Substation Project Structural Engineer

HDR; Gig Harbor (WA); On-site; USD 90,682 - 145,990; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Substation Project Structural Engineer in Gig Harbor, WA. In this role, you will design and analyze structural components for high-voltage substation projects. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and a minimum of 5 years of technical design experience. Benefits include comprehensive medical coverage, retirement savings with employer match, and a targeted salary range of $90,682 – $145,990 depending on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience, including foundation and steel structural design.
• Professional Engineering license recognized in the location of the position.
• Experience with an architecture/engineering or consulting firm.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze structural components for high-voltage substation projects.
• Provide technical guidance to engineers and designers.
• Prepare or review construction and material specifications.

Skills

High-voltage electrical switchyard design

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Problem-solving and collaboration skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

RISA

STAAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

At HDR, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. We are employee‑owners committed to a welcoming, inclusive culture where every team member is valued and respected. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Substation Project Structural Engineer

HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Project Structural Engineer to join our growing, nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. In this role you’ll design and analyze structural components for high‑voltage substation projects up to 500 kV, including steel structures and foundations. You will collaborate closely with Project Managers and multidisciplinary teams across multiple office locations, and will provide technical guidance to engineers, EITs and designers.

Responsibilities

• Execute structural engineering tasks for a variety of substation members such as rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded‑plate tubular steel shapes, including detailed design, calculations, and detailing for fabrication.
• Perform foundation design for substation structures, utilizing industry‑standard software for drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and other foundation types.
• Prepare or review construction and material specifications.
• Assign project tasks to EITs and provide technical guidance to non‑structural team members.
• Coordinate and perform quality checks and reviews for project deliverables in accordance with HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain design standards.
• Mentor and train EITs and designers, working independently across multiple locations.
• Execute multiple projects concurrently and participate in project reviews as needed.
• Travel may be required.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

• Experience with high‑voltage electrical switchyard and substation structural design.
• Familiarity with NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, ASCE‑113 and related industry standards.
• Proficiency in PLS‑Tower, Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience, including foundation and steel structural design.
• Knowledge of AISC‑360, ASCE‑7, ACI‑318, and related standards.
• Experience with STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L‑Pile or equivalents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem‑solving and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Professional Engineering license recognized in the location of the position (e.g., PE or P.Eng).
• Prior structural engineer experience.
• Expertise in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, STAAD, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar.
• Experience with an architecture/engineering or consulting firm.
• Commitment to an employee‑owned culture and active participation in company values.

Benefits & Compensation

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

Primary Location

United States – North Carolina – Charlotte

Employment Type

Full‑time, Regular

Schedule and Information

Full‑time; Substation Engineering; Industry: Power; Job posting date: Nov 24 , 2025.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer committed to employment equity. Visit https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer for more information.