Substation Section Manager

HDR, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Substation Section Manager in Phoenix, Arizona. The role requires overseeing substation projects, managing a team, and ensuring quality compliance. Candidates must have at least 10 years of experience in a senior role and a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Strong leadership and communication skills are crucial. This full-time position offers competitive benefits and fosters a culture of inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years experience in a senior technical or leadership role.
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role.
• Understanding of jobsite electrical hazards and associated safety precautions.

Responsibilities

• Supervise substation team leads and staff, oversee workload.
• Establish a network with peers for work sharing opportunities.
• Develop mentorship programs for team members.

Skills

Project management

Effective communication

Leadership skills

Organizational skills

Ability to handle multiple assignments

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Overview

In the role of Substation Section Manager, we'll count on you to:

• Responsible for Program and/or Project Management and oversight of substation projects of all sizes and complexity, including scope and/or proposal development, project team development and assignment, project execution, project closeout, and quality control, schedule, and budget management.
• Understand basic project management tools and techniques including client goals and objectives, contract types and project risk, work breakdown structures, project scope, schedule, and budget, financial management and controls, including earned value, and project closeout.
• Be an effective written and verbal communicator.
• Maintain a positive working environment for all staff.

Responsibilities

• Supervise substation team leads and staff and provide oversight over workload, training, and performing annual performance reviews of team members.
• Coordinate with company recruiting staff, business class and national leadership to develop a hiring plan and grow the group based on client and work sharing needs.
• Establish a network of relationships with technical and leadership peers in other offices and leverage those relationships and resources with work sharing opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a mentorship program for the Substation team members in conjunction with the System Protection and Studies section and the Transmission section to identify and provide cross-training opportunities.
• Coordinate with Area leadership to promote and ensure the work performed in the section meets the corporate and HDR Quality Management System (QMS) requirements and that a culture of quality is maintained in the section.
• Maintain up to date and accurate workload and utilization forecasting that aligns with Area and Business Class expectations.
• Participate in client management, project management and/or technical support activities, including representing HDR at industry conferences and participating in budgeting, Business Class working groups, annual strategic development meetings, and Area Power Delivery coordination meetings.
• Participate in local or national industry associations as a committee member.
• Increase HDR’s exposure by developing white papers or presenting at conference or association meetings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous work experience in a senior technical and/or leadership role either with a utility or consulting engineering firm is preferred.
• Familiarity with various types of substation design layouts
• Working knowledge of jobsite electrical hazards and associated safety precautions, including working clearances and personal protective equipment

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 10 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

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 closer 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 (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

United States-Arizona-Phoenix

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass: Substation Engineering

Job Posting

Jan 20, 2026

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.

Ready to learn more? Let\'s work together to make great things possible.

We design solutions to the world\'s greatest challenges. We\'re always looking for great talent to join our global teams.