This position is best suited for an early-career engineer who is building technical expertise and gaining practical experience in utility distribution projects, while working under the direction of experiences engineering professionals.
This role provides a structured path toward
Engineer-in-Training (EIT) progression (if not already obtained)
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure
Advancement into Project Engineer or Design Engineer roles
HDR fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where employees are encouraged to grow and contribute. As part of our employee-focused culture:
Teamwork, respect, and inclusion are core values
Professional development and mentorship are strongly supported
Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work
Primary Responsibilities
Engineering Support & Design
Perform routine engineering assignments using established utility standards, codes (e.g., NESC), and company design criteria
Support the design and layout of electrical distribution systems, including:
Overhead distribution (pole line design, guying, framing)
Underground distribution (duct banks, conduit routing, cable systems)
Perform engineering analyses and calculations, including
Structure loading and pole strength validation
Conductor sag and tension calculations (stringing charts, ruling spans)
Voltage drop and circuit balancing evaluations for overhead and underground systems
Equipment sizing and selection (transformers, protective devices, switches)
Conduit and duct bank sizing, routing, and conduit fill calculations based on cable configurations and system requirements
Cable ampacity and thermal loading analysis considering soil conditions, installation methods, and conduit arrangements
Cable pulling tension and sidewall bearing pressure calculations to support constructability and installation feasibility
Short-circuit and fault current considerations for both overhead and underground equipment (e.g., pad-mounted transformers, switchgear, reclosers)
Grounding and bonding design, including pole grounding, concentric neutral systems, and underground fault return paths
Equipment layout and spacing design for overhead and underground installations, including clearances for safety, access, and maintainability
Trench and duct bank configuration design, including separation requirements between electric, communication, and other utilities
Identification and evaluation of conflicts with existing underground and overhead utilities using survey data, GIS information, and utility locates
Utilize standard engineering software and tools (e.g., PLS-CADD, O-Calc, GIS, or utility-specific platforms)
Assist in preparing detailed engineering deliverables, including
Plan and profile drawings, staking sheets, and construction details
Bill of materials (BOM) and material specifications
Cost estimates and quantity take-offs
Apply QA/QC checklists to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project and client requirements
Project Coordination Support
Execute assigned tasks within established scope, schedule, and budget constraints
Work under the direction of a Project Engineer or Senior Engineer, applying feedback to refine deliverables
Coordinate closely with designers, drafters, and other disciplines to develop integrated design packages
Maintain organized project documentation, including drawings, calculations, and correspondence
Track progress of assigned tasks and proactively communicate status, risks, or issues to supervising engineers
Assist with
Internal design reviews and comment resolution
Preparation and tracking of submittals and deliverable packages
Adherence to client standards, templates, and quality requirements
Field & Data Collection Support
Participate in field visits to collect data for design development, such as:
Existing pole conditions, elevations, spans, and clearances
Underground routing constraints and utility conflicts
Interpret field notes, photographs, and survey data for use in design development
Verify constructability of designs and identify potential field conflicts or constraints
Support incorporation of field data into design documents and GIS systems
Assist with construction-phase support activities, including
Responding to RFIs (Requests for Information)
Providing design clarifications and minor revisions
Supporting as-built documentation updates
Team Collaboration & Development
Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team including engineering, design, environmental, and permitting staff
Actively participate in team meetings, design reviews, and coordination sessions
Seek guidance and apply feedback to improve technical accuracy and efficiency
Build working knowledge of utility industry practices, standards, and workflows
Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment
Take initiative in personal development, including pursuit of EIT certification and progression toward PE licensure
Preferred Qualifications
Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering
Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate
Candidates without their EIT will be placed into a Design Coordinator job code and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression
Familiarity with electrical utility distribution concepts (academic and/or internship experience)
Exposure to design tools such as MicroStation, GIS platforms, utility design or modeling software
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Effective communication skills and ability to follow direction
Ability to manage multiple assignments with attention to detail
Commitment to teamwork and professional growth
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering
Computer skills in Microsoft Office
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.
