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Hydropower Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bechtel

HV Electrical Lead

Reston, VA · On-site

$140K - $203K/yr

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering for hydropower, pumped storage, or large power/infrastructure projects and demonstrated experience supporting HV (>69 kV) systems.

Bechtel

HV Electrical Lead

Reston, VA

$140K - $203K/yr

Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering for hydropower, pumped storage, or large power/infrastructure projects and demonstrated experience supporting HV (>69 kV) systems.

ERM

Principal Consultant, Planner

Richmond, VA

$127K - $163K/yr

At ERM , as a Principal Consultant, Planning Engineer / Transportation, based in Washington, DC ... hydropower, battery storage) to large-scale extractive projects. Your expertise will ensure ...

Erm

Principal Consultant, Planner

Richmond, VA

$127K - $163K/yr

At ERM , as a Principal Consultant, Planning Engineer / Transportation, based in Washington, DC ... hydropower, battery storage) to large-scale extractive projects. Your expertise will ensure ...

All JobsHydropower Engineer JobsHydropower Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Hydropower Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$37.9K

$101.2K

$187.7K

How much do hydropower engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydropower engineer in Virginia is $101,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,159.00 and $128,860.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Hydropower Engineer position, and why are they important?

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 some of the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Hydropower Engineer?

As a Hydropower Engineer, your daily activities often include designing system components, performing site assessments, and analyzing hydrological data to optimize power generation. You may also oversee maintenance schedules, troubleshoot operational issues, and support the installation or upgrade of equipment. Collaboration with environmental scientists, civil engineers, and regulatory bodies is common to ensure compliance and project success. The role is typically a mix of office-based planning and occasional field work to monitor site progress and fix technical issues.

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 Virginia? For Hydropower Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hydropower Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Hydropower Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Hydropower Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydropower Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,153 per year, or $48.6 per hour.

Senior Practice Leader - Water

GEI Consultants

Charlottesville, VA

$110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

GEI Consultants rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

270th of 438 rated engineering

Job description

Description

Your role at GEI.

GEI is expanding, and we are seeking a Senior Practice Leader experienced in civil, geotechnical, geostructural and/or water resource engineering to add technical and business development expertise to our growing market in Virginia. The selected candidate will work closely with the senior leadership in our MidAtlantic Area offices to lead our growth within the Water Resource market of Western Virginia and surrounding areas.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

  • Focus on business development and market expansion including service cross selling.
  • Maintain high visibility in the marketplace through regular client contact, participation in client based professional organizations, and attendance and presentations at industry events.
  • Manage projects and staff, including technical leadership and oversight, construction management, risk management, and mentoring.
  • Provide technical assistance and project management for work related to dams, levees, and other water control and conveyance structures, as related to geotechnical, construction management, or water resource related engineering, or general civil engineering.
  • Assist in recruiting and training additional staff.
  • Serve as a leadership role model for company culture and values across the organization.
  • Overnight travel is required; approximately 10 to 20%.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum of B.S. degree in Civil, Structural or Geotechnical Engineering or related field. M.S. preferred.
  • 12 + years progressive experience in Civil, Structural or Geotechnical engineering with extensive technical background in field of expertise and at least 10+ years in a project management role.
  • Recognized for technical excellence and development of client-focused, creative, and practical solutions.
  • Demonstrated entrepreneurial attitude and ability to generate new work and grow a business segment, with a proven track record of success.
  • Demonstrated ability to support federal, state and local agencies in the Eastern US.
  • Professional Engineering license required.

Desired Qualifications

  • Master’s Degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering or related field
  • Strong reputation in dams, levees, and hydropower services
  • Strong theoretical background with experience in applying analyses to practical solutions, including computer modeling and seismic analysis and designs
  • Ability to supervise and direct junior staff
  • Office or Practice Area operational experience
  • Candidates should be thoroughly familiar with computerized applications including Microsoft software and engineering applications
  • Knowledgeable of dam institutions and water and hydropower systems within the United States is desirable
We are GEI.
 
Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.  
 
We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.
 
With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.
 
Employee-owned. Employee-focused.
 
As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more.  Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.
 
GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes
  • Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
  • Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
  • GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
  • Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
  • Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
  • Rewards and Recognition
  • GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
  • Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
  • A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • And More…
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT  
  
  
  
Functional Demands:    
 
 
 
X 
Sedentary
 
Light
 
Medium
Other
 
 
Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row) 
Physical Activity Requirements
Occasional
(0-35% of day)
Frequent
(33-66% of day)
Continuous
(67-100% of day)
Not Applicable
Sitting
 
 
6-8 hours 
 
Standing
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Walking
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Climbing
 
 
 
X 
Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)
0-10 pounds 
 
 
 
Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)
0-10 pounds 
 
 
 
Carrying objects
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Push/pull
 
 
 
X 
Twisting
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Bending
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Reaching forward
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Reaching overhead
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Squat/kneel/crawl
 
 
 
X 
Wrist position deviation
 
3-5 hours 
 
 
Pinching/fine motor skills
1-2 hours 
 
 
 
Keyboard use/repetitive motion
 
 
6-8 hours 
 
Taste or smell (taste=never)
0-1 hour 
 
 
 
Talk or hear
 
3-5 hours 
 
 
Accurate 20/40 
Very Accurate 20/20 
Not Applicable
Near Vision
X 
 
Far Vision
X 
 
 
 
Yes
No

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