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. Ranked #2 in Hydropower by ENR in 2025, HDR continues to grow to meet our clients' needs. In this role, you will 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 to meet global energy demands. You’ll collaborate with industry-recognized engineers and scientists to contribute to reliable, resilient, and sustainable power systems, supporting communities and industries.

Responsibilities

• Shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting, and retention of our Northern California hydropower mechanical practice.
• Oversee operations of the production section, including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control, and marketing support.
• Ensure quality of deliverables such as 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, responsible for project production, technical product development, quality control, client expectations, and administrative duties.
• Lead and coordinate services with other sections, ensuring 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.
• Collaborate 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.
• 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

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Short and long-term disability, life insurance, and an employee assistance program.
• Paid time away, parental leave, and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.

Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions.

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.