System Protection & Studies Principal Engineer

HDR, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 210,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. in Houston seeks a System Protection & Studies Principal Engineer to lead critical power projects with a strong focus on engineering analysis, design leadership, and multi-disciplinary delivery.

You will guide standards, mentor teams, and help HDR attract top talent while driving high-quality project execution and client engagement across HDR's employee-owned culture. This role requires a PE license, a Bachelor's in Engineering, and at least 20 years of relevant experience, with a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Minimum of 20 years of experience
• Professional Engineer license recognized by the licensing board
• Extensive experience in project execution
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and standard design software
• Proven technical leadership in engineering analysis and design
• Active participant in HDR's employee-owned culture

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate leadership and set standards of practice for HDR area of expertise
• Serve as senior technical advisor on complex multi-disciplinary projects
• Drive project delivery and team performance across HDR
• Establish quality culture and foster innovative design solutions
• Mentor professionals to elevate HDR's practice
• Attract qualified candidates to grow the HDR practice
• Build client relationships and identify opportunities to expand HDR
• Be a thought leader to elevate HDR's capabilities
• Represent HDR in professional communities to enhance reputation

Skills

Leadership

Engineering analysis

Design

Project execution

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Standard design software

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.

In the role of System Protection & Studies Principal Engineer, we'll count on you to:

• Demonstrate exceptional leadership and set the standard of practice for a particular area of expertise within HDR
• Serve as a senior technical advisor to multiple projects involving complex technical challenges
• Drive outstanding project delivery and support successful team performance, particularly for projects involving complex multi-disciplinary teams
• Work to establish a quality culture and support innovative solutions to drive design and technical excellence across the organization
• Mentor and develop other professionals within area of expertise to elevate an area of practice across HDR
• Attract highly qualified candidates to join HDR to grow and strengthen the practice.
• Establish client relationships and work with teams to identify and win opportunities to grow the practice across HDR
• Serve as a thought leader for area of expertise to elevate the capabilities of HDR and its professionals
• Represent HDR through participation in professional community to build HDR's reputation as a world-class provider of professional services

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Engineering
• Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• A minimum of 20 years of experience
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• Extensive experience in project execution
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard design software.
• Must be comfortable being viewed as a technical expert in engineering analysis and design and have proven background of technical leadership on these types of projects
• 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-Texas-Houston

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: System Protection and Planning

Job Posting: Sep 4, 2026