Senior Engineer - Hydropower Lead

Kleinschmidt Associates; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with 4% employer match

Paid Time Off

Tuition Assistance

Life Insurance

Short-Term Disability

Employee Ownership

10 Paid Floating Holidays

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in hydropower engineering is seeking a Senior Engineer-Hydropower Lead to support hydropower development projects. Candidates should have a BS in Engineering, a Professional Engineer license, and 15 years of relevant experience. The role emphasizes project management and client relations in a hybrid work environment. Competitive compensation ranging from $120,000 to $185,000 annually. Join a firm known for innovation and professional development opportunities in renewable energy.

Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer with a minimum of 15 years' experience in hydropower engineering.
• Experience managing large, multidiscipline projects.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and engineering standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop hydropower engineering work and manage projects.
• Establish long-lasting relationships with clients.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary designs with various engineering teams.

Skills

Hydropower engineering

Project management

Business development

Client management

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

BS in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering

Job description

life insurance, parental leave, paid time off, tuition assistance, 401(k)

United States, North Carolina, Charlotte

Feb 23, 2026

Kleinschmidt has a full-time opening for a Senior Engineer-Hydropower Lead in either our Lexington, South Carolina or Charlotte, North Carolina offices to develop hydropower engineering work in the region and support projects across Kleinschmidt. We welcome candidates based in the Southeast region. Our flexibility and core value of relationships allow us to offer employees the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment.

Salary: $120,000 - $185,000/year (based on experience)

Who You Are

• Knowledgeable: A licensed Professional Engineer with a BS in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, and a minimum of 15 years' experience in hydropower engineering, business development, client management, and project management. Knowledge of standards and codes applicable to the candidate's engineering discipline is required. Experience with analysis and design of hydropower facilities including dams, gates, spillways, penstocks, powerhouse structures, generating equipment, and balance of plant systems. The candidate should show experience with coordinating multidiscipline designs and design teams with structural, hydrology/hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and geotechnical engineers. The candidate should possess experience with regulatory requirements and processes. The candidate should have experience working in the field with clients and contractors during the planning and construction of projects. The candidate will possess excellent problem-solving skills, oral and written communication skills to manage projects and clients, and be passionate about mentoring junior-level staff.
• Project Manager: Experience working on and managing all aspects of large, multidiscipline, complex projects, working directly with senior leaders and the project team to provide practical solutions to complex problems affecting renewable energy, water, and the environment.
• Relationship-focused: Ability to establish long-lasting relationships with clients to assist them in solving complex engineering challenges. Demonstrates the ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team while applying engineering skills from analysis and design through to construction.

Additional Requirements

• Must possess permanent authorization to work in the United States.
• Must be willing to travel and possess a valid driver's license.

About the Position

This position provides an opportunity to be a part of a team working on the design and management of hydroelectric and fisheries related facilities, incorporating the skills of civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic engineering. The position includes developing hydropower engineering work, developing client relationships, managing large multi-disciplinary project teams, and mentoring and developing staff in the southeastern and eastern United States.

Who We Are

At Kleinschmidt, we combine engineering expertise, regulatory know-how, and scientific skills to tackle the most challenging projects in renewable energy, water resources, and the natural environment. With over 50 years of experience, we stand out as one of North America's premier employee-owned consulting firms specializing in hydropower.

Our team thrives on passion and engagement, continuously pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity. At Kleinschmidt, you'll find a vibrant community of professionals eager to share knowledge and help you achieve your career goals. We place technical excellence at the core of what we do, fostering an environment that prioritizes continuous learning and professional development. Join us and turn your potential into impactful solutions that define the future of our planet.

Our Process

Kleinschmidt strives to provide a great candidate experience. After careful review of resumes, we will notify those we are interested in interviewing. We may ask for more details with an initial screening. Our process normally involves two interviews. The top candidate will then be asked to provide 2-3 references and offered a benefits call, a unique step in our process where we describe our full benefits package. The final step is an offer sent via email.

• Bonus Program
• 401(k) with 4% employer match and 100% immediate vesting
• 10 Paid Floating Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Company Paid Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Ownership

Kleinschmidt is an Equal Opportunity and Affiantative Action employer. It is our company policy and culture to provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender status, disability status, national origin, veteran status, and all other dimensions of diversity.

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