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Hydropower Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDR is growing our Hydropower team across the Southeast and we're looking for engineers at all ... S. degree in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering • PE license in NC • 5 years of related ...

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Hydropower Engineering information

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How much do hydropower engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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.
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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:

What are popular job titles related to Hydropower Engineering jobs?

For Hydropower Engineering jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hydropower Engineering job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,624 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

North Central Hydropower Practice Leader

Saint Louis Park, MN • On-site

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
Education • 1 - 5K employees

$172K - $179K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead or partner with HDR staff in the planning and execution of hydropower projects, including technical disciplines such as dam safety, civil, spillways, fish passage, hydraulics, and engineering studies.

  • Manage the technical and operational activities of the North-Central hydropower section, including project management, budgeting, scheduling, and staff supervision.

  • Support business development efforts by maintaining client relationships, preparing proposals, and participating in industry events and conferences.


Job description

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.

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.

Primary Responsibilities

Project execution duties include leading or partnering with HDR staff in the planning and execution of existing work or new work resulting from business development activities. Technical lines of service expected include all areas related to hydropower such as, but not limited to FERC regulatory, dam safety, civil, spillways, fish passage, hydraulics, H&H and other engineering disciplines (e.g. structural, mechanical, electrical), hydropower development studies and design, CFD modeling, hydro operations optimization and innovation, feasibility and conceptual design, economic studies and water/energy nexus planning.

Business development duties include supporting hydropower client management, marketing and strategic planning activities. The North Central Hydropower Practice Leader will work closely with local and regional business group operations as well as the national hydropower practice leadership to identify and develop new areas of growth. Participation and leadership in the hydropower industry including entities such as the Midwest Hydro Users Group and/or National Hydropower Association are encouraged, and the North Central Hydropower Practice Leader will work with other HDR leaders to further increase hydropower brand recognition in the North Central region. Additionally, this position will entail:

Manage the technical and operational activities of the North-Central hydropower section and serve as a project manager and/or task/discipline lead on key projects.

Participate in key hydropower projects nationwide.

Responsible for preparing/reviewing the project budgets for the hydropower section and tracking budget status.

Schedule and coordinate work performed by and for the hydropower section.

Establish work priorities and project assignments for hydropower staff.

Monitor scope of work and scope changes.

Facilitate and encourage coordination with other discipline groups.

Conduct interviews in support of the hiring of new staff for the section and provide new employee mentoring.

Establish employee goals and conduct employee performance reviews.

Schedule and conduct hydropower section meetings to discuss productivity, workload and quality control issues.

Advance the skill level of personnel through training, education, experience, etc.

Coordinate with the hydropower section managers of other locations to review workload, project status, and staffing requirements.

Prepare and/or review hydropower scopes of work and budgets/estimates for proposals.

Monitor changes in codes, regulations and client standards.

Perform or arrange for quality control reviews of hydropower deliverables.

Maintain and establish client relations and be involved with marketing and client development activities.

Maintain industry engagement and participation through industry events and conferences.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with conventional and pumped storage hydropower and associated features and hydraulic structures.

Ability to travel

Ability to become licensed as a PE in other US states’ jurisdictions, through the NCEES or similar.

Recognized leader within and comprehensive understanding of the hydropower industry, including engineering and regulatory disciplines. Recognizes how hydropower integrates into the changing energy generation landscape.

Holds established relationships with existing and potential North Central clients and other hydropower clients/owners nationally.

Solid business development skills and demonstrated ability to relate well to internal and external clients.

Demonstrated professional services operations experience, including team leadership and ability to sell programs and services.

Strong understanding of the keys to successful project execution including quality management and client satisfaction.

Business acumen skills and ability to collaborate internally and navigate within a matrix organization.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.

Minimum 15 years hydropower, dam, hydraulic structures or related engineering experience.

Drawings related to hydropower or similar projects.

Strong communication, listening and mentoring skills.

Ability to handle multiple assignments.

Good leadership and organizational skills.

Experience in design calculations, studies, specifications, and preparation of construction

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a Professional, Architecture, Engineering or closely related field
  • 10 years experience in related field
  • Maintains a professional or Engineering registration and has related technical experience
  • Experienced in development and management of diverse teams
  • Works cooperatively with other business class regional directors, operations managers, technical directors and marketing managers on business class efforts
  • Committed to quality, improvement and HDR values
  • 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.

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.

Primary LocationPrimary Location: United States-Minnesota-Saint Louis ParkOther LocationsOther Locations: United States-Iowa-Des Moines, United States-Nebraska-Omaha, United States-Colorado-Denver, United States-Wisconsin-Madison, United States-Michigan-Ann Arbor, United States-Illinois-ChicagoIndustry: PowerScheduleSchedule: Full-timeEmployee StatusEmployee Status: RegularJob PostingJob Posting: Jul 24, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.
We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.

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