Hydropower Engineering Manager (Mechanical Design)

HDR, Inc.

Sacramento (CA)

On-site

USD 131,000 - 221,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

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. seeks a Hydropower Engineering Manager (Mechanical Design) to lead our NorCal hydropower mechanical practice, shaping strategy, growth and technical excellence. You will manage staff, engage with clients and drive project outcomes across modernization efforts.

We require 10+ years in hydropower engineering/design, strong leadership, and California PE licensure or eligibility. This role emphasizes collaboration, business development and engineering oversight in a demanding market.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
Extensive hydropower/mechanical design experience.
PE license in California preferred/required depending on role.
Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

Lead Hydropower mechanical design projects and modernization efforts.
Inspire and manage a multidisciplinary team across projects.
Ensure quality, technical excellence, and client satisfaction on assignments.

Skills

Hydropower engineering

Project management

Leadership

Communication skills

Staff mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering

PE license in California

Job description

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Engineering Manager (Mechanical 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 (Mechanical), you will shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting and retention of our NorCal hydropower mechanical practice.

Take responsibility for operations of production section including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support
Take responsibility for quality of production section including P&IDs, equipment sizing, detailed design, system calculations, technical reports, presentations to our Clients, and support construction support.
Provide technical oversite for performing feasibility studies and conceptual, design evaluations, pumped-storage concept studies, and supporting project cost estimates.
Function as Technical Leader and Project Manager and take responsibility for production on projects in addition to technical product development, quality control, management of Client expectations, and management responsibilities.
Take administrative responsibility for section staff and technical service functions, and lead and coordinate services with other sections
See that all work is planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through proactive project management system
Implement, monitor and support company policy
Select, train, develop and manage technical personnel.
Manage and develop multidiscipline teams
Work cooperatively with National Practice and marketing staff in local and national marketing and production efforts
Perform other duties as needed

Preferences:

Proficient and engaging in dynamic communication and collaboration.
Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering highquality mechanical engineering work.
Extensive hydropower engineering/design experience, ideally 10 or more years.
Technical depth in hydropower mechanical systems.
Active engagement in hydropower/hydroelectricfocused industry organizations.

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

Preferred Qualifications

BS and /or MS Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Professional Engineering (PE) License in California
Project Management experience
A minimum of 15 years or more year experience
Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm
Demonstrated ability to directly supervise, develop and mentor multiple staff members
Strong history of client relationship development and maintenance, including managing multiple award contracts and supporting long-term strategic partnerships
Local candidates preferred for regional leadership continuity
Experience in succession planning and technical oversight for multidisciplinary teams

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.

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 and tuition reimbursement. Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. The expected compensation range for this position is (Sacramento/Folsom) $130,977.00 - $220,869.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.