Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager

About the role

We are seeking a Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager to lead our expanding Northern California team and contribute to one of the nation’s most recognized hydropower programs. This role involves shaping the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting, and retention of our NorCal hydropower electrical practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead a High Performing Electrical Team
• Hire, grow, mentor, and develop technical staff across experience levels.
• This includes responsibility for operations of production and oversight of electrical section.
• Champion quality control, technical excellence, and exceptional delivery.
• Facilitate Career development and personal growth amongst team members.
• Own Electrical Project Leadership
• Serve as Project Manager and/or Technical Lead for hydropower electrical projects.
• Oversee electrical design plans and specifications, equipment specifications, bid reviews, and site investigations.
• Support field activities during installation, testing, commissioning, and start up.
• Drive Collaboration Across Power & Hydropower
• Coordinate closely with mechanical, structural, civil, and controls teams.
• Partner with Power sector and National Hydropower Practice leaders to support local and national initiatives.
• Engage Directly with Clients & Business Development
• Build relationships with key hydropower owners/operators across utility clients, federal agencies and/or water authorities.
• Support proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits throughout CA and across the region.
• Partner with the Power Business Development and Client Management teams.
• Work in partnership with the National Hydropower Practice and overall Power Sector:
• Support local and national marketing and production efforts.
• Perform other duties as needed:
• Support project goals and HDR business activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer.
• Proficient and engaging in dynamic communication and collaboration.
• Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering high-quality electrical engineering work.
• Extensive hydropower industry experience, ideally 10–20+ years.
• Technical depth in hydropower electrical systems — generator protection and controls, excitation systems, governor controls, SCADA/DCS, station service, switchyard/substation equipment, relay settings/coordination, and arc-flash/grounding analysis.
• Active engagement in electrical-focused industry organizations such as IEEE PES, IEEE Hydropower Working Groups, NHA Technical Committees, or CEATI Hydropower Electrical Task Forces.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 10 years experience.
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Good leadership and organizational skills.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.