Project Engineer – Electrical Substation Construction

Heavy Road & Rail Inc. is seeking a motivated Project Engineer to support the construction of electrical substation projects throughout California. This position is ideal for someone with a construction or engineering background who wants to develop their career in the utility and power infrastructure industry.

The Project Engineer will work closely with Project Managers, Superintendents, field crews, subcontractors, vendors, engineers, and utility representatives to help ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with project plans and specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Project Manager and Superintendent with day-to-day project execution.
• Review project plans, specifications, contracts, and construction documents.
• Prepare and track RFIs, submittals, change orders, and project correspondence.
• Maintain project logs, document control, and drawing revisions.
• Assist with procurement of materials and equipment.
• Coordinate material deliveries with vendors and field personnel.
• Track quantities, production, labor, equipment, and subcontractor activities.
• Assist with project cost tracking, forecasting, and budget management.
• Review subcontractor and vendor invoices for accuracy.
• Assist with preparation and documentation of T&M and extra work.
• Support development and maintenance of project schedules and look-ahead schedules.
• Participate in project meetings and prepare meeting notes and action items.
• Coordinate with utility representatives, inspectors, engineers, and subcontractors.
• Assist with quality control documentation, inspections, and testing.
• Maintain accurate as-built drawings and project records.
• Assist with project startup, commissioning support, punch lists, and closeout documentation.
• Support site safety requirements and company safety programs.
• Work closely with field supervision to identify and resolve construction issues before they impact schedule or cost.

Typical Substation Work

Projects may include:

• Site grading and earthwork
• Underground electrical duct banks
• Concrete equipment foundations
• Drilled pier and mat foundations
• Grounding systems
• Electrical trenches and vaults
• Structural steel
• Conduit installation
• Cable installation and terminations
• Control buildings
• Substation fencing and security
• Storm drainage and site improvements
• High-voltage substation equipment installation
• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 1–5 years of construction experience preferred; strong entry-level candidates will also be considered.
• Electrical substation, utility, renewable energy, heavy civil, or industrial construction experience is a plus.
• Ability to read and understand construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and project management/document-control software.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working in both an office and active construction environment.
• Willingness to travel to project sites throughout California as required.
• Valid driver's license required.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for someone who is organized, accountable, detail-oriented, and willing to learn. The successful candidate should be comfortable working directly with both field personnel and management and have the ability to follow an issue from identification through resolution.

This is not strictly a desk position. Our Project Engineers are expected to understand what is happening in the field and become an important part of the project management team.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $80,000–$110,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Company-provided or reimbursed travel as applicable
• Career advancement opportunities
• Training and development
• Opportunity to work on major utility infrastructure projects

About Heavy Road & Rail Inc.

Heavy Road & Rail Inc. is a California heavy civil and utility contractor specializing in electrical substations, BESS facilities, and infrastructure construction. Our teams perform complex civil and electrical construction in demanding utility environments where safety, quality, schedule, and execution are critical.

We are looking for individuals who want more than just a job. We want people interested in developing into Project Managers and future leaders within our organization.

Job Type: Full-time
Work Environment: Office and construction sites
Travel: Project-dependent throughout California

Heavy Road & Rail Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.