Hydropower Engineering Manager (Mechanical Design)

HDR•Sacramento, CA

65d

About The Position

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Engineering Manager (Mechanical Design) to lead and grow its Northern California hydropower mechanical practice. The role shapes the practice’s strategy, technical excellence, recruiting, and retention while supporting complex hydropower modernization and other projects. The manager is responsible for the operations and quality of a production section, including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control, and marketing support. Work may include P&IDs, equipment sizing, detailed design, system calculations, technical reports, client presentations, and construction support. The position provides technical oversight for feasibility studies, conceptual and design evaluations, pumped-storage concept studies, and project cost estimates. The role also functions as a technical leader and project manager, overseeing project production and technical product development, quality, client expectations, and management responsibilities. It includes administrative responsibility for staff and technical services, coordination with other sections, proactive project management, implementation of company policies, personnel selection and development, and leadership of multidisciplinary teams. The manager works with national practice and marketing staff on local and national marketing and production efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
At least 10 years of experience.
Professional registration, license, or certification may be required based on the role.
Strong communication and listening skills.
Ability to handle multiple assignments.
Good leadership and organizational skills.
Commitment to active participation in HDR’s employee-owned culture.

Nice To Haves

BS and/or MS degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Professional Engineer (PE) license in California.
Project management experience.
15 or more years of experience.
Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm.
Demonstrated ability to directly supervise, develop, and mentor multiple staff members.
Strong history of developing and maintaining client relationships, 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.
Extensive hydropower engineering/design experience, ideally 10 or more years.
Technical depth in hydropower mechanical systems.
Active engagement in hydropower/hydroelectric-focused industry organizations.
Proficiency and engagement in dynamic communication and collaboration.
Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering high-quality mechanical engineering work.

Responsibilities

Shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting, and retention of the Northern California hydropower mechanical practice.
Manage production-section operations, including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control, and marketing support.
Oversee production quality, including P&IDs, equipment sizing, detailed design, system calculations, technical reports, client presentations, and construction support.
Provide technical oversight for feasibility studies, conceptual and design evaluations, pumped-storage concept studies, and project cost estimates.
Serve as a technical leader and project manager, with responsibility for project production, technical product development, quality control, client expectations, and management responsibilities.
Administer section staff and technical service functions, and lead and coordinate services with other sections.
Ensure work is planned, organized, controlled, and evaluated through a proactive project management system.
Implement, monitor, and support company policy.
Select, train, develop, and manage technical personnel.
Manage and develop multidisciplinary teams.
Work with National Practice and marketing staff on local and national marketing and production efforts.
Perform other duties as needed.