Senior Hydropower Engineer

About the role

Schnabel Engineering is seeking a Senior Hydropower Engineer to join our growing team in our Harrisburg or Chadds Ford, PA locations. In this role, you will support clients with assessments, planning, and optimization of hydropower facilities with a focus on life extension and modernization. This role will also support engineering and design of other water infrastructure projects, including dams, pump stations, intakes, penstocks, gates, and valves.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and design components related to hydropower generation, dams, and water infrastructure, including stationary and rotating power unit equipment, water control devices, steel fabrications, and hydraulic structures.
• Perform inspections and assessments of flow control structures, hydroelectric turbines, generators, governors, and other hydropower plant equipment.
• Prepare technical reports that summarize findings, analysis, and provide recommendations with clarity.
• Conduct mechanical analysis, including detailed design calculations, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) where appropriate.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering plans and technical specifications.
• Prepare 2D design drawings.
• Prepare 3D design models.
• Review the work of team members.
• Organize and manage project-specific engineering scope, schedule, and deliverables.
• Communicate with clients and project stakeholders, establish goals and objectives for project teams, schedule and coordinate resources to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the quality expectations of the contract.
• Serve as a direct supervisor to oversee, develop, and mentor engineering staff.
• Travel periodically—up to 20%—for field investigations, client meetings, and business development activities.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is required.
• 10+ years of engineering experience with planning, design, and modernization of hydropower generation equipment.
• Ability to manage simultaneous tasks and multi-discipline projects throughout the project lifecycle.
• High proficiency with technical engineering principles and analysis methods.
• PE license or desire and ability to become a Licensed Professional Engineer.
• Experience and interest in the following types of water infrastructure projects:
  • Dams
  • Hydropower Plants
  • Pump Stations
  • Hydroelectric Turbines, Generators, & Governors
  • Intakes
  • Penstocks
  • Gates and Valves
• Proficiency with modern CAD software.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Have a positive attitude and work well in a team environment.
• A strong work ethic and the desire to perform professionally at a high level.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• 12+ years of relevant work experience on hydropower, water infrastructure, and dam engineering projects.
• Experience with Mathcad, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or Revit.

Other Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Pay

The compensation range for this position is between $115,000 to $150,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors.