Hydropower Engineering Manager (Mechanical Design)

About the role

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Engineering Manager (Mechanical Design) 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. You’ll lead complex modernization projects, inspire a talented multidisciplinary team, and influence marquee hydropower projects.

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 over a century. You’ll work alongside these experts to contribute to reliable, resilient, and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting, and retention of our NorCal hydropower mechanical practice.
• Take responsibility for operations of the production section, including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control, and marketing support.
• Oversee quality of production, including P&IDs, equipment sizing, detailed design, system calculations, technical reports, client presentations, and construction support.
• Provide technical oversight for feasibility studies, conceptual and design evaluations, pumped-storage concept studies, and project cost estimates.
• Serve as Technical Leader and Project Manager, taking responsibility for production on projects, technical product development, quality control, client expectations, and management duties.
• Take administrative responsibility for section staff and technical service functions, leading and coordinating services with other sections.
• Ensure all work is planned, organized, controlled, and evaluated through a proactive project management system.
• Implement, monitor, and support company policy.
• Select, train, develop, and manage technical personnel.
• Manage and develop multidisciplinary teams.
• Work cooperatively with National Practice and marketing staff in local and national marketing and production efforts.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Requirements

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

Preferred Qualifications

• BS and/or MS Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Professional Engineering (PE) License in California.
• Project Management experience.
• A minimum of 15 years or more of experience.
• Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm.
• Demonstrated ability to directly supervise, develop, and mentor multiple staff members.
• Strong history of client relationship development and maintenance, including managing multiple award contracts and supporting long-term strategic partnerships.
• Local candidates preferred for regional leadership continuity.
• Experience in succession planning and technical oversight for multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficient and engaging in dynamic communication and collaboration.
• Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering high-quality mechanical engineering work.
• Extensive hydropower engineering/design experience, ideally 10 or more years.
• Technical depth in hydropower mechanical systems.
• Active engagement in hydropower/hydroelectric-focused industry organizations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package promoting employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • Employee assistance program.
  • Paid time away, parental leave, and holidays.
  • 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) to foster inclusion and belonging.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position is $130,977.00 - $220,869.00 annually, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

Schedule

Full-time.

Primary locations: Sacramento or Folsom, California.