Substation Structural Engineer

HDR, Inc.; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking a Civil/Structural Engineer to lead substation structural design for high-voltage projects up to 500kV. You will coordinate teams across locations, manage design development, and ensure code-compliant foundations and structures.

You will work closely with PMs, prepare drawings, and review specifications while fostering HDR’s employee-owned culture and collaborative environment. This role offers growth across a variety of substations and projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license recognized by the licensing board.
• Previous structural engineer experience.
• Experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE.

Responsibilities

• Independently coordinate the work of the structural design team through design development and contract document phases.
• Lead foundation design tasks for substation structures using drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and other types.
• Coordinate workload through design development and construction document phases to meet schedules.
• Lead structural engineering tasks for substation components like rolled steel shapes and lattice framing.
• Develop drawings and specifications in accordance with national design standards and project requirements.
• Support site visits during design, construction, and as-built phases.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Self-motivation

Problem solving

Education

Bachelors in Civil/Structural Engineering

Professional Engineer license

Tools

AutoCAD

RISA

STAAD

SAP

Tedds

RAM

ETABS

SAFE

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'

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.

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.

You will be part of a rapidly growing team working on a variety of exciting projects that will test your engineering skills and set you on a path for career growth. As an integral part of a team, you will prepare steel structure and foundation analysis & design on of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects up to 500kV ranging in scale from simple device replacements to large greenfield substation sites.

Working in close coordination with Project Managers (PM) and project teams in multiple office locations to lead, review, and execute the structural engineering and design components of substation projects your role will encompass the following:

• Independently coordinate the work of the structural design team through the design development and contract document phases of a project
• Take responsibility for coordinating workload through design development and construction document phases to complete the documents on schedule
• Lead structural engineering tasks for a variety of substation structural members such as rolled steel shapes, lattice steel framing, and folded plate tubular steel shapes. Engineering duties include detailed design, calculations, quality control, and detailing for fabrication or development of loading and concept drawings for submittal to a steel fabricator to design and fabricate.
• Lead foundation design tasks for substation structures, including drilled piers, spread footings, driven piles, and potentially other types, using industry standard software.
• Working with Designers and CADD Technicians to develop drawings in accordance with national design standards, safety codes and project specifications and requirements.
• Support physical substation layout designs, plans, elevations/sections, details, and associated bills of materials.
• Prepare and /or review specifications for construction & materials.
• Ability to support multiple projects concurrently, with teams in different locations.
• Performing site visits during the design, construction and as-built phases of projects
• Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical design experience with physical/outdoor design of high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity up to 500kV.

• 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.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• 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 in multiple office locations
• 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
• 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 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 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-Missouri-Kansas City

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Substation Engineering

Job Posting: Jul 9, 2026