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. The ideal candidate will be responsible for driving project workflows, planning geotechnical field investigations, preparing geotechnical analysis, design calculations, and reports, reviewing and evaluating dam safety instrumentation data, conducting finite element modeling of dams, preparing design drawings and construction specifications, participating in dam safety inspections, supporting marketing efforts for both internal and external clients, and other tasks as required to support project goals and other HDR business activities.
Responsibilities
- Drive project workflows
- Plan geotechnical field investigations
- Prepare geotechnical analysis, design calculations, and reports
- Evaluate dam safety instrumentation data
- Conduct finite element modeling of dams
- Prepare design drawings and construction specifications
- Participate in dam safety inspections
- Support marketing efforts for internal and external clients
- Perform other tasks as required to support project goals and other HDR business activities
Requirements
- Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's or M.S. degree in Geotechnical or Geological Engineering
- Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license in NC
- 5 years of related experience in geotechnical engineering
- Experience using AutoCAD, MicroStation or GIS applications
- Experience using 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
- Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree
- Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered
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, as appropriate
- Experience with Bentley suite of geotechnical data management and visualization software (gINT/OpenGround/LeapFrog)
Skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. HDR is an employee-owned firm where you can 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
Hydropower Engineering
Job Posting Date
Aug 25, 2026
Company Beliefs
We believe 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. HDR is our company, and together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.