Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical Design)

HDR, Inc.; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 134,000 - 218,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Short and long-term disability

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Paid time away

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Retirement savings plan with employer?

Employee referral bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

HDR, Inc. in Northern California seeks a Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical Design) to lead our expanding hydropower practice in the region.

In this role you will shape strategy, mentor a multidisciplinary team, and deliver complex modernization projects for marquee utility clients while advancing electrical design excellence and project leadership across CA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years in hydropower engineering or design.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in the US.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydropower electrical design teams and projects.
• Oversee equipment specifications, bid reviews, and site investigations.
• Mentor staff and drive technical excellence.
• Collaborate with mechanical, civil, controls, and power marketing teams.
• Support proposals and client management across California.

Skills

Hydropower electrical design

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Communication skills

Generator protection & controls

SCADA/DCS knowledge

IEEE PES engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Professional Engineer license (US)

Job description

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical Design) to join our expanding Northern California team and help drive one of the nation's most recognized hydropower programs. In 2025 ENR ranked HDR #2 in Hydropower among the top firms delivering services for hydropower owners and operators - and we keep growing to meet our Client's needs.

If you're ready to lead complex modernization projects, inspire a talented multidisciplinary team, and influence marquee hydropower projects - this role is built for you.

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.

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.

As our Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical), you will shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting and retention of our NorCal hydropower electrical practice.

Responsibilities include:

• Hire, grow, mentor, and develop technical staff across experience levels. This includes responsibility for operations of production and oversight of electrical section.
• Champion quality control, technical excellence, and exceptional delivery.
• Facilitate Career development and personal growth amongst team members.
• Serve as Project Manager and/or Technical Lead for hydropower electrical projects.
• Oversee electrical design plans and specifications, equipment specifications, bid reviews, and site investigations.
• Support field activities during installation, testing, commissioning, and start up.
• Coordinate closely with mechanical, structural, civil, and controls teams.
• Partner with Power sector and National Hydropower Practice leaders to support local and national initiatives.
• Build relationships with key hydropower owners/operators across utility clients, federal agencies and/or water authorities.
• Support proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits throughout CA and across the region.
• Partner with the Power Business Development and Client Management teams.
• Support local and national marketing and production efforts.
• Perform other duties as needed:Support project goals and HDR business activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient and engaging in dynamic communication and collaboration.
• Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering highquality electrical engineering work.
• Extensive hydropower engineering/design experience, ideally 10 or more years.
• Technical depth in hydropower electrical systems - generator protection and controls, excitation systems, governor controls, SCADA/DCS, station service, switchyard/substation equipment, relay settings/coordination, and arcflash/grounding analysis.
• Active engagement in electricalfocused industry organizations such as IEEE PES, IEEE Hydropower Working Groups, NHA Technical Committees, or CEATI Hydropower Electrical Task Forces.

Additionally required qualifications:

• Licensed Professional Engineer (US licensure)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 10 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes

• medical
• dental
• vision
• short and long-term disability
• life insurance
• an employee assistance program
• paid time away
• parental leave
• paid holidays
• a retirement savings plan with employer match
• employee referral bonus
• tuition reimbursement

Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions.

The expected compensation range for this position is $134,442.00 - $218,250.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.

Primary Location: United States-California-Sacramento

Other Locations: United States-California-Walnut Creek, United States-California-Folsom

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full-time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Hydropower Engineering

Job Posting: Aug 21, 2026