Dam Safety Engineer​/Subject Matter Expert

Dam Safety Engineer / Subject Matter Expert

HDR is seeking a professional engineer to join its Hydropower Practice across the United States. The role focuses on dam safety, environmental hydrology, and structural engineering, with support for FERC Part 12 assessments and periodic inspections.

• 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 cost estimates for new and rehabilitation projects of hydraulic structures such as dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, flood walls, water conveyance structures, foundations, etc.
• Perform engineering assignments that may require critical thinking and creativity to address unique elements lacking specific code‑based guidance.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on hydropower, pumped‑storage, and dam safety projects.
• Act independently as project engineer and provide oversight, checking, QA/QC, and mentorship as needed.
• Participate in risk assessments for dams and hydraulic structures.
• Travel as required for inspections, meetings, or other project needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Geological, or Geotechnical engineering (or related).
• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in Geotechnical, Geological, Civil/Structural, Hydrology and Hydraulics, Mechanical engineering, or life safety/economic consequence estimation.
• Experience with dams, water conveyances, or other hydropower and pumped‑storage projects regulated 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, able to work independently and with a team to completion of tasks.
• Commitment to quality, teamwork, innovative problem solving, and employee‑ownership culture.
• Ability to travel as needed for inspections, meetings, or other requirements.
• Specific hydropower industry experience, including: FERC dam safety regulatory process (DSSMPs, DSSMRs, STIDs), Part 12D dam safety inspections, dam safety assessment, analysis, and design, hydropower design relative to dams, penstocks, intakes, powerhouses, or retaining structures, and FERC SQRA facilitation training.

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

Primary:
Bellevue, Washington. Hybrid or flexible work locations available across the United States.

Dependent on skills, experience, education, and geographic location.

HDR offers comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, employee assistance, paid time off, parental leave, holidays, retirement savings with employer match, referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

HDR is an equal‑employment‑opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or age.