Senior Hydropower Engineer

Schnabel Branding Colors; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Schnabel Engineering is seeking a Senior Hydropower Engineer to join our Harrisburg or Chadds Ford, PA team. You will support assessments, planning, and optimization of hydropower facilities with a focus on life extension and modernization, while contributing to other water infrastructure projects.

The role requires 10+ years of hydropower experience, ABET-accredited engineering degree, PE licensure or path to licensure, and strong CAD software skills. Occasional travel up to 20% is expected.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is required.
• 10+ years of engineering experience with planning, design, and modernization of hydropower generation equipment.
• PE license or desire and ability to become a Licensed Professional Engineer.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and design components related to hydropower generation, dams, and water infrastructure, including power unit equipment and hydraulic structures.
• Perform inspections and assessments of flow control structures, hydroelectric turbines, generators, governors, and other hydropower plant equipment.
• Prepare technical reports that summarize findings and provide recommendations with clarity.
• Conduct mechanical analysis, including detailed design calculations, FEA, and CFD where appropriate.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering plans and technical specifications.
• Prepare 2D design drawings and 3D design models.
• Review the work of team members and manage project scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Communicate with clients and project stakeholders to meet goals, schedule, and budget.

Skills

Project management

CAD software

Communication skills

Team leadership

Quality and accuracy

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree

Tools

Mathcad

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Inventor

Revit

Job description

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Schnabel Engineering is seeking a Senior Hydropower Engineer to join our growing team in our Harrisburg or Chadds Ford, PA locations. In this role, you will support clients with assessments, planning, and optimization of hydropower facilities with a focus on life extension and modernization. This role will also support engineering and design of other water infrastructure projects, including dams, pump stations, intakes, penstocks, gates, and valves.

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyze and design components related to hydropower generation, dams, and water infrastructure, including stationary and rotating power unit equipment, water control devices, steel fabrications, and hydraulic structures.
• Perform inspections and assessments of flow control structures, hydroelectric turbines, generators, governors, and other hydropower plant equipment.
• Prepare technical reports that summarize findings, analysis, and provide recommendations with clarity.
• Conduct mechanical analysis, including detailed design calculations, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) were appropriate.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering plans and technical specifications.
• Prepare 2D design drawings.
• Prepare 3D design models.
• Review the work of team members.
• Organize and manage project specific engineering scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Communicate with clients and project stakeholders, establish goals and objectives for project teams, schedule and coordinate resources to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the quality expectations of the contract.
• Serve as a direct supervisor to oversee, develop, and mentor engineering staff.
• Travel periodically—up to 20%—for field investigations, client meetings, and business development activities.

Required Skills/Experience:

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is required.
• 10+ years of engineering experience with planning, design, and modernization of hydropower generation equipment.
• Ability to manage simultaneous tasks and multi-discipline projects throughout the project lifecycle.
• High proficiency with technical engineering principles and analysis methods.
• PE license or desire and ability to become a Licensed Professional Engineer.
• Experience and interest in the following types of water infrastructure projects:
  • Dams
  • Hydropower Plants
  • Pumps Stations
  • Hydroelectric Turbines, Generators, & Governors
  • Intakes
  • Penstocks
  • Gates and Valves
• Proficiency with modern CAD software.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Have a positive attitude and work well in a team environment.
• A strong work ethic and the desire to perform professionally at a high level.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• 12+ years of relevant work experience on hydropower, water infrastructure, and dam engineering projects.
• Experience with Mathcad, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or Revit.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Candidates must provide a cover letter to be considered.

The compensation range for this position is between $115,000 to $150,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.