Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical Design)

HDR•Sacramento, CA

About The Position

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Engineering Manager (Electrical Design) to lead and grow its Northern California hydropower electrical practice. The role shapes the practice’s strategy, technical excellence, recruiting, and retention, while overseeing production and the electrical section. The manager leads complex hydropower modernization work, supports marquee projects, and works with multidisciplinary teams and hydropower clients. The position may serve as Project Manager and/or Technical Lead for hydropower electrical projects. It oversees electrical design plans and specifications, equipment specifications, bid reviews, and site investigations, and supports installation, testing, commissioning, and startup activities. The manager partners with local and national Power and Hydropower leaders, business development and client management teams, and supports marketing, proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits across California and the region. HDR describes itself as an employee-owned company with a collaborative, inclusive culture. Its Employee Network Groups support belonging and employee engagement.

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

Proficiency in dynamic communication and collaboration.
Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering high-quality electrical engineering work.
Extensive hydropower engineering and design experience, ideally 10 or more years.
Technical depth in hydropower electrical systems, including generator protection and controls, excitation systems, governor controls, SCADA/DCS, station service, switchyard/substation equipment, relay settings/coordination, and arc-flash/grounding analysis.
Active engagement in electrical-focused industry organizations such as IEEE PES, IEEE Hydropower Working Groups, NHA Technical Committees, or CEATI Hydropower Electrical Task Forces.
Licensed Professional Engineer in the United States.

Responsibilities

Hire, grow, mentor, and develop technical staff across experience levels, including responsibility for production operations and oversight of the electrical section.
Champion quality control, technical excellence, and exceptional project delivery.
Facilitate team members’ career development and personal growth.
Serve as Project Manager and/or Technical Lead for hydropower electrical projects.
Oversee electrical design plans and specifications, equipment specifications, bid reviews, and site investigations.
Support field activities during installation, testing, commissioning, and startup.
Coordinate with mechanical, structural, civil, and controls teams.
Partner with Power sector and National Hydropower Practice leaders on local and national initiatives.
Build relationships with hydropower owners and operators, including utility clients, federal agencies, and/or water authorities.
Support proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits throughout California and the region.
Partner with Power Business Development and Client Management teams.
Support local and national marketing and production efforts.
Perform other duties as needed to support project goals and HDR business activities.