Geotechnical Engineer - Hydropower

About the role

We are seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join our established Hydropower program. This role involves taking a technical lead on the analysis, design, and construction of modifications for large-scale dams and critical power infrastructure across the region.

Responsibilities

• Drive project workflows, planning, and geotechnical field investigations.
• Develop laboratory testing programs and prepare geotechnical analysis, design calculations, and reports.
• Evaluate dam safety instrumentation data and conduct finite element modeling of dams.
• Create design drawings and construction specifications.
• Participate in dam safety inspections and contribute to marketing efforts for both internal and external clients.
• Support project goals and other HDR business activities as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or M.S. degree in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in NC.
• 5 years of related experience in geotechnical engineering.
• Experience using AutoCAD, MicroStation, or GIS applications.
• Experience with industry-standard geotechnical and geological engineering software.
• Experience planning, performing, and documenting subsurface explorations.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting field and laboratory testing results.
• Experience reading, reviewing, and interpreting geotechnical instrumentation.
• Experience with dam safety inspections and dam engineering.
• Ability to work independently on smaller projects and the desire to work on larger projects as part of a multi-discipline project team.
• Receptive to technical mentoring, passionate about meeting new, complex challenges.
• Good problem-solving and reasoning skills.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to perform field work and overnight travel (some field work and travel will be required), local candidates are preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with Microsoft Office applications, MicroStation, or other software as appropriate.
• Experience with GeoStudio/Ensoft slope stability, settlement, seepage, and deep foundation response software.
• Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog).

Benefits

This position offers the opportunity to work alongside HDR's nationally recognized Hydropower Practice, which is ranked #2 in Hydro Plants by Engineering News-Record in 2026. HDR is an employee-owned firm where you can help modernize and sustain vital infrastructure, develop leadership skills, accelerate your career growth, and contribute to meaningful projects that keep the lights on and strengthen communities.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $120,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This position is full-time.

Business Class

The Business Class for this role is Hydropower Engineering.

Job Posting Date

The job posting was updated on August 25, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity

HDR is committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.