Substation Project Structural Engineer

HDR; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 90,682 - 145,990; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Employer match retirement savings

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Newark, NJ is seeking a Substation Project Structural Engineer. You will execute structural designs and mentor junior engineers while contributing to reliable power systems. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in high-voltage projects and a relevant degree. This role offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience in high-voltage switchyard and substation projects.
• Prior experience in structural engineering roles.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Execute structural engineering tasks for substation structural members.
• Prepare and/or review construction specifications.
• Mentor and train EITs and designers.

Skills

High-voltage electrical switchyard design

NESC, NEC, IEEE familiarity

AutoCAD proficiency

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Professional engineering license

Tools

PLS-Tower

Mathcad Prime

RISA

SAP

MicroStation

Job description

Substation Project Structural Engineer

HDR is looking for a Substation Project Structural Engineer to join our growing, nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals.

As part of HDR’s Power sector, you will help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted, and delivered as global energy demands grow. You will work side‑by‑side with experts to contribute to reliable, resilient, and sustainable power systems.

Responsibilities

• Execute structural engineering tasks for substation structural members (e.g., rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, folded plate tubular steel shapes). This includes detailed design, calculations, and detailing for fabrication or development of loading and concept drawings.
• Execute foundation design tasks, including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and other types, using industry‑standard software.
• Prepare and/or review construction specifications and material requirements.
• Assign project tasks to EITs, providing technical guidance to non‑structural team members.
• Coordinate and perform quality checks and reviews for project deliverables per HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain design standards.
• Mentor and train one or more EITs and designers.
• Execute multiple projects concurrently, collaborating with teams in different locations.
• Participate in project reviews as needed.
• Travel may be required.

Preferred / Desired Qualifications

• Experience designing high‑voltage electrical switchyards and substations of varying complexity.
• Familiarity with NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, ASCE‑113, and related standards.
• Proficient with PLS‑Tower, Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD, or MicroStation.
• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience in high‑voltage switchyard and substation projects, including foundation and steel structural design.
• Knowledge of AISC‑360, ASCE‑7, ACI‑318, and other industry standards.
• Experience with STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L‑Pile, or equivalent.
• 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 (e.g., PE, P.Eng) recognized by the licensing board for the job location.
• Prior structural engineering experience.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE, or similar tools.
• Experience with an architectural, engineering, or consulting firm.
• Commitment to HDR’s employee‑owned culture.

Benefits (partial list)

HDR provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position is $90,682–$145,990, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

Primary Location

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Employment Details

Full-time, Regular employee status, Substation Engineering

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

HDR is committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest, and conviction records.