Hydropower Engineer
We are a forward-thinking leader in the renewable energy domain, dedicated to engineering a sustainable future. Our team is composed of industry experts who thrive on solving the most demanding challenges in power generation. By joining us, you become part of a culture that values technical excellence, continuous learning, and impactful work. We empower our engineers with the autonomy and resources needed to pioneer innovative solutions that not only meet but exceed industry standards, ensuring the reliability and safety of critical energy infrastructure for generations to come.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive dam safety inspections and intricate potential failure mode analyses (PFMA) for a diverse portfolio of hydropower facilities.
- Develop, calibrate, and execute sophisticated hydrological and hydraulic models using industry-standard software like HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS to forecast flows and assess operational risks.
- Perform detailed structural analysis and design for new and existing hydro-related civil works—including concrete and embankment dams, penstocks, spillways, and powerhouse structures—utilizing advanced FEA software (e.g., RISA-3D, SAP2000).
- Lead and support Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing and relicensing efforts, ensuring all technical documentation and compliance reporting meet stringent federal standards.
- Evaluate turbine performance, conduct feasibility studies for equipment upgrades and modernization, and contribute to Annual Energy Production (AEP) modeling.
- Design environmental mitigation systems, such as fish passage structures (fish ladders) and dissolved oxygen management solutions, to minimize ecological impact.
- Analyze sedimentation patterns and develop mitigation strategies to preserve reservoir capacity and ensure long-term operational efficiency.
- Prepare detailed engineering reports, technical specifications, and construction documents for capital improvement and rehabilitation projects.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of geotechnical engineers, environmental scientists, and project managers to deliver integrated and resilient engineering solutions.
Required Qualifications
- A Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited university.
- A minimum of seven years of progressive experience specifically within the hydropower, dam engineering, or heavy civil works sectors.
- Current Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one U.S. state, or the ability to obtain one via comity within six months of employment.
- Demonstrated proficiency in hydraulic and hydrological modeling software, particularly HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS.
- In-depth knowledge of dam safety regulations and guidelines, including FERC Part 12D, and experience with USACE or Bureau of Reclamation standards.
- Proven experience with finite element analysis (FEA) software for complex structural evaluations.
Preferred Skills & Competencies
- A Master of Science degree in a relevant engineering field with a focus on hydraulics, hydrology, or structural engineering.
- Direct, hands-on experience managing FERC relicensing projects or leading major dam safety modification projects.
- Advanced proficiency with CAD and BIM software, such as AutoCAD Civil 3D and Revit, for integrated design and drafting.
- Competence with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) for spatial analysis and data management.
- Exceptional technical writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Project management experience, including scope development, scheduling, and budgeting for engineering projects.