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Hydro Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Structural Engineer

Birmingham, AL · Remote

$94K - $127K/yr

... hydro dam balance of plant projects. · Detailed knowledge and use of engineering design principles, competent in structural steel and concrete design and proficiency with structural codes (AISC ...

SR. STRUCTURE ENGINEER 3

Birmingham, AL

$94K - $127K/yr

Position requires 15 - 20+ years minimum experience in Civil/Structural engineering related to the new construction and / or retrofit of heavy industrial facilities and hydro dam balance of plant ...

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Field Engineer / Layout Location: Auburn, AL Employment Type: Full-Time Position Overview JLD ... Hydro Excavation / Concrete Pumping / Dump Truck Services / Leeds Recycling / Concrete Recycling ...

Accountable for design engineering activities across the entire aircraft systems perimeter, including Aircraft Control, Avionics, hydro-Mechanical systems, Cabin Systems, and APU/Power Plant systems.

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Hydro Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$28.1K

$86.8K

$115.6K

How much do hydro engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydro engineer in Alabama is $86,828.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,400.00 and $105,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hydro Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydro Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, with expertise in hydraulics, hydrology, and water resource management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (e.g., PE). Familiarity with industry-standard design software (like AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, and GIS), as well as knowledge of regulatory frameworks, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and effective communication skills help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable design and management of water-related infrastructure projects.

How much do hydro engineers earn?

Hydro engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in water resource management or project design can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and nuclear engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require advanced skills, a strong educational background, and sometimes work in high-demand industries or locations with a high cost of living.

What are some common challenges faced by Hydro Engineers when working on large-scale hydroelectric projects?

Hydro Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing environmental concerns with project objectives, managing complex site logistics, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams—including environmental scientists, civil engineers, and local authorities—is essential to address issues like fish migration, sediment management, and community impact. These projects typically require strong problem-solving skills and adaptability, as unexpected weather conditions or geological discoveries can impact project timelines and budgets.

What is the difference between Hydro Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectHydro EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering; often requires PE or FE certificationBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentHydropower plants, dams, water resource projectsConstruction sites, infrastructure projects, urban planning
Industry UsageWater resources, renewable energy, hydropowerConstruction, transportation, urban development

Hydro Engineers focus on water-related projects like dams and hydropower, requiring specialized knowledge in water systems. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. Both roles often share similar credentials and work environments, but Hydro Engineers specialize in water resources and energy projects.

What does a hydro engineer do?

A hydro engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems related to water resources, such as dams, hydroelectric power plants, and water supply infrastructure. They analyze water flow, perform site assessments, and use engineering tools like CAD software, often requiring knowledge of environmental regulations and safety standards.

What are hydro engineers and what do they do?

Hydro engineers, also known as hydrological or hydraulic engineers, are professionals who specialize in the study and management of water resources. They design, develop, and oversee projects such as dams, water treatment plants, flood control systems, and irrigation networks. Their work involves analyzing the movement, distribution, and quality of water to support sustainable development and prevent water-related hazards. Hydro engineers often collaborate with environmental scientists, civil engineers, and government agencies to ensure efficient and safe water management solutions.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in large corporations or high-demand industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydro Engineer jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Hydro Engineer jobs in Alabama are:
Infographic showing various Hydro Engineer job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,828 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Project Manager - APC Hydro

Southern Company

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Southern Company rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Project Manager - APC Hydro

Southern Company Hydro Generation

This position will be located at the successful candidate's choice of Logan Martin Dam, Lay dam, or APC Corporate Headquarters with frequent travel to all the APC hydro plant sites. Majority of Travel will NOT require Overnight Travel. 

Summary of Position Duties:

This position is responsible for all project management aspects of the Hydro Capital Projects at all APC Hydro plants.  This includes responsibility for all activities associated with engineering, contracting, procurement, installation, start up, and maintaining appropriate project controls throughout the project. The successful candidate will be responsible for the scope, budget, implementation plan and schedule for each site necessary to complete the project while meeting the project goals. This position will be located at Logan Martin dam, Lay dam, or APC Corporate Headquarters with frequent travel to all the APC plant sites.

This position will be filled as a Project Manager - Level 6 and will report to the APC Modernization Program Manager

Education & Work Experience:

  • B.S. in Engineering or other related field preferred.
  • Experience required in project management as related to engineering, procurement, construction and/or startup.
  • Ability to manage outside contractor resources
  • Leadership role directing activities of direct reports or team.
  • Power plant experience or prior assignments within a power plant is a plus.
  • Experience with managing project scope, budgets, and schedules
  • Experience with performance management.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Knowledge of the Southern Company Generation outage planning and execution is strongly desired
  • Knowledge required of the engineering, procurement and construction processes.
  • Must possess strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Must possess the ability to build strong working relationships with internal departments, plant management, and other project interfaces.

  • Must have the ability to lead a strong, diverse team.
  • Must possess the skills to balance customer satisfaction priorities with those deriving from project and compliance strategy restraints.
  • Minimum of five years of engineering, planning or plant experience required.

  • Ability to coordinate outside resources as required and integrate them into Southern Company processes.

  • Have the ability to manage multiple projects and activities simultaneously and effectively prioritize.
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written are required.
  • Must be flexible, adapting easily to changing priorities.

Travel Requirements:

  • Frequent travel up to 75% between plant sites and other meeting locations as required.

Behavioral Attributes:

  • Safety focus and a strong personal safety record.

  • Ability to speak up and work between multiple groups while managing customer expectations is a must

 
Additional Details

  • Limited relocation assistance is available if the selected candidate currently resides outside the area

  • Please submit an updated resume with your application.

Benefits

  • Competitive Pay

  • Excellent benefits packages which includes: 

    • Medical and dental coverage

    • Defined Benefit Pension plan

    • Performance-sharing plan

    • 401(k) plan with a generous company match

    • Bonus opportunities

    • Tuition Reimbursement

Alabama Power provides safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to 1.5 million customers across the lower two-thirds of Alabama. 

For more information, visit www.AlabamaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/AlabamaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/AlabamaPower), LinkedIn (Linkedin.com/company/alabama-power), and Instagram (Instagram.com/alabamapower).

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benets will also be provided during the hiring process.


Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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