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, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work, we constantly ask ourselves:
What is our impact on the world?

HDR is looking for Professional Engineers for various disciplines across the country to join our thriving and growing Hydropower Practice. We are an industry leader in hydropower and dam safety, practicing FERC Part 12 and performing comprehensive assessments and periodic inspections. We seek experts in Civil, Hydraulics/Hydrology, Structural, Geotechnical, Geological, and Mechanical engineering.

• 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, criteria, and cost estimates, as well as critical reports for new and rehabilitation projects involving hydraulic structures such as dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, flood walls, water conveyance structures, and foundations.
• Perform engineering assignments that require critical thinking and creativity to address unique elements lacking specific code‑based guidance.
• Collaborate with multi‑disciplinary teams on a variety of hydropower, pumped‑storage, and dam safety engineering projects.
• Work independently as project engineer, provide 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 degree).
• Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in one of the following disciplines:
  Geotechnical, Geological, Civil/Structural, Hydrology & Hydraulics, Mechanical engineering, or life safety and economic consequence estimation.
• Experience with dams, water conveyances or other constructed project works and infrastructure associated with hydropower and pumped‑storage projects regulated by FERC or other agencies.
• Experience working in a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, Excel, and Word, AutoCAD and/or Micro Station.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self‑motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of tasks.
• Commitment to quality, teamwork, innovative problem solving, communication, relationship management, and the culture integral to our employee‑ownership model.
• Ability to travel as needed for inspections, meetings, or other requirements.
• Experience specific to the hydropower industry, including:
• FERC dam safety regulatory process, including preparation of DSSMPs, DSSMRs, STIDs, and participation in Part 12D inspections.
• FERC dam safety assessment, analysis, and design experience.
• Hydropower design experience related to dams, penstocks, intakes, powerhouses, and/or retaining structures.
• FERC SQRA facilitation training and experience.

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

HDR provides a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short‑ and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.