Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical Design)

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Engineering Manager to join our expanding Northern California team and help drive one of the nation’s most recognized hydropower programs. In 2025, ENR ranked HDR #2 in Hydropower among the top firms delivering services for hydropower owners and operators — and we keep growing to meet our clients’ needs. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted, and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century.

About the role

As our Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical), you will shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting, and retention of our Northern California hydropower electrical practice. You’ll work side-by-side with multidisciplinary experts to contribute to reliable, resilient, and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand.

Responsibilities

• Hire, grow, mentor, and develop technical staff across experience levels, including responsibility for operations of production and oversight of the electrical section.
• Champion quality control, technical excellence, and exceptional delivery.
• Facilitate career development and personal growth among team members.
• 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.
• Coordinate closely with mechanical, structural, civil, and controls teams.
• Partner with Power sector and National Hydropower Practice leaders to support local and national initiatives.
• Build relationships with key hydropower owners/operators across utility clients, federal agencies, and/or water authorities.
• Support proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits throughout California and across the region.
• Partner with the Power Business Development and Client Management teams.
• Support local and national marketing and production efforts.
• Perform other duties as needed to support project goals and HDR business activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 10 years of hydropower engineering/design experience.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (US licensure).
• Technical depth in hydropower electrical systems, including generator protection and controls, excitation systems, governor controls, SCADA/DCS, station service, switchyard/substation equipment, relay settings/coordination, and arc-flash/grounding analysis.
• Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and an active commitment to our employee-owned culture.

Preferred Qualifications

• Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering high-quality electrical engineering work.
• Active engagement in electrical-focused industry organizations such as IEEE PES, IEEE Hydropower Working Groups, NHA Technical Committees, or CEATI Hydropower Electrical Task Forces.
• Proficient and engaging in dynamic communication and collaboration.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package promoting employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, and a retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.
• Eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) fostering inclusion and support.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position is $134,442.00 - $218,250.00 annually, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

Schedule

Full-time, regular employee status.

Primary locations: Sacramento, Walnut Creek, or Folsom, California.