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Hydropower Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Hydropower EIT (Civil/Structural)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Hydropower gives early career engineers in training hands-on exposure to existing hydropower assets, dam and water conveyance infrastructure, pumped storage and modernization opportunities ...

HDR

Hydropower EIT (Civil/Structural)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Hydropower gives early career engineers in training hands-on exposure to existing hydropower assets, dam and water conveyance infrastructure, pumped storage and modernization opportunities ...

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 ...

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Hydropower Engineer information

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 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 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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution.

Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical Design)

Sacramento, CA • On-site

HDR
Specialized Design Services • 5 - 10K employees

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 59 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about HDRexternal

$130K - $167K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical Design) to join our expanding Northern California team and help drive one of the nation's most recognized hydropower programs. In 2025 ENR ranked HDR #2 in Hydropower among the top firms delivering services for hydropower owners and operators - and we keep growing to meet our Client's needs.

If you're ready to lead complex modernization projects, inspire a talented multidisciplinary team, and influence marquee hydropower projects - this role is built for you.
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.

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. 

As our Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical), you will shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting and retention of our NorCal hydropower electrical practice.

Responsibilities include:

  • Hire, grow, mentor, and develop technical staff across experience levels. This includes responsibility for operations of production and oversight of electrical section.

  • Champion quality control, technical excellence, and exceptional delivery.

  • Facilitate Career development and personal growth amongst team members.

  • Serve as Project Manager and/or Technical Lead for hydropower electrical projects.

  • Oversee electrical design plans and specifications, equipment specifications, bid reviews, and site investigations.

  • Support field activities during installation, testing, commissioning, and start up.

  • Coordinate closely with mechanical, structural, civil, and controls teams.

  • Partner with Power sector and National Hydropower Practice leaders to support local and national initiatives.

  • Build relationships with key hydropower owners/operators across utility clients, federal agencies and/or water authorities.

  • Support proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits throughout CA and across the region.

  • Partner with the Power Business Development and Client Management teams.

  • Support local and national marketing and production efforts.

  • Perform other duties as needed: Support project goals and HDR business activities.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Proficient and engaging in dynamic communication and collaboration.

  • Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering highquality electrical engineering work.

  • Extensive hydropower engineering/design experience, ideally 10 or more years.

  • Technical depth in hydropower electrical systems - generator protection and controls, excitation systems, governor controls, SCADA/DCS, station service, switchyard/substation equipment, relay settings/coordination, and arcflash/grounding analysis.

  • Active engagement in electricalfocused industry organizations such as IEEE PES, IEEE Hydropower Working Groups, NHA Technical Committees, or CEATI Hydropower Electrical Task Forces.

Additionally required qualifications: 

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (US licensure)

*LI-MO1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • A minimum of 10 years experience
  • Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
  • Strong communication and listening skills
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments
  • Good leadership and organizational skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

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.

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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

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What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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