Substation Physical Engineering Team Leader

About the role

HDR is seeking a dynamic and experienced Substation Physical Engineering Team Leader to lead and grow our nationally ranked Power Delivery team in North Carolina, based in either our Charlotte or Asheville office. This technical leadership role focuses on the knowledge and execution of technical aspects and deliverables for assigned projects. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of HDR’s substation practice in the North Carolina area and beyond, contributing to reliable, resilient, and sustainable power systems that help communities thrive and industries expand.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop a high-performing substation physical engineering team, including assigning responsibilities, mentoring junior staff, and fostering a collaborative culture focused on technical excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Oversee the technical execution of substation projects, ensuring quality, timeliness, and budget compliance while planning and allocating resources for junior staff.
• Assist with developing proposals, including technical writing and project estimating within the area of expertise.
• Support the Substation Business Class Manager’s growth strategies by identifying and developing specific technical expertise.
• Attend trainings to further develop understanding of complex concepts related to the discipline.
• Collaborate with Client Managers, Operational Managers, and Technical Leaders to ensure seamless integration of services and consistent delivery of world-class solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in substation design or related Power industry roles.
• Professional registration, license, or certification may be required based on role.
• Strong communication, listening, and leadership skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and maintain organizational skills.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years of substation design experience.
• Extensive experience in project execution within the Power industry.
• Self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm.
• Experience managing commercial aspects of small to medium-sized projects.
• Experience and client relationships in the Carolinas; local candidates preferred.
• Previous experience managing staff, clients, contracts, and hiring for an engineering consulting firm.

Location

This role is based in either Charlotte or Asheville, North Carolina, with additional office locations in Winston-Salem, Raleigh, and Wilmington available.

Schedule

Full-time, regular employee status.

What We Believe

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, encouraging everyone to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas 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 support, with each group having an executive sponsor and open to all employees.