Substation Site Civil Engineer

HDR; Asheville (NC); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Substation Site Civil Engineer in North Carolina as part of the Power Delivery team. You will provide engineering design and technical support for high‑voltage substations from concept through construction, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring quality deliverables.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, 5+ years of site civil design experience, and proficiency with PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, and related tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; PE license preferred.
• 5+ years of technical site civil design experience for power/substation projects.
• Experience with DOT access-road, stormwater, erosion control regulations is a plus.
• Proficiency in standard Power Market Sector design software (PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead, oversee, review, and/or execute site civil engineering tasks (grading, drainage, stormwater).
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary substation teams (physical, structural, electrical, geotechnical, environmental).
• Prepare specifications for construction and materials; review permits with authorities.
• Perform quality checks per HDR QMS and review projects from other teams as needed.
• Mentor and supervise EITs or CAD/Designers; support multiple projects across locations.

Skills

Civil design

Team collaboration

Written/verbal communication

Project execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

PLS CAD

AutoCAD

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

Revit

Civil 3D

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'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but 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. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

At HDR, the Substation Site Civil Engineer is a key contributor within the Power Delivery team, providing engineering design and technical support for high‑voltage substation projects. This role supports HDR’s mission to deliver safe, resilient, and high‑quality infrastructure solutions for utility and energy clients. The engineer will work in a collaborative, multi‑discipline environment and contribute to projects across their full lifecycle—from conceptual design through construction and commissioning support. On a day‑to‑day basis, they will be expected to:

• Lead, oversee, review, and/or execute site civil engineering tasks to include developing grading, drainage, stormwater, erosion and sediment control plans.
• Establish and maintain technical standards, guidelines, and recommended practices.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary substation teams (physical, structural, electrical, geotechnical, environmental).
• Prepare and/or review specifications for construction & materials.
• Prepare/submit permits and coordinate with permitting authorities.
• Monitor industry best practices and emerging technologies related to substation site design.
• Coordinate and/or perform quality checks and reviews for project deliverables per the HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements, processes, and procedures to deliver a world class quality product to the client. Performs quality checks and/or reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis.
• Work independently and direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise one or more EIT's or CADD/Designers.
• Have the ability to support multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.
• Possibly assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR's technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.
• Participate in project reviews as needed.
• Some travel may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
• Technical design experience with physical/outdoor design of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity
• Familiarity with the latest DOT access-road requirements, stormwater requirements, local erosion and sediment control regulations, FEMA flood plain requirements and other industry standards, local candidates are preferred
• Minimum 5 years of technical site civil design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects
• Microsoft Office, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Stormwater Modeling Software (HydroCAD, HEC-RAS, Civil 3D/SSA, etc)
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
• 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 Engineering
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
• 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 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-North Carolina-Charlotte Other Locations:United States-North Carolina-Winston-Salem, United States-North Carolina-Raleigh, United States-North Carolina-Wilmington, United States-North Carolina-Asheville Industry:Power Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Substation Engineering Job Posting:Aug 31, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer (https://www.hdrinc.com/equal-employment-opportunity-employer). We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.