Structural Engineer - Hydro

Structural Engineer - Hydro

HDR is looking for a Structural Engineer to join our thriving and growing Hydropower Practice. HDR is a hydropower and dam safety industry leader. Our national Hydropower Practice engineering and regulatory team offers core services such as mechanical, electrical, structural, geotechnical, and site civil engineering expertise in addition to environmental scientists and regulatory specialists. Hydropower generation is recognized as a critical and renewable component of the US energy portfolio, and our team provides engineering consulting services to all types of hydropower owners located across the U.S. and Canada.

If you are looking for a vibrant work environment with career growth opportunities and the chance to work on innovative hydropower, pumped-storage, and dam safety projects, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Hybrid or flexible work locations will be considered.

We are seeking a Structural Engineer with the technical skills and desire to help support structural engineering design, repair and retrofit hydropower projects as part of our nationally recognized Hydropower Practice. Primary duties of the Structural Engineer include:

• 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.
• Preparation of contract documents including drawings, specifications, design documentation and criteria, and cost estimates including critical reports for various new and/or rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, including 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 that have limited or no specific code based guidance.
• Work with multi-disciplinary teams on a variety of hydropower, pumped-storage, and dam safety engineering projects.
• Work independently as project engineer and provide oversight, checking, QA/QC, and mentorship of staff as needed or if required.
• Participate in risk assessments for dams and hydraulic structures.
• Some travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with concrete dams, structural steel gates, and stability of concrete structures is desirable but not required.
• Previous experience with hydropower and dams is a plus.
• Ability to perform field inspections at operating power generation facilities or dams.
• Ability to independently direct the design of projects from proposal to completion.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of task.
• Experience working in a multi-discipline environment.
• Experience interacting with clients.
• An attitude and commitment to quality, teaming, innovative problem solving, communication, relationship management, and the culture that is integral to our employee ownership model.
• Ability to travel as needed for inspections, meetings or other requirements.
• Preference given to Local candidates.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Previous structural engineer experience
• Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Primary

Location:

United States-Maine-Portland Industry: Power

Schedule:

Full-time Employee Status:
Regular Business Class:
Hydropower Engineering Job Posting:
Mar 23, 2026 - At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.