ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hydropower Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GHD Group

Hydropower Project Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and ... Strong technical skills within hydropower disciplines; structural engineering, civil engineering ...

GHD

Hydropower Project Manager

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

Become part of our global network of skilled engineers, scientists, auditors, planners and ... Strong technical skills within hydropower disciplines; structural engineering, civil engineering ...

GEI Consultants

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Oakland, CA · Hybrid

$140K - $190K/yr

Project manager and technical lead for geotechnical engineering projects and tasks including evaluation, design and remediation of dams, levees and hydropower facilities; geotechnical instrumentation ...

GEI Consultants

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Oakland, CA · On-site

$140K - $190K/yr

Project manager and technical lead for geotechnical engineering projects and tasks including evaluation, design and remediation of dams, levees and hydropower facilities; geotechnical instrumentation ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHydropower Engineer JobsHydropower Engineer Jobs in California

Hydropower Engineer information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydropower engineer?

To thrive as a Hydropower Engineer, you need solid expertise in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, a relevant degree, and experience in designing and maintaining hydropower systems. Familiarity with software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, and hydrological modeling tools, as well as knowledge of industry standards and professional engineering licensure (PE), is highly valuable. Strong project management, problem-solving, and teamwork skills are important for coordinating complex projects and working with diverse stakeholders. These competencies are critical for ensuring efficient, safe, and sustainable hydropower operations within regulatory and environmental guidelines.

What does a hydropower engineer do?

A Hydropower Engineer designs, develops, and maintains hydroelectric power systems that generate electricity from water resources. They analyze water flow, select suitable sites, and design dams, turbines, and power stations for efficient energy production. Their role also includes ensuring environmental compliance, optimizing energy output, and maintaining existing hydropower infrastructure. Hydropower Engineers work closely with environmental scientists, civil engineers, and policymakers to create sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.

What are popular job titles related to Hydropower Engineer jobs in California?

For Hydropower Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hydropower Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydropower Engineer jobs in California are:

Hydropower Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydropower Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Hydropower EIT (Civil/Structural)

HDR

Sacramento, CA

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New

HDR rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 449 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

HDR is seeking Civil/Structural Engineering EIT's to join the Northern California Hydropower Engineering team and build a career in a specialized clean-energy field supporting hydropower, dam safety, grid reliability, and water infrastructure modernization. Hydropower gives early career engineers in training hands-on exposure to existing hydropower assets, dam and water conveyance infrastructure, pumped storage and modernization opportunities, construction support, and multidisciplinary problem solving with mentorship from experienced Engineers.

In the role of Hydropower EIT, we'll count on you to: 
 

  • Develop technical skills through project work, field assignments, training, and mentorship while learning how hydropower facilities support renewable energy, dam safety, water management, and resilient power systems

  • Support field inspections, site observations, condition assessments, and drawing verification for powerhouses, dams, canals, substations, switchyards, intake towers, spillways, and related water and power infrastructure

  • Support construction-phase engineering activities, including field information review, RFIs, submittals, construction observations, and record drawing updates

  • Update existing drawings and assist with developing new engineering drawings using Autodesk or Bentley products

  • Assist with analyses, engineering calculations, cost estimates, specifications, design documentation, and quality review packages under the guidance of project engineers

  • Support inspection reports, technical memoranda, and project documentation with guidance from project engineers and technical staff

  • Complete clearly defined tasks and support small projects or portions of larger multidisciplinary assignments

  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree or graduate coursework in civil, structural, water resources, geotechnical, or a closely related engineering field

  • Interest in hydropower, dam safety, power, utilities, renewable energy, or related infrastructure projects

  • Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

  • Self-motivated learner who asks questions, seeks guidance from project engineers, senior engineers, and hydropower subject matter experts, applies feedback, and builds technical skills through training and hands-on project work

  • Commitment to taking ownership of assigned work, contributing to team success, and learning how HDR's employee-ownership culture supports client service and long-term success

  • Internship, co-op, research, capstone, or academic project experience related to hydropower, dam safety, power, utilities, renewable energy, water infrastructure, or construction

  • Familiarity with engineering design, analysis, mapping, or documentation tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, HEC-RAS, GIS, Mathcad, Excel, or similar software

  • Interest in field work, site visits, construction observation, or hands-on learning at hydropower, dam, water infrastructure, or utility facilities

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • Engineer In Training (EIT) certificate
  • Computer skills in Microsoft Office
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

View All HDR Jobs

Apply