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Hydroelectric Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Experience with other renewable technologies including wind, green hydrogen, and hydroelectric is a ... Manage engineering consultants and Engineer Procure Construct (EPC) contractors to develop project ...

Hydroelectric Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$2.3K

$8.7K

$12.1K

How much do hydroelectric engineer jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average monthly pay for hydroelectric engineer in Virginia is $8,702.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $7,212.92 and $10,414.17 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Hydroelectric Engineers in maintaining efficient plant operations?

Hydroelectric Engineers often encounter challenges related to equipment reliability, environmental regulations, and balancing energy production with ecological concerns. Regular maintenance of turbines and generators is critical, as unexpected breakdowns can disrupt power generation and incur significant costs. Additionally, engineers must stay updated on evolving environmental standards and collaborate closely with environmental specialists and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance while optimizing plant performance. Effective teamwork with operations staff and ongoing technical training are essential to address these challenges efficiently.

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

To thrive as a Hydroelectric Engineer, you need strong expertise in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (such as a PE). Familiarity with specialized design software like AutoCAD, simulation tools, and SCADA systems is often required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills are vital for overseeing complex projects and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure efficient, safe, and sustainable hydroelectric power generation and infrastructure management.

What is the difference between Hydroelectric Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectHydroelectric EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license common for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and maintaining hydroelectric power systems; field inspections at dams and power plantsDesigning and constructing infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, and dams; site visits and project management
Industry UsagePrimarily in renewable energy and power generation sectorsBroadly in construction, infrastructure, and urban development sectors

Hydroelectric Engineers specialize in hydroelectric power systems, focusing on renewable energy projects, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often collaborate on dam and water resource projects, but their primary focus and work environments differ.

What are Hydroelectric Engineers?

Hydroelectric engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that generate electricity from water sources such as rivers or dams. They work on the technical aspects of hydropower plants, ensuring efficient energy production and addressing environmental and safety concerns. Their responsibilities include overseeing construction, conducting site assessments, and implementing innovative solutions to optimize power generation. Hydroelectric engineers often collaborate with environmental scientists, civil engineers, and government agencies to ensure projects meet regulatory standards. This role is vital for sustainable energy development and managing renewable resources.
What job categories do people searching Hydroelectric Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Hydroelectric Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Hydroelectric Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,430 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer - HVAC, Plumbing, Fire Protection Systems

Stantec

Fairfax, VA • On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Stantec rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

112th of 438 rated engineering


Job description

Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work to meet that need, they're facing new, more complex challenges every day. Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and a vision for sustainable growth. Every day, we're helping communities improve, reuse, and protect our world's most precious resource.
Join our team to deliver transformational projects that will benefit future generations. Grow with us, H2O+U.
Your Opportunity
As a Mechanical Engineer, your role in our professional consulting services team is to work independently on multidisciplinary projects of various complexity as a discipline leader, through all phases of a project lifecycle. You are responsible for leading the design of HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems on municipal water treatment plants, pumping stations, wastewater treatment plants, hydroelectric power plants, and private industrial water applications in different locations across North America. Every project has its own unique challenges, and you are considered a resource for solutions to those challenges.
Your Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the design of HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems for various projects from preliminary design through bid and construction phases.
  • Develop basis of design reports (BODR) and technical memorandums for small-to- medium size projects, setting criteria for following design stages.
  • Develop design documents including drawings, specifications, and opinion of probable construction costs (OPCC).
  • Respond to RFIs, review submittals and shop drawings, and attend construction site visits for design compliance.
  • Develop HVAC calculations including building cooling and heating load calculations, air distribution system sizing, and hydronic distribution system sizing.
  • Develop Plumbing calculations including domestic water, sanitary waste, and storm water systems sizing.
  • Apply design codes and standards based on the project needs.
  • Coordinate design with other design disciplines throughout the life of a project.
  • Assist with mentoring engineers in training (EIT) to develop and strengthen their skills and technical abilities.
  • Travel to job sites in your state of residence and other states (5%)

Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • In-depth understanding of HVAC engineering fundamentals such as psychrometric chart, refrigeration cycle and heat transfer.
  • Experience in designing HVAC and Plumbing systems. Fire Protection design is a plus.
  • Strong familiarity with design codes and standards of practice.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong understanding of all phases of project deliverables.
  • Ability to lead one or more projects simultaneously.
  • Experience with HVAC load calculation software - HAP or Trace.
  • Strong knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in designing HVAC, Plumbing, and Fire Protection systems for water treatment plants, wastewater treatment plants, pumping stations, chemical storage rooms, and hydroelectric power plants.
  • Familiarity with NFPA 820 requirements for HVAC systems serving wastewater treatment plants.
  • Strong client presentation skills.

Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience

Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.
This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other's talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.
Pay Range:
• Locations in MN, OH, VT, & Various CA, NY Areas-$107,100.00 - $160,700.00 Annually
• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas-$117,800.00 - $176,800.00 Annually
• Locations in WA, DC & Various CA, MA areas-$126,400.00 - $189,600.00 Annually
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements
Primary Location: United States | MA | Burlington
Other Locations: United States | VA | Fairfax
Organization: 2243 Water-US Delivery-Burlington MA
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: No
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 13/05/2026 01:05:21
Req ID: 1003323
#additional
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.

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