Substation Designer II

About the role

HDR is seeking an entry-level Substation Designer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. You’ll work on a variety of exciting projects that will test your engineering skills and set you on a path for career growth. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted, and delivered to meet global energy demands, contributing to reliable, resilient, and sustainable power systems.

Responsibilities

• Prepare engineering designs for substation projects ranging from simple device replacements to large greenfield substation sites.
• Develop engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports, and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium, and High Voltage).
• Prepare calculations, design sketches, and redline drawings.
• Collaborate with Designers and CADD Technicians to develop drawings in accordance with national design standards, safety codes, and project specifications.
• Create 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
  • Substation grounding
• Perform site visits during the design, construction, and as-built phases of projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office.
• EIT certification or ability to pass the FE Exam within 6 months (strongly preferred). Candidates without EIT certification will start as Substation Designer and must obtain certification for career progression.
• Experience using AutoCAD (preferred).
• Experience using MicroStation (preferred).
• Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility (preferred).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative.
• Local candidates preferred.

About HDR

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected. We foster a culture of inclusion and collaboration, empowering everyone to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work. As part of our Power sector, you’ll work alongside industry-recognized engineers and scientists who have been at the forefront of grid transformation for over a century.

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 provide a supportive environment for all employees.

Locations

United States-North Carolina-Raleigh (primary). Other locations: United States-North Carolina-Winston-Salem, United States-North Carolina-Charlotte, United States-North Carolina-Asheville.

Schedule: Full-time. Employee Status: Regular.