Dam Safety Engineer/ Subject Matter Expert

HDR; Kalispell (MT); Hybrid; USD 101,812 - 145,445; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement savings plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time away and parental leave

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Professional Engineer to join its Hydropower Practice in Kalispell, Montana. This role involves engineering assessments of dams and water structures, requiring a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and at least 8 years of professional experience.

The candidate will manage projects, prepare design documents, and participate in inspections. Hybrid work locations are available across the U.S., providing a vibrant work environment with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in relevant engineering fields.
• Experience in hydropower infrastructure and regulatory processes.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Support inspections and assessments of dams and water structures.
• Prepare design documents including specifications and calculations.
• Participate in risk assessments and oversee projects.

Skills

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Effective communication skills

Leadership skills

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

Position Overview

HDR is looking for Professional Engineers across multiple disciplines to join our thriving Hydropower Practice, a leader in hydropower and dam safety. We provide engineering consulting services to hydropower owners in the U.S. and Canada, including FERC Part 12 Dam Safety program, comprehensive assessments, and periodic inspections. If you seek a vibrant work environment with career growth and the chance to work on innovative hydropower, pumped‑storage, and dam safety projects, we invite you to apply.

Primary Duties

• Support inspections and engineering assessments of existing dams and water‑retaining structures.
• Conduct analyses, evaluations and designs; develop design options or recommendations with supporting calculations.
• Prepare contract documents including drawings, specifications, design documentation, criteria, and cost estimates for new or rehabilitation hydraulic structures (dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, floodwalls, water conveyance structures, foundations, etc.).
• Perform engineering assignments that may require critical thinking and creativity to address unique elements that have limited or no specific code‑based guidance.
• Work with multi‑disciplinary teams on hydropower, pumped‑storage, and dam safety engineering projects.
• Act as independent project engineer, providing oversight, checking, QA/QC and mentorship of staff as needed.
• Participate in risk assessments for dams and hydraulic structures.
• Travel as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Geological, or Geotechnical engineering (or related).
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in Geotechnical, Geological, Civil/Structural, Hydrology & Hydraulics, Mechanical engineering, or life safety and economic consequence estimation.
• Experience with dams, water conveyances, or related infrastructure in hydropower/pumped‑storage projects regulated by FERC or other agencies.
• Experience in a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑motivated and capable of working independently or with a project team to task completion.
• Commitment to quality, teamwork, innovative problem‑solving, communication, relationship management, and the employee‑ownership culture.
• Ability to travel for inspections, meetings or other requirements.
• Specific hydropower industry experience, including:
• FERC dam safety regulatory process: DSSMPs, DSSMRs, STIDs, Part 12D inspections.
• FERC dam safety assessment, analysis, and design experience.
• Hydropower design of dams, penstocks, intakes, powerhouses, or retaining structures.
• FERC SQRA facilitation training and experience.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• 7 years of related experience.
• Minimum 2 years of project management experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• MS Office and MS Project experience required (Access experience is a plus).
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Commitment to participation in an employee‑owned culture.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision coverage.
• Short and long‑term disability.
• Life insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Tuition reimbursement.

Compensation

Washington: $101,812 – $176,065;
California: $117,887 – $199,030;
Colorado: $117,887 – $168,410;
New Jersey: $132,262 – $205,375;
New York: $107,170 – $191,375;
Ohio: $107,170 – $153,100;
Connecticut: $117,887 – $168,410;
Maryland: $112,529 – $160,755;
Montana: $101,812 – $145,445;
Washington D.C.: $128,604 – $183,720;
Minnesota: $112,529 – $176,065.

Location

Hybrid or flexible work locations are available across the United States and Canada.

Equal Opportunity Statement

HDR is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.