Dam Safety Engineer​/Subject Matter Expert

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and we continuously ask ourselves what impact we have on the world. Watch our story:  Each role in our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better.

HDR is looking for Professional Engineers in Civil, Hydraulics/Hydrology, Structural, Geotechnical, Geological, and Mechanical disciplines to join our thriving Hydropower Practice across the country. The role involves providing mechanical, electrical, structural, geotechnical, and site civil engineering expertise to hydropower owners in the U.S. and Canada, with opportunities to work on innovative hydropower, pumped‑storage, and dam‑safety projects. Hybrid or flexible work locations are available.

• Support inspections and engineering assessments of existing dams and water‑retaining structures.
• Conduct analyses, evaluations, and designs; develop design options or recommendations with supporting calculations.
• Prepare contract documents—including drawings, specifications, design documentation and criteria, and cost estimates—with critical reports for new or rehabilitated hydraulic structures such as dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, flood walls, water conveyance structures, foundations, etc.
• Perform engineering assignments requiring critical thinking and creativity to address unique elements with limited or no code‑based guidance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on hydropower, pumped‑storage, and dam‑safety engineering projects.
• Serve as project engineer, providing oversight, checking, QA/QC and mentorship of staff as needed.
• Participate in risk assessments for dams and hydraulic structures.
• Travel as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Geological, or Geotechnical engineering (or a related engineering field).
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in Geotechnical, Geological, Civil/Structural, Hydrology & Hydraulics, or Mechanical engineering, or in life‑safety and economic consequence estimation.
• Experience with dams, water conveyances, or other constructed works and infrastructure related to hydropower and pumped‑storage projects governed by FERC or other agencies.
• Experience working in a multi‑discipline environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, AutoCAD and/or Micro Station.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑motivated, capable of working independently and collaboratively to complete tasks.
• Commitment to quality, teamwork, innovative problem solving, communication, relationship management and the employee‑ownership culture.
• Ability to travel for inspections, meetings or other requirements.
• Specific hydropower experience, e.g., FERC dam‑safety regulatory process (preparing DSSMPs, DSSMRs, STIDs), Part 12D inspections, design experience with dams, penstocks, intakes, powerhouses, or retaining structures, and FERC SQRA facilitation training.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• 7 years of related experience.
• A minimum of 2 years of project‑management experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• MS Office and MS Project experience (Access experience a plus).
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Commitment to active participation in our employee‑owned culture.

HDR is employee‑owned; we build on diverse life experiences and perspectives to create a collaborative culture that fosters trust and connects us to clients and communities. We support belonging through eight Employee Network Groups and a commitment to an inclusive environment where every employee is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered.