Principal Hydraulic Engineer - Hydropower

Jacobs Solutions Inc.; Kuala Lumpur; Hybrid; MYR 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Jacobs Solutions Inc. is seeking a Principal Hydraulic Engineer to lead hydropower projects in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, providing expert hydrology and hydraulics within a consultancy.

The role focuses on technical advisory, design review, and due diligence for run-of-river and pumped storage schemes, supporting developers, utilities and lenders. You will design and review feasibility studies, perform construction inspections, act as Owner’s Engineer and advise lenders, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil, Hydraulic, or Water Resources Engineering.
• 10+ years in hydropower or water infrastructure projects in SE Asia.
• Strong hydrology, hydraulic design and modelling skills (HEC-RAS/HEC-HMS/MIKE).
• Experience in advisory, design review or due diligence roles.
• Familiar with tropical hydrology and data-limited conditions.
• Stakeholder engagement with local utilities and regulators is a plus.
• Strong client-facing communication in a consulting setting.

Responsibilities

• Design hydropower projects in at least one technical discipline.
• Prepare and review feasibility studies, conceptual designs, and tender docs.
• Perform detailed design reviews for compliance with standards.
• Conduct site inspections during construction and report progress.
• Act as Owner’s Engineer and Lender’s Technical Advisor.
• Collaborate with regional and global teams to share knowledge.

Skills

Hydrology

Hydraulic design

Modelling

Client communication

Education

Degree in Civil, Hydraulic, or Water Resources Engineering

Tools

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

MIKE

Job description

Principal Hydraulic Engineer - Hydropower

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

The Principal Hydraulic Engineer is will support hydropower projects in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, providing specialist hydrology and hydraulics expertise within a consultancy environment. The role focuses on technical advisory, design review, and due diligence for run-of-river and pumped storage projects, supporting developers, utilities, and financial institutions.

Responsibilities include:

• Design of hydropower projects in at least one technical discipline, including preparation and review of feasibility studies, conceptual designs, technical specifications, and tender documentation
• Perform detailed design reviews to ensure compliance with project requirements and industry standards
• Undertake construction-phase site inspections and report on quality and progress
• Act as Owner’s Engineer and Lender’s Technical Advisor for hydropower projects
• Provide technical input and review work completed by other engineers when required
• Support other renewable energy projects aligned with qualifications and expertise
• Promote Jacobs’ safety culture and ensure safety considerations are integrated into all project activities
• Deliver projects within defined scope, budget, and schedule while maintaining effective communication with clients and subcontractors
• Contribute to bids and proposals and participate in client meetings as a technical subject matter expert
• Collaborate with regional and global teams to share knowledge and deliver high-quality solutions

Here’s what you’ll need

• Degree in Civil, Hydraulic, or Water Resources Engineering
• 10+ years of experience in hydropower or water infrastructure projects, preferably in Malaysia or Southeast Asia
• Strong skills in hydrology, hydraulic design, and modelling (e.g., HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, MIKE)
• Experience in technical advisory, design review, or due diligence roles
• Familiarity with tropical hydrology, high rainfall environments, and data-limited conditions
• Experience working with local stakeholders (e.g., TNB, Sarawak Energy, DID, regulators) is an advantage
• Strong client-facing and communication skills in a consulting environment

#ASIAID #LI-SL1

From our inclusive employee networks to our positive mental health champions – we’re committed to driving a culture of caring where you can be you. Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally - and together, our diverse perspectives and unique backgrounds power our collective strength. We collaborate and share! By supporting one another, we all succeed.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits and opportunities to do good too – from participating in our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place.

No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support .