Geotechnical Engineer - Hydropower

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join its Hydropower team in Charlotte, NC. The role leads geotechnical analysis, design, and construction modifications for large dams and critical power infrastructure across the region.

The successful candidate will drive project workflows, plan field investigations, and develop geotechnical reports while collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. Travel for field work is possible; a PE license is preferred and experience with dam safety is valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or MS in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering.
• PE license in NC required or eligible.
• 5 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation or GIS.
• Experience with geotechnical and geological software.

Responsibilities

• Lead analysis, design, and construction modifications for dams and power infra.
• Drive project workflows, planning and field investigations.
• Prepare geotechnical analyses, design calculations and reports.
• Review dam safety instrumentation data and FEM modeling.
• Prepare drawings and construction specs; participate in dam safety inspections.
• Support internal/external marketing and client relations.

Skills

AutoCAD

MicroStation

GIS

Geotechnical software

Field work

Dam engineering

Communication

Project management

Education

Geotechnical or Geological Engineering degree

Tools

GeoStudio/Ensoft

Bentley Geo data tools

Job description

Geotechnical Engineer - Hydropower - ( 195589 )

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.

HDR is growing our Hydropower team across the Southeast and we're looking for engineers at all experience levels who want to make a lasting impact. Whether you're an experienced hydropower professional or an engineer looking to apply your skills in a new industry, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside HDR's nationally recognized Hydropower Practice, ranked #2 in Hydro Plants by Engineering News‑Record in 2026. Across the U.S., hydropower facilities that have powered communities for generations are becoming increasingly critical to grid reliability and the region's energy future. Join an employee‑owned firm where you'll help modernize and sustain this vital infrastructure, develop leadership skills, accelerate your career growth, and contribute to meaningful projects that keep the lights on and strengthen communities.

We are looking for a Geotechnical Engineer to join our established Hydropower program. In this role, you will take a technical lead on the analysis, design, and construction of modification for large‑scale dams and critical power infrastructure across the region. You will be responsible for the following: driving project workflows, planning, geotechnical field investigations, laboratory testing programs, preparation of geotechnical analysis, design calculations and reports, review / evaluation of dam safety instrumentation data, finite element modeling of dams, preparation of design drawings / construction specifications, participation in dam safety inspections, participation in marketing efforts for internal / external clients, other tasks as required to support project goals and other HDR business activities. While this position focuses on acting as a high‑level Technical Specialist you will also have the opportunity to serve as Project Manager for mid‑size initiatives and support marketing efforts for both internal and external clients.

This position is subject to a preemployment drug test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or M.S. degree in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering
• PE license in NC
• 5 years of related experience in geotechnical engineering
• Experience using AutoCAD, MicroStation or GIS applications
• Experience using other industry standard geotechnical and geological engineering software
• Experience planning, performing, and documenting subsurface explorations
• Experience reviewing and interpreting field and laboratory testing results
• Experience reading, reviewing, and interpreting geotechnical instrumentation
• Experience with dam safety inspections and dam engineering
• Ability to work independently on smaller projects and the desire to work on larger projects as part of a multi‑discipline project team
• Ability to handle multiple simultaneous tasks effectively
• Receptive to technical mentoring, passionate about meeting new, complex challenges
• Good problem solving and reasoning skills
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills
• Ability to perform field work and overnight travel (some field work and travel will be required), local candidates are preferred

*LI-SM1

Required Qualifications

Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.

• Previous experience with Microsoft Office applications, MicroStation or other software as appropriate
• Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage and deep foundation response software, as appropriate
• Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)
• 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.

Primary Location

United States-North Carolina-Charlotte

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Aug 25, 2026

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

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