Substation Senior Structural Engineer

HDR; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company is seeking a Substation Senior Structural Engineer to lead design tasks for substation structures. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of structural engineering experience and a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering. Responsibilities include reviewing engineering tasks, supporting designs, and overseeing project deliverables. A professional engineering license is required, and familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD and RAM is essential. Located in various states, including South Carolina.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years structural engineering experience related to building design.
• Requires a professional engineering license recognized in the job location.
• Previous architectural/engineering or consulting firm experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead or review structural engineering tasks for various substation components.
• Support physical substation layout designs and preparation of specifications.
• Assign tasks and provide technical guidance to project team members.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop standards and conduct project reviews.

Skills

Design calculations and layouts

Ability to design and detail in steel, concrete, masonry and wood

Self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills

Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving, and collaboration skills

Attitude to participate in employee-owned culture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Master’s degree in Structural Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

AutoCAD

RAM

ETABS

SAFE

PLS-Tower and Mathcad Prime (preferred)

STAAD, RISA, MFAD, L-Pile or equivalent (preferred)

Job description

Substation Senior Structural Engineer at HDR

At HDR, we value an inclusive culture where each employee is respected and empowered to bring authentic ideas. Join our Power Delivery team to shape how electricity is generated, transmitted, and delivered worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Lead or review structural engineering tasks for substation structural members such as rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded plate tubular steel shapes, including detailed design, calculations, and fabrication drawings.
• Lead or review foundation design tasks for substation structures, including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and other types using industry‑standard software.
• Support physical substation layout designs, plans, elevations/sections, details, and bills of materials.
• Prepare or review specifications for construction and materials.
• Assign project tasks and provide technical guidance to project team members.
• Coordinate and perform quality checks and reviews of project deliverables per HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements and processes.
• Collaborate with transmission line civil/structural engineers to cross‑train and share resources.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop and maintain standards.
• Work independently or supervise Project Engineers, EITs, or CADD/Designers.
• Lead multiple concurrent projects, utilizing teams in different locations.
• Work with senior engineers and technical leaders to identify and develop specific technical expertise, attending training and seminars as needed.
• Assist with developing technical papers and presentations showcasing HDR’s capabilities at industry conferences or events.
• Participate in project reviews as needed.
• Some travel may be required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years structural engineering experience as it relates to building design.
• Requires a professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered (e.g., PE or P.Eng).
• Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar analytical software.
• Experience in design calculations and layouts.
• Ability to design and detail in steel, concrete, masonry and wood.
• Requires understanding of gravity analysis and lateral analysis.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Structural Engineering.
• SE license or ability to obtain; SE license in Hawaii and California is a plus.
• Technical design experience with physical/outdoor design of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects up to 500 kV.
• 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.
• Previous consulting firm experience.
• Minimum 10 years of technical design experience with high‑voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity, 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.
• Track record of working cooperatively with diverse teams, regional, department, and technical managers and project staff.
• 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.

Locations

Primary Location: United States – North Carolina, Charlotte

Other Locations (nationwide): Texas (Round Rock, Houston, San Antonio), Pennsylvania (Bethlehem, Bethlehem), Oregon (Salem, Portland), Maryland (Baltimore), Montana (Missoula, Bozeman, Billings, Kalispell), California (Irvine, Folsom, Claremont), Wisconsin (Madison, Spokane), New York (Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Albany, New York City), Washington (Tacoma, Seattle), Nevada (Reno, Las Vegas), Colorado (Fort Collins, Durango, Colorado Springs), Virginia (Richmond, Arlington, Richmond), Michigan (Detroit, Ann Arbor), Oklahoma (??)