Substation Project Structural Engineer

HDR; Norfolk (VA); On-site; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Substation Project Structural Engineer to join their growing team in Norfolk, VA. The engineer will be responsible for structural design of high voltage substations, mentoring EITs, and collaborating on multiple concurrent projects. A Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering and a valid Professional Engineering license are required. This role offers a dynamic work environment with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical projects.
• Professional engineering license (PE or P.Eng) is required.
• Experience with architecture or engineering consulting firms is pivotal.

Responsibilities

• Execute structural engineering tasks for substation structural members.
• Prepare specifications for construction and materials.
• Coordinate quality checks for project deliverables.

Skills

Technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard

Familiarity with NESC, NEC, IEEE standards

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Mathcad Prime

PLS-Tower

Job description

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

At HDR, our employee‑owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected. We empower everyone to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. We foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, consistently asking: What is our impact on the world? Watch our story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story. Every role helps change the world for the better. Read how you can help make great things possible in your community and 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.

Substation Project Structural Engineer

HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Project Structural Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. The engineer will use broad technical knowledge and experience in design components of high voltage electrical switchyards and substation projects up to 500 kV, including steel structure and foundation analysis & design. Working closely with Project Managers and project teams in various locations, the engineer will execute structural engineering and design components, train, mentor, and guide EITs, and help senior engineers develop best practices.

Responsibilities

• Execute structural engineering tasks for a variety of substation structural members such as rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded plate tubular steel shapes. Detailed design, calculations, and detailing for fabrication or development of loading and concept drawings for submittal to a steel fabricator.
• Execute foundation design tasks for substation structures, including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and potentially other types, using industry standard software.
• Prepare and review specifications for construction & materials.
• Assign project tasks to EITs and provide technical guidance to non‑structural project team members.
• Coordinate and/or perform quality checks and reviews for project deliverables per the HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements, processes, and procedures; provide reviews of projects from other teams as needed.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain standards.
• Work independently and 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.
• Some travel may be required.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

• Technical design experience with physical/outdoor design of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity.
• Familiarity with the latest NESC, NEC, IEEE, ANSI, ASCE‑113 and other industry standards.
• Experience using industry standard design software, including PLS‑Tower and Mathcad Prime, AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Minimum 5 years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects, including foundation and steel structural design.
• Working knowledge of the latest AISC‑360, ASCE‑7, ACI‑318, and other industry standards.
• Experience using industry standard design software, including STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L‑Pile, or equivalent.
• Self‑starter with 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 by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., PE or P.Eng).
• Previous structural engineer experience.
• Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.

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 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 promote belonging and foster support for all employees. We provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, employee assistance, paid time off, parental leave, holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, a referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

Location and Schedule

Primary Location: United States – North Carolina - Charlotte
Other Locations: United States – Texas - Round Rock, United States – Pennsylvania - Bethlehem, United States – Oregon - Salem, United States – Maryland - Baltimore, United States – Montana - Missoula, United States – Texas – Houston, United States – California – Irvine, United States – Wisconsin – Madison, United States – New York – Buffalo, United States – Washington – Tacoma, United States – Nevada – Reno, United States – Colorado – Fort Collins, United States – California – Folsom.

Schedule: Full‑time
Business Class: Substation Engineering
Job Posting: November 24, 2025

At HDR, we are 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.