Hydropower Engineer

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Richland (WA); On-site; USD 89,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pension plan

Relocation assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an early to mid‑career Mechanical Engineer to support hydropower and pumped storage initiatives. You will work with engineers, scientists, and sponsors to address complex energy–water infrastructure challenges.

You will conduct engineering and regulatory analyses, support testing, and develop technical documentation for diverse stakeholders. This role requires collaborative problem‑solving, strong English communication, and a commitment to

Qualifications

• BS/BA and 2 years of engineering experience OR MS/MA OR PhD.
• Preferred: Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, or Electrical) with focus on hydropower.
• Experience with U.S hydropower fleet components including dams, powerhouses, fish passage, navigation, pumped storage, sediment transport.
• 2+ years experience in the hydropower industry.
• Experience with data-oriented programming/scripting languages such as Ruby, R, Perl, and Python on Linux clusters.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to problem-solving with interdisciplinary teams.
• Well-established research reputation with strong technical writing skills.
• Ability to communicate within a team and with sponsors/partners.
• Experience securing project funding and leading technical teams.
• Registered Professional Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Conduct engineering and regulatory analyses across diverse projects, including early‑stage R&D and applied science for hydropower.
• Analyze U.S. hydropower infrastructure topics: dams, powerhouses, fish passage, navigation, and sediment transport.
• Design, support, and evaluate lab and field tests for hydropower and pumped storage technologies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to identify challenges and develop solutions for reliable hydropower.
• Support research spanning early‑stage to technology demonstration projects.
• Prepare technical docs, analyses, reports, presentations for sponsors and teams.
• Contribute to competitive proposals and project planning aligned with sponsor priorities.
• Support project execution: timelines, deliverables, stakeholder communications.
• Evaluate regulatory/engineering aspects to advance resilient hydropower for the grid.
• Stay aware of new tech, industry trends, and sponsor priorities.

Skills

Hydropower analysis

Regulatory analysis

Project management

Data analysis

Python

Linux

Education

BS/BA in Engineering

MS/MA in Engineering

PhD in Engineering

Tools

Ruby

R

Perl

Python

Job description

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

TheEnergy and Environment Directoratedeliversscience and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

TheEarth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.

Responsibilities

The Operational Systems Engineering group within the Earth Systems Science Division seeks an early to mid‑career Mechanical Engineer to support research, development, and deployment activities focused on hydropower and pumped storage technologies. This position supports projects sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetics Office, and other federal and state hydropower stakeholders. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with engineers, scientists, project managers, and external partners to address technical and operational challenges associated with hydropower production and energy‑water infrastructure systems.

This position offers a diverse range of technical and project-oriented responsibilities. The successful candidate will have a combination of coursework, experience, and knowledge in mechanical and electrical engineering principles, with demonstrated capabilities in identifying, analyzing, and implementing solutions to challenges and risks associated with hydropower production. Additionally, the successful applicant will need to be adaptable, collaborative, and capable of balancing multiple priorities across research and applied engineering efforts.

Duties include

• In collaboration with senior engineers, scientists, and project managers, the candidate will conduct engineering and regulatory‑based analyses across a diverse range of projects, including, but not limited to, early‑stage R&D and applied science aimed at advancing transformative, cost‑effective, reliable, and sustainable hydropower and pumped storage technologies. The goal is to better understand and capitalize on opportunities for these technologies to support the nation’s rapidly evolving grid and improve energy‑water infrastructure and security.
• The candidate will conduct engineering analyses related to U.S. hydropower infrastructure, including dams, powerhouses, fish passage systems, navigation facilities, sediment transport systems, and associated operational components.
• Design, support, and evaluate laboratory and field‑based technology testing and demonstration experiments for emerging hydropower and pumped storage technologies and novel manufacturing methods.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary technical teams to identify engineering challenges, assess risks, and develop innovative solutions supporting reliable and sustainable hydropower generation.
• Support research and engineering activities spanning early‑stage research and development through applied science and technology demonstration projects.
• Develop technical documentation, analyses, reports, presentations, and publications for sponsors, project teams, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the preparation of competitive research proposals and strategic project planning activities aligned with sponsor priorities and national energy objectives.
• Support research project execution, including coordination of technical activities, schedules, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.
• Support regulatory and engineering‑based evaluations that advance transformative, cost‑effective, and resilient hydropower and pumped storage technologies for the evolving electric grid.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, industry trends, and sponsor priorities relevant to hydropower systems and energy‑water infrastructure.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant engineering experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or Ph.D with in Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, or Electrical) with a focus on the analysis, design, or benefits/impacts of hydropower.
• Experience working with or analyzing the U.S hydropower fleet components including dams, powerhouses, fish passage, navigation, pumped storage development, and/or sediment transport facilities.
• 2+ years experience in the hydropower industry.
• Experience with data‑oriented programming/scripting languages such as Ruby, R, Perl, and Python on Linux‑based computer clusters.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• A proactive and collaborative approach to problem‑solving with the ability to work well on interdisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrated participation in multidisciplinary efforts to provide solutions to complex problems where the problems are characterized by lack of precedents, source material, or lack of prior success.
• Well‑established research reputation with professional achievements, including excellent technical writing skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate within a team environment and with sponsors and partners.
• Other preferred qualifications include experience securing project funding, working with or leading technical teams, and the ability to manage research projects.
• Registered Professional Engineer.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

• Some travel (for fieldwork, scientific conferences, and client networking) may be necessary depending on evolving project/programmatic needs and candidate interest.

Testing Designated Position

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world‑class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45‑minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at [e-mail].

Drug Free Workplace

PNNL is committed to a drug‑free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD‑12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD‑12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three‑year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company‑funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

* Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

Click Here For Rockstar Rewards

Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job‑related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited‑term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $89,300.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $131,200.00/Yr.