Hydropower Engineering Manager (Mechanical Design)

HDR•Sacramento, CA

About The Position

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Engineering Manager (Mechanical Design) to join our expanding Northern California team and help drive one of the nation’s most recognized hydropower programs. If you’re ready to lead complex modernization projects, inspire a talented multidisciplinary team, and influence marquee hydropower projects — this role is built for you. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. You’ll work side-by-side with experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future. 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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. As our Hydropower Engineering Manager (Mechanical), you will shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting and retention of our NorCal hydropower mechanical practice.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
A minimum of 10 years experience
Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
Strong communication and listening skills
Ability to handle multiple assignments
Good leadership and organizational skills
An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

Nice To Haves

Proficient and engaging in dynamic communication and collaboration.
Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering high‑quality mechanical engineering work.
Extensive hydropower engineering/design experience, ideally 10 or more years.
Technical depth in hydropower mechanical systems.
Active engagement in hydropower/hydroelectric‑focused industry organizations.
BS and /or MS Degree in Mechanical Engineering
Professional Engineering (PE) License in California
Project Management experience
A minimum of 15 years or more year experience
Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm
Demonstrated ability to directly supervise, develop and mentor multiple staff members
Strong history of client relationship development and maintenance, including managing multiple award contracts and supporting long-term strategic partnerships
Local candidates preferred for regional leadership continuity
Experience in succession planning and technical oversight for multidisciplinary teams

Responsibilities

Take responsibility for operations of production section including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support
Take responsibility for quality of production section including P&IDs, equipment sizing, detailed design, system calculations, technical reports, presentations to our Clients, and support construction support.
Provide technical oversite for performing feasibility studies and conceptual, design evaluations, pumped-storage concept studies, and supporting project cost estimates.
Function as Technical Leader and Project Manager and take responsibility for production on projects in addition to technical product development, quality control, management of Client expectations, and management responsibilities.
Take administrative responsibility for section staff and technical service functions, and lead and coordinate services with other sections
See that all work is planned, organized, controlled and evaluated through proactive project management system
Implement, monitor and support company policy
Select, train, develop and manage technical personnel.
Manage and develop multidiscipline teams
Work cooperatively with National Practice and marketing staff in local and national marketing and production efforts
Perform other duties as needed