System Protection & Studies Team Lead

HDR; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a System Protection and Studies Team Lead in California to guide operations, staff development and project leadership within our power sector. You will work with industrial and public clients, coordinating services across sections to ensure successful project outcomes.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, market-facing activities, and adherence to company policies while advancing HDR’s mission in energy infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years experience in electrical power systems analysis, planning, protective device application, settings, and substation design.
• California PE license preferred.
• Local to Irvine, CA area preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in operations of the production section, including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support.
• May function as an Assistant Project Manager and assist in project production and management responsibilities.
• Coordinate services with other sections and lead staff development.
• Involve in marketing planning, proposals and interviews.
• Interact with industrial and public clients on marketing and production issues.
• Ensure work is planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through proactive project management.
• Implement and monitor company policy.
• Assist in selecting, training and developing technical personnel.
• Collaborate with National Directors and marketing staff on local and national efforts.
• Perform other duties as needed.

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 System Protection & Studies Team Lead, we'll count on you to:

• Assist in the responsibility for operations of production section including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support
• May function as an Assistant Project Manager and assist in responsibility for production on projects in addition to management responsibilities
• Assist with administrative responsibility for section staff and technical service functions, and lead and coordinate services with other sections
• Be involved in marketing planning, proposals and interviews
• Be directly involved with industrial and public clients in marketing, project production and related issues
• Assist in ensuring that all work is planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through proactive project management system
• Implement, monitor and support company policy
• Assist in the selection, training, development and management of technical personnel
• Work cooperatively with National Directors and marketing staff in local and national marketing and production efforts
• Perform other duties as needed

Due to client contract requirements, US citizenship or Permanent Resident Status (Greencard holder) is required.

Keywords: System Protection & Studies Team Lead, systems protection

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an Electrical/Power emphasis.
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license
• 7 years of experience doing electrical power system analysis, electrical system planning, protective device application, settings, and substation design is highly preferred.
• Preference will be given to candidates local to the Irvine, CA area.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
• Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility is considered a plus.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 7 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational 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 and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position is $120,000 - $180,000 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-San Diego Other Locations: United States-California-Irvine Industry: Power Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: System Protection and Planning Job Posting: Aug 9, 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.