Data Center Substation Engineering Manager

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?

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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.

HDR Engineering is currently seeking a Data Center Substation Engineering Manager (EM) to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals.

As a Data Center Substation Engineering Manager (EM) in a well‑established Power Delivery practice, you’ll draw upon your broad technical knowledge and experience in design and construction of high voltage substation projects to lead, guide, and advise clients, projects, and teams. Having previously performed a leading technical role on increasingly complex substation projects, you’ll be ready to undertake greater challenges and responsibilities. You will develop a partnership with the Project Manager (PM), whereas the PM is responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and overall client management, and you will be responsible for technical execution of the project.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develops a partnership with a PM, whereas the PM is responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and client management, and the EM is responsible for leading the technical team and execution of the project deliverables.
• Develops and implements a project execution plan for the technical aspect of projects.
• Assigns project tasks and provides technical guidance to project team members.
• Supports the technical aspect of scope, schedule, and budget, including proposal development, work breakdown structure development and implementation, progress assessment, risk assessment/mitigation, change management, and schedule management.
• Works independently and will direct, mentor, and/or train, one or more Project Engineers, EIT’s, or CADD/Designers.
• Coordinates and/or performs quality checks and reviews for all project deliverables per the HDR Quality Management Systems (QMS) requirements, processes, and procedures to deliver a world‑class quality product to the client. Performs quality checks and/or reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis.
• Ability to lead multiple projects concurrently, utilizing teams in different locations.
• Works with senior engineers and technical leaders to identify and develop specific technical expertise and will attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline.
• May also assist with developing technical papers and/or presentations that showcase HDR’s technical capabilities at industry conferences or other events.
• Participates in project reviews as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Engineering
• Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm
• Minimum 8 years of technical design experience with high voltage electrical switchyard and substation projects of varying complexity up to 500kV preferred, including at a minimum, conceptual knowledge of physical, electrical, civil, and structural design components, and knowledge of IEEE, ANSI, NESC, and other applicable design and equipment standards.
• Experience with substation design for 12kV thru 500kV desired, experience thru 765kV an added benefit.
• Track record of working cooperatively with diverse teams, regional, department, technical managers and project staff.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and conferencing platforms (Zoom, WebEx, Teams, etc.).
• Strong conceptual, organizational, problem solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self‑starter with strong written and verbal communication skills preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license
• Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
• 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.

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. Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. {California: $107,712.00 - $204,250.00}

Primary Location

United States-California-Walnut Creek

Other Locations

United States-Arizona-Phoenix, United States-Texas-Round Rock, United States-Georgia-Atlanta, United States-North Carolina-Charlotte, United States-Missouri-Kansas City, United States-California-Folsom, United States-California-Sacramento, United States-Louisiana, United States-Minnesota-Minneapolis, Canada-Alberta-Calgary, United States-Texas-Houston, United States-Tennessee, United States-Kentucky-Lexington

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full‑time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass

Substation Engineering

Job Posting

Mar 19, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer ( We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.