Dam Safety Engineer/ Subject Matter Expert

About the role

HDR is looking for Professional Engineers in various disciplines (Civil, Hydraulics/Hydrology, Structural, Geotechnical, Geological, and Mechanical) to join our thriving and growing Hydropower Practice across multiple locations in the U.S. As a leader in hydropower and dam safety, HDR offers a vibrant work environment with career growth opportunities and the chance to work on innovative hydropower, pumped-storage, and dam safety projects. Hybrid or flexible work locations are available nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Support inspections and engineering assessments of existing dams and water-retaining structures.
• Conduct analyses, evaluations, and designs; develop design options or recommendations with supporting calculations.
• Prepare contract documents, including drawings, specifications, design documentation, criteria, cost estimates, and critical reports for new or rehabilitated hydraulic structures (e.g., dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, floodwalls, water conveyance structures, foundations).
• Perform engineering assignments requiring critical thinking and creativity to address unique elements with limited or no code-based guidance.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams on hydropower, pumped-storage, and dam safety engineering projects.
• Act as a project engineer independently, providing oversight, checking, QA/QC, and mentorship as needed.
• Participate in risk assessments for dams and hydraulic structures.
• Travel as required for inspections, meetings, or other project needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Geological, or Geotechnical Engineering (or a related field).
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in one of the following disciplines: Geotechnical, Geological, Civil/Structural, Hydrology and Hydraulics, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Minimum of 2 years of project management experience.
• Proficiency with MS Office and MS Project (MS Access is a plus).
• Demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to HDR’s employee-owned culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• 8+ years of professional experience in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with dams, water conveyances, or infrastructure associated with hydropower and pumped-storage projects regulated by FERC or other agencies.
• Experience working in a multi-discipline environment.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience specific to the hydropower industry, including:
  • FERC dam safety regulatory process (e.g., preparation of DSSMPs, DSSMRs, STIDs, or participation in Part 12D dam safety inspections).
  • FERC dam safety assessment, analysis, and design experience.
  • Hydropower design experience for dams, penstocks, intakes, powerhouses, or retaining structures.
  • FERC SQRA facilitation training and experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package promoting employee ownership, health, and success, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • Employee assistance program.
  • Paid time away, parental leave, and holidays.
  • Retirement savings plan with employer match.
  • Employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.
• Eight Employee Network Groups (e.g., Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) to foster inclusion and belonging.

Pay

Compensation ranges vary by location:

• Washington: $101,812 – $176,065
• California: $117,887 – $199,030
• Colorado: $117,887 – $168,410
• New Jersey: $132,262 – $205,375
• New York: $107,170 – $191,375
• Ohio: $107,170 – $153,100
• Connecticut: $117,887 – $168,410
• Maryland: $112,529 – $160,755
• Montana: $101,812 – $145,445
• Washington D.C.: $128,604 – $183,720
• Minnesota: $112,529 – $176,065

Locations

Positions are available in the following U.S. locations:

• Arizona: Phoenix, Tucson
• Arkansas: Little Rock, North Little Rock
• California: Claremont, Folsom, Irvine, Los Angeles, Oakland, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek
• Colorado: Colorado Springs, Denver, Fort Collins
• Connecticut: Rocky Hill
• District of Columbia: Washington D.C.
• Florida: Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, Tallahassee, Tampa, West Palm Beach
• Georgia: Atlanta, Pooler, Savannah
• Idaho: Boise, Coeur d’Alene
• Kansas: Olathe
• Kentucky: Lexington, Louisville, Paducah
• Maine: Portland
• Maryland: Baltimore, Fulton
• Massachusetts: Boston
• Michigan: Ann Arbor, Detroit
• Minnesota: Minneapolis, Saint Louis Park, St. Paul
• Missouri: Kansas City, St. Louis
• Montana: Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Helena, Kalispell, Missoula
• New Hampshire: Manchester
• New Jersey: Newark, Pennington, Woodcliff Lake
• New Mexico: Albuquerque
• New York: Albany, New York, Syracuse, White Plains
• North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, Winston-Salem
• Ohio: Cleveland, Columbus
• Oregon: Bend, Portland, Salem
• Pennsylvania: Bethlehem, Mechanicsburg, Philadelphia, Plymouth Meeting
• South Carolina: Charleston, Columbia, Rock Hill
• Tennessee: Chattanooga, Memphis, Nashville
• Virginia: Arlington, Glen Allen, Norfolk, Richmond, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, Vienna
• Washington: Bellevue, Gig Harbor, Olympia, Pasco, Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver
• West Virginia: Charleston
• Wisconsin: Madison, Milwaukee

Schedule

Full-time, regular position.