Mechanical Engineer - Hydropower

HDR; Wilmington (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is expanding its Hydropower team and seeking a Mechanical Engineer to lead and support projects across the U.S. You will drive mechanical balance of plant upgrades at hydro facilities and participate in feasibility studies for pumped storage.

The role requires coordinating with engineers and technicians to deliver designs, specifications, and field support. Ideal candidates bring a PE license, 5+ years in hydro or power project execution, and proficiency with NavisWorks, Plant3D, Revit or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and Power Market Sector design software (e.g., PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, Revit).

Responsibilities

• Lead and support mechanical balance of plant upgrades at existing hydro facilities.
• Lead major mechanical equipment upgrades and feasibility studies for pumped storage projects.
• Prepare P&IDs, equipment sizing, layouts, and system calculations.
• Prepare equipment and design specifications and bid evaluations.
• Coordinate with multi-discipline team and establish client relationships.

Skills

Project leadership

Team coordination

Power market experience

NavisWorks

AutoCAD Plant 3D

Revit

PE license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

NavisWorks

AutoCAD Plant 3D

Revit

AutoCAD

Plant 3D

AutoPipe

Job description

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?

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.

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.

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 Mechanical Engineer to join our Hydropower team. This team provides engineering consulting services to electric utilities and independent power producers located across the U.S. This individual will be expected to lead and support a variety of projects involving mechanical balance of plant upgrades at existing hydropower facilities, major mechanical equipment upgrades at existing hydropower facilities, and feasibility studies for new pumped storage hydropower projects. They will work with a multi‑discipline group of engineers and technicians providing engineering and design services to power sector clients. Typical projects involve life extension and system upgrades of existing hydropower facilities as well as design of new facilities. On a day‑to‑day basis, they'll also be expected to:

• Produce mechanical system designs including P&IDs, equipment sizing, detailed system layouts, and system calculations.
• Prepare equipment and design specifications.
• Perform equipment and contractor bid evaluations.
• Perform site inspections which may require confined space entry.
• Provide field support during installation, testing, and start‑up.
• Perform feasibility studies and conceptual design evaluations.
• Support pumped storage concept studies, pre‑feasibility and feasibility studies.
• Prepare project cost estimates.
• Assist with client presentations and preparation of client proposals.
• Coordinate the work of Mechanical Engineers with the balance of a multi‑discipline team throughout the project's development.
• Establish effective client relationships and participate in marketing, design and production meetings with regard to mechanical systems.
• Serve as the mechanical lead on multiple simultaneous projects.
• Conduct schematic, design development and contract document work sessions at project sites in conjunction with the Project Manager, and other discipline engineers.
• Coordinate workload through the entire project’s development to complete documents on schedule.
• Track the financial aspects of projects, and coordinate and adjust work efforts with the project team to ensure that the work is completed within the parameters of the agreed‑upon budget and schedule.
• Participate with the Project Manager, Regional Controller and Regional Director in project reviews with corporate management as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed.

This position is subject to a preemployment drug test.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector
• Previous experience in Project Lead Engineer role in Mechanical Engineering
• Previous experience with the design and installation of mechanical system/component upgrades for existing hydroelectric generating stations
• Experience with the design, manufacture, testing and operation of hydroelectric generating station mechanical equipment including turbines, pump‑turbines, pumps, valves, compressors, and other mechanical components
• Experience with the preparation of feasibility studies for new pumped storage hydroelectric facilities
• Demonstrated leadership skills, previous team coordination and project management experience
• Experience with NavisWorks, AutoCAD Plant 3D, Revit, and/or other 3D database driven design processes
• Desire to lead teams as a Team Leader
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm supporting electrical power generation clients, local candidates are preferred

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 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 in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software. (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture

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. Other Locations: United States-Kentucky-Louisville, United States-Georgia-Atlanta, United States-South Carolina-Greenville, United States-South Carolina-Charleston, United States-South Carolina-Columbia, United States-Tennessee-Memphis, United States-Alabama-Birmingham, United States-Alabama-Mobile, United States-North Carolina-Wilmington, United States-North Carolina-Asheville, United States-Tennessee-Nashville, United States-Georgia-Savannah, United States-North Carolina-Raleigh, United States-Tennessee-Brentwood, United States-South Carolina-Fort Mill, United States-North Carolina-Winston-Salem, United States-Tennessee-Chattanooga, United States-Kentucky-Lexington.

Industry: Power. Schedule: Full‑time. Employee Status: Regular. Business Class: Hydropower Engineering. Job Posting: Aug 25, 2026.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.