Substation Technical Specialist

HDR; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

medical

dental

vision

short and long-term disability

life insurance

employee assistance program

paid time away

parential leave

paid holidays

retirement savings plan with employer

employee referral bonus

tuition reimbursement

Job summary

HDR in Irvine/Riverside, California, is seeking a Substation Technical Specialist to support electrical substations and power systems. You will prepare drawings, calculations and designs for low, medium and high voltage projects under supervision and collaborate with CAD drafters and other engineers.

The role requires a minimum of 5 years of engineering experience, strong communication skills and familiarity with national design standards.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in engineering or related field of study or equivalent work experience.
• A minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in the discipline to be supported.
• Aptitude and demonstrated hands‑on experience with computer applications specific to the discipline to be supported
• Knowledge of industry standards specific to the discipline being supported
• Proficient with Microsoft Office
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Responsibilities

• Perform engineering assignments under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer
• Design tasks involving judgment in evaluating, selecting and applying engineering techniques and procedures
• Preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium and High Voltage).
• Preparation of calculations, design sketches and redline drawings.
• Working with Electrical CAD Drafters and Designers to develop drawings in accordance with national design standards, safety codes and project specifications and requirements.
• Developing design deliverables including one-line diagrams, protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA schemes, communications plans, substation physical layouts, material lists, conduit and cable sizing/routing, AC and DC systems calculations and sizing, and substation grounding.
• Review work of Electrical CAD Drafters and Designers and coordinate design of assigned projects with other engineering disciplines as needed.
• Perform assignments exercising judgment in evaluation, selection and modification of electrical engineering techniques and procedures.
• Make decisions on significant design and engineering features as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Power systems

Verbal and written communication

Education

Associate's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with Power emphasis

Tools

Electrical CAD

Microsoft Office

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.

In the role of Substation Technical Specialist, we'll count on you to:

• Perform engineering assignments under the direct supervision of a licensed engineer


• Design tasks involving judgment in evaluating, selecting and applying engineering techniques and procedures


• Preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium and High Voltage).


• Preparation of calculations, design sketches and redline drawings.


• Working with Electrical CAD Drafters and Designers to develop drawings in accordance with national design standards, safety codes and project specifications and requirements.


• Developing design deliverables including one-line diagrams, protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA schemes, communications plans, substation physical layouts, material lists, conduit and cable sizing/routing, AC and DC systems calculations and sizing, and substation grounding.


• Review work of Electrical CAD Drafters and Designers and coordinate design of assigned projects with other engineering disciplines as needed.


• Perform assignments exercising judgment in evaluation, selection and modification of electrical engineering techniques and procedures.


• Make decisions on significant design and engineering features as needed.


• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with Power emphasis.


• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.


• 5+ years experience designing electrical lighting, power and systems for power utility projects.


• Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED desired but not required.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in engineering or related field of study or equivalent work experience


• A minimum of 5 years of engineering experience in the discipline to be supported


• Aptitude and demonstrated hands‑on experience with computer applications specific to the discipline to be supported


• Knowledge of industry standards specific to the discipline being supported


• Proficient with Microsoft Office


• Good verbal and written communication 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.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes

• medical


• dental


• vision


• short and long‑term disability


• life insurance


• an employee assistance program


• paid time away


• parental leave


• paid holidays


• a retirement savings plan with employer match


• employee referral bonus


• tuition reimbursement

The expected compensation range for this position is $80,000 - $115,000 and depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.)

Primary Location:United States-California-Irvine Other Locations:United States-California-Riverside Industry:Power Schedule:Full-time Employee Status:Regular BusinessClass:Substation Engineering Job Posting:Aug 5, 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.