Hydropower Mechanical Engineer

HDR is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to join our Power and Hydropower team in Charlotte, NC. The team provides engineering consulting services to electric utilities and independent power producers across the U.S. This role will lead and support mechanical balance‑of‑plant upgrades, major mechanical equipment upgrades, and feasibility studies for new pumped‑storage hydropower projects. It involves collaboration with a multi‑discipline group of engineers and technicians to provide engineering and design services to power sector clients.

• Produce mechanical system designs including P&IDs, equipment sizing, detailed system layouts, and system calculations.
• Prepare equipment and design specifications.
• Perform equipment and contractor bid evaluations.
• Perform site inspections, including confined space entry when required.
• Provide field support during installation, testing, and start‑up.
• Perform feasibility studies and conceptual design evaluations.
• Support pumped storage concept studies, pre‑feasibility and feasibility studies.
• Prepare project cost estimates.
• Assist with client presentations and preparation of client proposals.
• Coordinate the work of Mechanical Engineers with the balance of a multi‑discipline team throughout the project’s development.
• Establish effective client relationships and participate in marketing, design and production meetings regarding mechanical systems.
• Serve as the mechanical lead on multiple simultaneous projects.
• Conduct schematic, design development and contract document work sessions at project sites in conjunction with the Project Manager and other discipline engineers.
• Coordinate workload to ensure documents are completed on schedule.
• Track the financial aspects of projects and adjust work efforts to keep work within the agreed‑upon budget and schedule.
• Participate with the Project Manager, Regional Controller and Regional Director in project reviews with corporate management as needed.
• Perform other duties as needed.

This position is subject to a preemployment drug test.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Previous experience as a Project Lead Engineer in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience with design and installation of mechanical system/component upgrades for existing hydroelectric generating stations.
• Experience with design, manufacture, testing and operation of hydroelectric generating station mechanical equipment (turbines, pump‑turbines, pumps, valves, compressors, and other components).
• Experience preparing feasibility studies for new pumped‑storage hydroelectric facilities.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, team coordination and project management experience.
• Experience with Navis Works, AutoCAD Plant 3D, Revit, and/or other 3D database‑driven design processes.
• Desire to lead teams as a Team Leader.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm supporting electrical power generation clients.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position (Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license).
• Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and standard Power Market Sector design software (e.g., PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Auto Pipe, and Revit).
• Commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.
• Local candidates preferred.

HDR is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrests, or convictions. HDR is committed to hiring based on qualifications and includes a culture of inclusion and diversity.