Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager

About the role

We are seeking a Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager to join our expanding Northern California team. This role offers the opportunity to lead complex modernization projects, inspire a talented multidisciplinary team, and influence hydropower across California, the Southwest, and the nation.

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.