Substation Project Structural Engineer

HDR; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 94,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Substation Project Structural Engineer in Los Angeles to work on high‑voltage projects up to 500 kV, focusing on steel structures and foundation analysis.

The role involves executing design tasks, mentoring engineers, and ensuring quality checks. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $94,000–$135,000 and a benefits package including health insurance and retirement savings plan.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience with high-voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in industry-standard software including AutoCAD and STAAD.

Responsibilities

• Execute structural design tasks for substation structural members.
• Prepare and/or review construction specifications.
• Assign project tasks to Entry-Level Engineers.

Skills

High-voltage design

Steel structural analysis

Foundation design

Collaboration skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Professional engineering license

Tools

AutoCAD

RISA

STAAD

Job description

HDR Engineering is seeking a Substation Project Structural Engineer to work on high‑voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects up to 500 kV, including steel structure and foundation analysis and design.

Responsibilities

• Execute structural design tasks for substation structural members such as rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded‑plate tubular steel shapes, including detailed design, calculations, detailing, and preparation of loading and concept drawings for fabrication.
• Execute foundation design tasks for substation structures, including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and other types using industry‑standard software.
• Prepare and/or review construction specifications and materials.
• Assign project tasks to Entry‑Level Engineers (EITs) and provide technical guidance to non‑structural team members.
• Coordinate and/or perform quality checks and reviews of project deliverables per the HDR Quality Management System requirements.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain standards.
• Mentor and train one or more EITs and designers, working independently or with teams in different locations.
• Execute multiple projects concurrently, collaborating across sites.
• Participate in project reviews as needed; occasional travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in physical/outdoor design of high‑voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity.
• Familiarity with NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, ASCE‑113 and other industry standards.
• Proficiency with PLS‑Tower, Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD, MicroStation, STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L‑Pile or equivalent design software.
• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience with high‑voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects, including foundation and steel structural design.
• Working knowledge of AISC‑360, ASCE‑7, ACI‑318 and related standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem‑solving, and collaboration skills.
• Self‑starter attitude and commitment to HDR’s employee‑owned culture.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position (e.g., PE or P.Eng).
• Previous structural engineering experience, including work at an architectural/engineering or consulting firm.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, STAAD, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar.
• Commitment to active participation in HDR’s employee‑owned culture.

Benefits: HDR offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement. The compensation range for this position is $94,000 – $135,000, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

Primary location: United States‑California‑Irvine. Other locations: United States‑California‑Los Angeles. Schedule: Full‑time. Industry: Power. Job class: Substation Engineering.

HDR is an affirmative action and equal‑opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrests, or conviction records.