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Hydropower Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AVP, SW Dams & Hydropower Department Manager

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$115K - $115K/yr

Our award-winning Dams and Hydropower Division is a world leader with industry-wide reputation in ... Prepare engineering services proposals, cost estimates, and schedules. * Review and ensure quality ...

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Oakland, CA ยท 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 ...

With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering ... The Team Black & Veatch has delivered hydropower solutions worldwide for more than 40 years. We've ...

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Hydropower Engineering information

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How much do hydropower engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 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 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.

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

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 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.

How much do hydropower engineers make?

Hydropower engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually. Salaries may also vary based on the complexity of projects and the size of the employing organization.

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, create engineering plans, and ensure projects meet safety and environmental standards, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of fluid mechanics and electrical systems.
More about Hydropower Engineering jobs

What cities are hiring for Hydropower Engineering jobs?

Cities with the most Hydropower Engineering job openings:

What states have the most Hydropower Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hydropower Engineering jobs include:

Infographic showing various Hydropower Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Program Manager - Hydropower Energy Consultant

ProSidian Consulting

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description

ProSidian is looking for "Great People Who Lead" at all levels in the organization. ย Are you a talented professional ready to deliver real value to clients in a fast-paced, challenging environment? ย ProSidian Consulting is looking for professionals who share our commitment to integrity, quality, and value.

ProSidian is a management and operations consulting firm with a reputation for its strong national practice spanning six solution areas including Risk Management, Energy & Sustainability, Compliance, Business Process, IT Effectiveness, and Talent Management.ย  We help clients improve their operations.ย  ย 

Linking strategy to execution, ProSidian assists client leaders in maximizing company return on investment capital through design and execution of operations core to delivering value to customers.ย  Visit www.ProSidian.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/prosidianย for more information.

Job Description

ProSidian Seeks a Hydropower Program Manager - Energy Consultant - USACE Headquarters Hydropower Program in CONUS - Washington, DC 2021 (Plus Work Remotely) to support an engagement for a federal agency under the Department of Defense that provides engineering services and primarily oversees dams, canals and flood protection in the United States, as well as a wide range of public works throughout the world.ย 

The ProSidian Engagement Team Members work to provide professional management consultant support services to the Agency's Hydropower Electricity Program as well as technical expertise to support implementation of business processes, policies, and guidance necessary to completing and implementing the Hydropower Program's Strategic Plan.

Hydropower Program Manager - Energy Consultant - USACE Headquarters Hydropower Program Candidates shall work to support requirements for Program Support and Provide professional management consultant support services to the Agency's Headquarters Hydropower Program.

  • Provide professional management consultant support services to the USACE Headquarters Hydropower Program.ย 
  • The ProSidian Engagement Team shall provide professional management consulting as well as technical expertise to support implementation of business processes, policies, and guidance necessary to completing the USACE Headquarters Hydropower Program's Strategic Plan.
  • This expertise should include, but not be limited to, familiarity with the USACE Headquarters Hydropower Program Strategic Plan, a thorough understanding of the electric utility and generation industry, experience with Federal Hydropower generation, marketing and preference customer relationship, wholesale electricity market expertise, and experience in the utilization and application of data science and analytics for the generation industry.ย 

Key Task Headings:ย  Task 1.ย  Management and Business Consulting Support | Task 2.ย  Data Analytics and Digital Transformation Support | Task 3.ย  Electric Power Generation and Energy Market Expertise | Task 4.ย  Professional Facilitation Support

  • Services include professional management consulting as well as technical expertise to support implementation of business processes, policies, and guidance necessary to completing the USACE Headquarters Hydropower Program's Strategic Plan.

The USACE Headquarters Hydropower Program provides budget and policy oversight and guidance to the 75 USACE Federal Hydropower projects. In July 2019, the Headquarters Hydropower Program completed its

Strategic Plan highlighting goals, objectives, and actions needed to enable data-driven performance analyses in order to ensure our hydropower assets are available to provide reliable renewable energy and flexible capacity to our nation's electric grid.

The ProSidian Engagement Team will provide professional management consulting to the Hydropower Program stakeholders including, but not limited to, business process support, policy support, and strategic plan implementation support. We will assist the USACE Hydropower Program in development of national business policies, regulations, and guidance, assist the Program with consistent decision support framework for a variety of tasks, provide data analytics and technical advice related to the integration of hydropower data into programmatic business practices, and provide professional facilitation support for approximately eight (8) in-person meetings and five (5) regional site visits per year.

Specific tasks include, but are not limited to, the following:

Task 1. Management and Business Consulting Support

  • Assist the USACE Headquarters Hydropower Program in the clarification and development of national business policies, regulations, and guidance
  • Perform business research and analysis relating to the USACE Federal Hydropower Program performance
  • Assist the USACE Hydropower Program with consistent decision support framework for a variety of tasks related to both the operation and maintenance of USACE hydropower equipment
  • Provide structured scoping assistance to enable USACE to develop future work requirements
  • As a result of requested activities, provide professional reports, documentation, and presentations as necessary

Task 2. Data Analytics and Digital Transformation Support

  • Provide technical advice related to the integration of hydropower data into programmatic business practices
  • Assist in scoping efforts for future data aggregation and visualization
  • Provide market research related to generation utility digital transformation
  • Demonstrate big data and artificial intelligence tools for hydropower operational data
  • Assist in pilot project demonstrations for incorporating and using large data set analysis

Task 3. Electric Power Generation and Energy Market Expertise

  • Assist USACE Hydropower Program in evaluating future operations and business practices to accommodate potential future market changes
  • Conduct market and business research enabling a better understanding of electricity market and electric generation industry
  • Provide regional and national level support in adapting to specific market changes
  • In conjunction with USACE, assist with Power Marketing Administration and Federal Hydropower Customer engagement on market changes

Task 4. Professional Facilitation Support

  • Provide technical expertise in meeting/facilitating for both formal and informal meetings
  • Travel to in-person meetings as requested
  • Provide logistical support (teleconference, webinar hosting, meeting invitations) for meetings of various types
  • Deliver meeting minutes and notes
  • Assist in National level reporting requirements

#TechnicalCrossCuttingJobs #EnergyTechnology #EnergyJobsย #EnergyStrategicPlanning

Qualifications

The Hydropower Program Manager - Energy Consultant - USACE Headquarters Hydropower Program shall have consecutive employment in a position with comparable responsibilities within the past five (5) years, Must be able to use a computer to communicate via email; and proficient in Microsoft Office Products (Word/Excel/Power point) and related tools and technology required for the position.ย  Work products shall be thorough, accurate, appropriately documented, and comply with established criteria. The candidate shall ensure that duties are performed in a competent and professional manner that meets milestones/delivery schedules as outlined.

  • Education: Minimum of Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or business related field.ย 
  • Experience: 15 years of management experience, including demonstrated abilities in change management and strategic planning for electric generation utilities; hydropower specific experience preferred
  • Skills: electric utility and generation industry, experience with Federal Hydropower generation, marketing and preference customer relationship, wholesale electricity market expertise, and experience in the utilization and application of data science and analytics for the generation industry.

TRAVEL:ย  Occasional travel may be required to attend meetings, events, site visits, or other training requirements.ย  Travel is coordinated with the technical point of contact and approved in writing by the Contracting Officer in advance, is allowed, in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations.ย  LOCATION:ย  Work shall be conducted at the CONUS - Washington, DC 2021 (Plus Work Remotely)

  • U.S.ย  Citizenship Required - You must be a United States Citizen
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills (This employer participates in the e-Verify program)
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Products (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, & Adobe)
  • All ProSidian staff must be determined eligible for a "Facility Access Authorization" (also referred to as an "Employment Authorization") by the USG's designated Security Office.
  • Other Requirements and Conditions of Employment:ย  May be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Statement and must be able to submit to and qualify for varying levels of background investigative requirements, up to a Top Secret or DOE "Q" clearance.
Additional Information

CORE COMPETENCIES

  • Teamwork - ability to foster teamwork collaboratively as a participant, and effectively as a team leader
  • Leadership - the ability to guide and lead colleagues on projects and initiatives
  • Business Acumen - understanding and insight into how organizations perform, including business processes, data, systems, and people
  • Communication - ability to effectively communicate to stakeholders of all levels orally and in writing
  • Motivation - persistent in pursuit of quality and optimal client and company solutions
  • Agility - ability to quickly understand and transition between different projects, concepts, initiatives, or work streams
  • Judgment - exercises prudence and insight in the decision-making process while mindful of other stakeholders and long-term ramifications
  • Organization - the ability to manage projects and actions, and prioritize tasks

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About ProSidian Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

ProSidian is a management and operations consulting firm with a reputation for its strong national practice spanning six solution areas including Risk Management, Energy & Sustainability, Compliance, Business Process, IT Effectiveness, and Talent Management. We help clients improve their operations. Linking strategy to execution, ProSidian assists client leaders in maximizing company return on investment capital through design and execution of operations core to delivering value to customers. Visit www.ProSidian.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ProSidianfor more information.

Industry

Business schools and computer and management training

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2004

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