Lead Hydropower Engineer

LVI Associates; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates is seeking a Lead Hydropower Engineer to support the growth of its hydropower practice and provide technical leadership on projects across North America. The role involves planning, design, and delivery of hydroelectric and water resource infrastructure, leading multidisciplinary teams, managing clients, and supporting business development.

The candidate will possess a PE license, 15+ years of hydropower experience, and a track record of managing large-scale projects from planning

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• PE license required.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in hydropower engineering, project management, client management, and business development.
• Experience with analysis, design, rehabilitation, and construction of hydroelectric facilities including dams, spillways, gates and water control structures, penstocks, powerhouse structures, turbine-generator equipment, and balance of plant systems.
• Strong understanding of applicable engineering codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams of structural, hydraulic, hydrologic, geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical engineers.
• Familiarity with project permitting, licensing, and regulatory processes.
• Construction-phase support experience with owners, contractors, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and delivery of hydroelectric and water resource infrastructure projects.
• Provide technical leadership on projects across North America.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate project schedules, budgets, and client relationships.
• Support business development including proposals and account management.
• Mentor and supervise staff.

Skills

Leadership

Client management

Mentorship

Communication

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

PE license

Job description

Key Qualifications

An established employee-owned engineering and environmental consulting firm is seeking a Lead Hydropower Engineer to support the growth of its hydropower practice and provide technical leadership on projects across North America.

This role provides the opportunity to lead the planning, design, and delivery of hydroelectric and water resource infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include technical leadership, project management, client relationship development, business growth initiatives, and staff mentorship. Projects may involve hydroelectric generation facilities, fisheries-related infrastructure, dams, water conveyance systems, and associated civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic engineering components.

Technical Expertise

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in hydropower engineering, project management, client management, and business development.
• Extensive experience with the analysis, design, rehabilitation, and construction of hydroelectric facilities, including:
  • Dams
  • Spillways
  • Gates and water control structures
  • Penstocks
  • Powerhouse structures
  • Turbine-generator equipment
  • Balance of plant systems
• Strong understanding of applicable engineering codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams consisting of structural, hydraulic, hydrologic, geotechnical, mechanical, and electrical engineers.
• Familiarity with project permitting, licensing, and regulatory processes.
• Construction-phase support experience, including collaboration with owners, contractors, and stakeholders.

Project Leadership

• Proven track record managing large-scale, multidisciplinary engineering projects from planning through construction.
• Ability to develop practical and innovative solutions for complex challenges related to renewable energy, water resources, and infrastructure systems.
• Experience coordinating technical teams, project schedules, budgets, and client relationships.

Business Development & Client Management

• Demonstrated success developing and maintaining long-term client relationships.
• Experience supporting business development efforts, including proposal development, strategic planning, and account management.
• Ability to identify and pursue new opportunities within the hydropower and renewable energy markets.

Mentorship & Communication

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Passion for mentoring and developing junior engineering staff.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Additional Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.
• Willingness to travel as required for project and client needs.
• Valid driver's license.