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Hydro Engineering Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Technical knowledge: assist with engineering calculations and modeling for a variety of industrial, hydro, and energy-related structures. * Project support: prepare engineering drawings, technical ...

System Assembly Technician

Eden Prairie, MN

$17.75 - $22.50/hr

Interprets engineering documents to determine results and processes. * Troubleshoots and repairs ... Must understand and apply hydro-mechanical technologies: * Hydraulic schematics, hydraulic flow ...

Showing results 21-40

Hydro Engineering information

What is hydro engineering?

Hydro engineering, also known as hydraulic engineering, is a branch of civil engineering focused on the flow and conveyance of fluids, primarily water. It involves the design, construction, and maintenance of structures such as dams, canals, levees, floodways, and water treatment plants. Hydro engineers work to manage water resources, prevent flooding, and ensure the safe supply of water for various uses including agriculture, industry, and municipalities. This field plays a crucial role in sustainable development and environmental protection.

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, hydrology, and project management, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure. Expertise with design and simulation software such as AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, and GIS, along with familiarity with regulatory standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help Hydro Engineers effectively collaborate and manage complex projects. These abilities are crucial for designing safe, efficient water infrastructure and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by hydro engineers when working on large-scale water infrastructure projects?

Hydro engineers working on large-scale water infrastructure projects often encounter challenges such as managing complex environmental regulations, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring the sustainability of water resources. Additionally, they must address technical issues like sediment control, structural integrity under varying water conditions, and integration with existing infrastructure. Effective communication and project management skills are essential for overcoming these hurdles and delivering successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Hydro Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectHydro EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or Hydraulic Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license common for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentField sites near water bodies, dams, hydroelectric plants, and water treatment facilitiesConstruction sites, urban planning projects, infrastructure development
Industry UsageSpecialized in water resources, hydroelectric power, and water management projectsBroad industry applications including transportation, structural, environmental, and water projects

Hydro Engineering focuses specifically on water-related projects like dams and hydroelectric systems, requiring specialized knowledge of hydraulics and water resources. Civil Engineering covers a wider range of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and water systems, often overlapping in water-related work but with broader scope. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in specialization and work environment.

How much do hydro engineers make?

Hydro engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and level of education. Senior or specialized hydro engineers can earn higher salaries, especially when working on large-scale projects or in regions with high demand for water infrastructure expertise.

What does a hydro engineer do?

A hydro engineer designs, develops, and manages systems related to water resources, such as dams, pipelines, and hydroelectric power plants. They analyze water flow, perform site assessments, and use engineering software to ensure efficient and safe water infrastructure. Hydro engineers often require knowledge of fluid mechanics, environmental regulations, and may hold certifications in civil or environmental engineering.

What job categories do people searching Hydro Engineering jobs in Minnesota look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydro Engineering jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Hydro Engineering jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Hydro Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Hydro Engineering job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Project Engineer, Civil / Structural - Hydro Plants (Entry, Staff, Senior or Principal)

Xcel Energy

Minneapolis, MN • Hybrid

$97K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Xcel Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.

Job Description

The below job summary and responsibilities reflect the entry engineer level role. The successfully chosen candidate will be placed at a level that is commensurate with their skills and experience as different skills and/or experience will be required at the staff, senior and principal engineer levels.

This position is based in Minneapolis, MN 55418 on a hybrid (3 days per week in the office) work schedule. It can be hired at the Entry, Staff, Senior, or Principal level, depending on the candidate's overall qualifications, experience, and interview results.

Position Summary
This position is designed to develop technical expertise in a particular area of specialty. Performs work that involves conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures or equipment with relatively few complex features for which there are precedents. Activities are of limited scope requiring knowledge of principles and techniques commonly employed in the specific narrow area of assignments. Will lead small-medium, non-critical projects and/or provide field oversight of critical projects under direction of higher level engineer or supervisor. Work is reviewed for soundness of technical judgment, overall adequacy and accuracy. As proficiency is gained, may work on portions of larger projects. Works under supervision and follows established procedures. May supervise or coordinate the work of interns, drafters, craft personnel, technicians and/or others.
Essential Responsibilities

  • Uses and applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to perform activities/assignments of limited scope.

  • Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.) Utilizes and may assist with the development of procedures.

  • Provides ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics, Regulatory, etc. May provide field engineering oversight for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections etc. under direct supervision.

  • Coordinates/leads projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation and commissioning), under the direction of a higher level engineer or supervisor.

  • Under the direction of a higher level engineer/supervisor, supports bid/evaluation processes by performing basic analysis and calculations on existing documentation and materials that support the preparation of bid documents. In completing segments of technical evaluations for proposals may need to effectively communicate with other business areas of the company following appropriate processes.

  • Effectively exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance and complexity both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/vendors.

  • May coordinate the work of interns, drafters, technicians, and/or others and provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers. Responsible for continuous self development of technical skills and competencies.

  • May perform activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.

Entry Engineer Level (Salary Range: $70,000-$86,667)

Minimum Requirements

  • Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum

  • 0+ years relevant engineering experience. Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.

  • Preferred EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred.

Staff Engineer Level (Salary Range: $81,800-$106,267)

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited

  • 2+year's relevant engineering experience. Demonstrated broad knowledge & proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.

  • Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills & core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.

  • EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred.

Senior Engineer Level (Salary Range: $97,000-$129,267)

Minimum Requirements

  • Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum

  • 5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.

  • Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.

  • Preferred PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required depending on business need.

Principal Engineer (Salary Range: $112,000-$156,600)

Minimum Requirements

  • Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum

  • 9+ years relevant engineering experience with PE (Professional Engineer) registration required; 15+ years relevant engineering experience without PE.

  • Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization

Preferred

  • Civil or Structural engineering degree preferred

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

Non-BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $70,000.00 to $156,600.00 per yearThis position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Deadline to Apply: 08/23/26

EEO is the Law |EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)

All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.


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About Xcel Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Xcel Energy is a prominent electricity and natural gas service provider serving multiple states in the United States, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Our commitment revolves around delivering essential services to our valued customers. As a trailblazer in the industry, we were the first major US electricity provider with a visionary goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and an ambitious 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, based on 2005 levels. Through innovative electric vehicle initiatives, we actively contribute to carbon reduction not only in our electricity generation but also in the transportation sector within the states we operate. Simultaneously, we remain devoted to ensuring cost-effectiveness for our customers by implementing advanced electricity rates and energy efficiency programs.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1909