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$57

How much do hydropower engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydropower engineering in the United States is $31.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $500,000?

In the field of hydropower engineering, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in project management or design can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in leadership roles or consulting positions. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or other incentives, and typically requires many years of expertise in the energy or engineering sectors.

What does a hydropower engineer do?

A hydropower engineer designs, develops, and maintains hydroelectric power systems that generate electricity from water flow. They analyze site conditions, select appropriate equipment, and ensure projects meet safety and environmental standards, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of fluid mechanics and electrical systems.

What is the difference between Hydropower Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectHydropower EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering; often specialized certifications in hydropowerBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and overseeing hydropower projects; fieldwork at dams and power plantsDesigning and constructing infrastructure like bridges, roads, and buildings; site visits and project management
Employer & Industry UsageEnergy companies, renewable energy firms, government agenciesConstruction firms, consulting agencies, government departments

Hydropower Engineering focuses specifically on designing and managing water-based energy projects, often requiring specialized knowledge of fluid dynamics and renewable energy systems. Civil Engineering covers a broader range of infrastructure projects, including water resources, transportation, and structural design. While both fields share foundational engineering principles and credentials, hydropower engineers specialize in renewable energy projects involving water resources, whereas civil engineers work on diverse infrastructure projects across multiple sectors.

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

To thrive as a Hydropower Engineer, you need a solid background in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, hydrological modeling tools, and project management systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable design, construction, and operation of hydropower projects.

What are some common challenges faced by hydropower engineers during project development?

Hydropower engineers often encounter challenges related to environmental regulations, site accessibility, and community impact. Navigating the permitting process can be complex, as it requires thorough environmental assessments and coordination with multiple stakeholders. Additionally, engineers must address technical challenges such as designing for variable water flow and integrating with existing power grids. Effective collaboration with environmental scientists, construction teams, and local authorities is essential to ensure project success and compliance.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In the field of hydropower engineering, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in project management or design can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in leadership roles or in regions with high demand for renewable energy projects. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or other incentives. Typically, these roles require professional licensure and a strong track record of successful project delivery.

What are the top 3 most paid engineers?

In general, the highest-paid engineering roles include petroleum engineers, computer hardware engineers, and aerospace engineers. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, with specialized skills and advanced certifications often leading to higher compensation.

What is hydropower engineering?

Hydropower engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the design, development, and maintenance of systems that generate electricity from the energy of moving water. This includes the planning and construction of dams, turbines, and related infrastructure to harness hydroelectric power. Hydropower engineers work to ensure these systems are efficient, environmentally responsible, and safe. Their work plays a critical role in providing renewable energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
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What states have the most Hydropower Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydropower Engineering jobs include:
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Hydropower Engineering jobs near you
Director Hydropower Engineering

Director Hydropower Engineering

NEW YORK POWER AUTHORITY

White Plains, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Summary
Leads Hydropower Engineering group, supporting NYPA operations, maintenance, capital project portfolio and regulatory compliance. Ensures coordination of project planning, design execution and emergent project support with the Engineering department, in preparation of design drawings, specifications, calculations. Applies engineering knowledge and technology, industry standards and practices to solve project, operational, or regulatory objectives. This includes deep knowledge and experience of hydropower unit design, operation, upgrades and repairs.
Responsibilities
  • Promote a culture of safety throughout the entire organization.
  • Lead and manage a centralized engineering team responsible for the engineering of upgrades and major maintenance of mechanical systems at NYPA's power projects, transmission and support facilities or NYPA's Customer Facilities, including approval of engineering designs, calculations and specifications.
  • Responsible for discipline design authority and serve as engineer of record for all mechanical engineering design drawings and specifications. Provide professional signature and seal and ensure adherence to configuration management policies.
  • Responsible for the development and maintenance of design and construction standards applicable to NYPA's mechanical systems.
  • Lead Engineering support for projects to maintain NYPA's position in hydropower and renewable generation projects (NYPA or Customer sites), develop transmission, and leverage new technology to support integration of renewable generation sources.
  • Perform engineering analyses related to mechanical systems such as, fire protection, generation assets, HVAC, and high energy piping systems.
  • Oversee engineering consultants in preparation of design, specifications, inspections and evaluations of NYPA's power projects, transmission and support facilities.
  • Develop equipment and construction specifications (site-based) and associated calculations.
  • Work closely with other engineering staff or generation facilities (site-based) or customer facilities (customer-based) to develop solutions and responses to customer needs.
  • Represent the Authority on internal technical committees and at industry conferences committees or task forces.
  • Develop staff expertise to ensure succession planning and critical core competencies are maintained within NYPA.
  • Collaborate with other engineering disciplines, site personnel, project management, project development & licensing, emergency management, regulatory agencies, external stakeholders and other business units.
  • Procure and maintain a depth and breadth of on-call engineering consulting firms who can provide supplemental technical services, develop clear and concise scope of services documents, and ensure timely, high quality designs are delivered within budget.
  • Perform occasional emergency response, including outside of normal business hours.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Expert knowledge of mechanical engineering related design standards, advanced modeling practices and techniques.
  • Thorough understanding of IEC, ASME and other codes, standards, regulations, and construction processes within the utility industry.
  • Strong project collaboration and effective communication skills.
  • Strong leadership ability and technical background to develop staff and maintain a highly skilled workforce.
  • Broad knowledge of NYPA's mission, policies and procedures and the interaction and responsibilities of the various NYPA business units.
  • Ability to produce clear and concise reports, presentations and other documentation.
  • Ability to apply technical and theoretical knowledge to data and observations, to generate complete solutions using accepted standards.
  • Strong platform skills and ability to tailor presentation to the technical understanding of any audience.
  • Ability to respond and adapt to emergent and changing priorities.
  • Capability to build teams and foster teamwork across departments.
  • Strong collaboration and negotiation skills to influence senior management, peers, outside policy makers and other NYPA personnel.

Education, Experience and Certifications
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university. •
  • Master's Degree preferred.
  • Minimum -7 years of applicable mechanical engineering management experience preferred
  • Electric utility or related experience.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer in NYS.
  • Minimum 3 years' experience managing employees / leading a team.

Physical Requirements
  • Approximately 10% travel primarily within NY State.
  • Ability to access all areas of the plant and conduct physical evaluations of grounds and equipment including ability to work at high elevations

Military Occupational Specialty Codes
MOS - Army: 12A, 12B, 12P, 18C, 24A, 24Z, 51S
MOS - Marines: 1120, 1302, 1310, 8824, 8831, 8832, 9622, 9624, 9630, 9631, 9632, 9636
MOS - Navy: EA, MME, UT, 2166, 2167, 2170, 2180, 2181, 2740, 4210, 4270, 4280, 5761, 5904, 5913, 5917, 5925, 5927, 5960, 5961, 5970, 5980, 7273
The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The estimated salary range for this position is: $166,000 - $208,000. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates' relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.
NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates' disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypa.gov.

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