Structural Engineer - Hydropower

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Structural Engineer to support our Hydropower Practice in Charlotte, NC. You will review and develop structural designs, coordinate multi-discipline teams, and ensure compliance with codes and project schedules.

The role requires a Civil/Structural Engineering degree and a PE license, with preferred experience in consulting and hydropower environments. Join a proficient, employee-owned team focused on reliable infrastructure and career growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering is required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm preferred.
• Masters degree is desirable for senior roles.

Responsibilities

• Review structural documents for conflicts with other disciplines.
• Write and edit structural specifications, select procedures, materials and sizes, and perform calculations.
• Coordinate the structural design team through design development and contract document phases.
• Attend meetings with governing agencies to ensure code compliance.
• Lead design development and construction document work sessions at project site with PM and other disciplines.
• Coordinate workload through design and construction phases to meet schedule.
• Coordinate with affected disciplines and process change orders and addenda as needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering

Masters degree in Civil/Structural Engineering

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? 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.

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.

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 Structural Engineer with the technical skills and desire to help support structural engineering design, repair and retrofit utility projects as part of our nationally recognized Hydropower Practice. In the role of Structural Engineer, we'll count on you to:

• Review structural documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines.
• Write and edit structural specifications, select procedures, materials and their respective sizes, and complete necessary calculations.
• Independently coordinate the work of the structural design team through the design development and contract document phases of a project.
• Establish meetings and participate in reviews with various governing agencies for code compliance.
• Conduct design development and contract document work sessions at project site in conjunction with the Project Manager and other disciplines.
• Take responsibility for coordinating workload through design development and construction document phases to complete the documents on schedule.
• Coordinate and assist with affected disciplines, with any addendum, requests for information, change proposal requests and change orders, and incorporate agreed-upon changes into the project documents.
• Perform other duties as needed.

This position is subject to a preemployment drug test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with concrete dams, structural steel gates, and stability of concrete structures is desirable but not required
• Experience with Hydropower is a plus
• Ability to perform field inspections at operating power generation facilities or dams
• Masters degree in Civil/Structural Engineering
• Ability to independently direct the design of projects from proposal to completion
• Experience interacting with clients, local candidates are preferred

*LI-SM1

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural 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 with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

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

Industry

Power

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Aug 25, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affine Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.