, engineering, or consulting firm.
• Commitment to employee‑owned culture.

Location

Primary: United States, North Carolina – Charlotte.

Employment

Full‑time, Regular – Substation Engineering.

Benefits & Compensation

HDR offers a comprehensive benefits package for full‑time regular positions, including medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, employee assistance, paid time off, parental leave, holidays, retirement savings with employer match, referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement. The targeted salary range for this position is $90,682 – $145,990, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographic location.

HDR is an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered regardless of criminal history, arrest, or conviction records.