Civil Engineer - Energy in , us

Civil Engineer – Energy (Hybrid)

Locations: Watertown, MA; Boston, MA; Bedford, NH; Providence, RI; Portland, ME; ID .

Overview

VHB’s growing Energy Evolution Practice supports clients throughout the project lifecycle with engineering, design, permitting, mitigation, and compliance services associated with energy infrastructure projects. VHB reflects our commitment to supporting the global transition to clean, sustainable energy solutions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports and civil design for electrical substations (low, medium, high voltage) and substation systems.
• Develop site civil engineering plans, reports, and specifications for electric substations, solar facilities, transmission line right‑of‑way access, and utility‑related land development projects.
• Perform civil engineering for substation expansions and replacements including siting, grading and drainage design, utility design, interior circulation layout, and exterior access design.
• Plan and design transmission line permanent and temporary gravel road access, including design of plans, access road profiles, stormwater management, work pads, pull pads, and alternative solutions for challenging locations.
• Prepare or review design criteria, drawings, specifications, permitting, design, construction documents, and geotechnical reports.
• Coordinate with structural, electrical and other project disciplines.
• Track project task financial performance and manage small to medium projects.
• Engage in business development and client relations.
• Write technical and design reports.
• Attend meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to discuss design and permitting issues.

Skills & Abilities

• Expertise in site planning and layout, utility coordination and design for site substation and transmission line projects including foundations, grading, drainage design, hydraulic analysis, permitting, specifications, and construction administration.
• Understanding of substation design and associated plans including one‑line diagrams, general arrangements sections, grounding & conduit plans, foundation plans, and BOM lists.
• Ability to oversee designers and CADD technicians in developing drawings that meet design standards, safety codes, and client specifications.
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self‑motivated with critical thinking ability.

Qualifications

• BS in Civil Engineering or equivalent field of study.
• 5‑8 years of professional site/civil/electrical engineering experience.
• Professional Engineering License.
• AutoCAD Civil 3D and HydroCAD/StormCAD experience.
• Experience with GIS systems (a plus).
• Experience with PLS‑CADD software (a plus).
• Experience with MicroStation software (a plus).
• Solid understanding of the typical land entitlement process in New England, including permitting at the local and state level.
• Salary: $120,000‑$140,000 (Boston/Watertown, MA). Final compensation based on qualifications.

Benefits & Culture

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact.
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success.
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change.
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI.
• Best‑in‑class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.