Hydropower Engineer

As a hydropower engineer, you will apply dam safety expertise, hydrological modeling, and turbine optimization skills to modernize hydro facilities across the United States. From remote flow-forecasting stations to powerhouse revamps, you’ll protect public safety while boosting megawatt output—sustainably.

About the Role  

- Lead periodic dam safety inspections, prepare Part 12D and FERC Part 12 safety reports.  

- Build and calibrate HEC-RAS / HEC-HMS models for flood routing, AEP analysis, and real-time forecasting.  

- Conduct structural analysis of concrete and embankment dams using RISA-3D or SAP2000.  

- Evaluate turbine upgrade options; oversee model testing, efficiency curves, and warranty performance.  

- Design civil works—penstocks, intake gates, spillways, fish ladders—using AutoCAD Civil 3D and Revit.  

- Quantify sediment transport, propose sediment management plans to extend reservoir life.  

- Support FERC relicensing: prepare environmental mitigation, public meeting materials, and compliance submittals.  

- Coordinate interdisciplinary teams—geotech, electrical, ecological—throughout feasibility, FEED, and EPC phases.  

- Present findings to federal agencies, utilities, and community stakeholders.  

- Mentor junior engineers; champion a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications  

- ABET-accredited BS in Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering.  

- 4+ years’ experience in hydropower, dam safety, or large water infrastructure.  

- Proficiency with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and at least one FEA suite (RISA-3D, SAP2000).  

- Working knowledge of FERC Part 12, USACE Engineering Regulations, and USBR DSOS guidelines.  

- Solid grasp of hydrology, hydraulics, and geotechnical fundamentals.  

- Ability to obtain U.S. Professional Engineer license within 24 months.  

- Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication.

Desired Skills  

- PE license in any U.S. state.  

- Experience with Kaplan or Francis turbine rehabilitation.  

- GIS mapping (ArcGIS Pro or QGIS) for watershed studies.  

- Fluency in scripting (Python or MATLAB) for batch hydraulic analyses.  

- Familiarity with environmental permitting (NEPA, Clean Water Act Section 404).

Why You’ll Thrive  

- Influence marquee renewable projects that decarbonize the grid.  

- Flexible work arrangement—hybrid or fully remote with periodic site travel.  

- Advanced software, R&D budget, and technical conference sponsorship.  

- Inclusive, safety-first culture that rewards innovation and knowledge sharing.