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Hydropower Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

Stantec is seeking a Senior Fisheries (Passage) Engineer to support our water resources, dams and hydropower infrastructure projects through our Bellevue, Washington or Portland, Oregon offices with ...

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Stantec is seeking a Senior Fisheries (Passage) Engineer to support our water resources, dams and hydropower infrastructure projects through our Bellevue, Washington or Portland, Oregon offices with ...

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$115K - $158K/yr

Stantec is seeking a Senior Fisheries (Passage) Engineer to support our water resources, dams and hydropower infrastructure projects through our Bellevue, Washington or Portland, Oregon offices with ...

Senior Fish Passage Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$117K - $160K/yr

Stantec is seeking a Senior Fisheries (Passage) Engineer to support our water resources, dams and hydropower infrastructure projects through our Bellevue, Washington or Portland, Oregon offices with ...

Power Systems Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site +1

$113K - $159K/yr

While experience in hydropower or dam safety is beneficial, it is not required. The ideal person ... Engineer in Training Knowledge & Skills * Basic understanding of Concrete Structures, Soil ...

Familiarity with state and federal regulatory requirements for dams and hydropower clients * Professional Engineer (P.E.) License Minimum Qualifications * Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hydropower Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$42.2K

$112.6K

$208.9K

How much do hydropower engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydropower engineer in Seattle, WA is $112,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,514.00 and $143,406.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Infographic showing various Hydropower Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,571 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Structural Engineer - Mid Level - Hydropower Focus (Hybrid)

Barr Engineering Co.

Seattle, WA • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

The role - what you'll do
Barr is seeking a structural engineer to join our structural teams. In this hybrid role, you will support the Engineering and Design structural group on multidisciplinary project teams by providing structural engineering and related technical expertise primarily for dam structures, hydropower facilities, and flood control structures, such as spillways, outlet works, decant systems, overflow weirs, culverts, pump/lift stations, and other miscellaneous hydraulic structures.
The ideal candidate for this position has great attention to detail; strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; and the ability to communicate effectively with project team members.
Your impact - key responsibilities
  • Technical knowledge: complete dam safety reviews, audits, and inspections as well as structural analysis and design for hydraulic structures.
  • Project management:assist in planning, coordinating, and executing projects. Help ensure project milestones are met and provide regular updates to project managers and clients.
  • Client relationships: develop and maintain client relationships with dam, hydropower, and flood control clients.

About the opportunity
  • Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position can be based out of any of Barr's offices.
  • Travel expectation: work may involve short-term, out-of-town assignments either in the field, for client visits, or in another Barr office.
  • Work environment: ability to work in an office environment. Up to approximately 20 percent of work could be in the field. Fieldwork may require the ability to work near water, operate boats, and lift up to 50 pounds. Candidates must be able to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

About you - required core competencies
  • Education: bachelor's degree in structural engineering or civil engineering with a structural emphasis (including structural analysis and steel and concrete design).
  • Experience: four years of relevant experience.
  • Licenses/certifications: PE registration or eligibility for immediate certification
  • Travel: ability and willingness to travel to client locations and other Barr offices on occasion.
  • Software: AutoCAD or Revit and structural engineering analysis software such as RISA 3D, STAAD Pro, or SAP.
  • Driver's license: possession of a current, valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Helpful additional experience (not required)
  • More than six years of experience working on projects directly related to job responsibilities described above at a consulting engineering firm.
  • M.SC. degree in structural engineering.
  • Familiarity with hydrotechnical, mechanical, and electrical aspects of hydropower operations.
  • Familiarity with hydraulic design of dam appurtenant structures.
  • Familiarity with risk-informed decision making and dam safety programs for different federal agencies, such as FERC, USACE, TVA, or the Bureau of Reclamation.

Compensation: anticipated range of $85,000-$115,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.
  • Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
  • Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
  • Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
  • Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
  • Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
  • Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.