Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager

Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager

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. We believe electricity powers modern life. 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 these 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.

HDR is seeking a Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager to join our expanding Northern California team and help drive one of the nation's most recognized hydropower programs. In 2025 ENR ranked HDR #2 in Hydropower among the top firms delivering services for hydropower owners and operators — and we keep growing to meet our Client's needs. If you're ready to lead complex modernization projects, inspire a talented multidisciplinary team, and influence hydropower across California, the Southwest, and the nation — this role is built for you. As our Hydropower Electrical Engineering Section Manager, you will shape the strategy, growth, technical excellence, recruiting and retention of our NorCal hydropower electrical practice. Responsibilities include:

• Lead a High Performing Electrical Team
• Hire, grow, mentor, and develop technical staff across experience levels. This includes responsibility for operations of production and oversight of electrical section.
• Champion quality control, technical excellence, and exceptional delivery.
• Facilitate Career development and personal growth amongst team members.
• Own Electrical Project Leadership
• 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 start up.
• Drive Collaboration Across Power & Hydropower
• Coordinate closely with mechanical, structural, civil, and controls teams. Partner with Power sector and National Hydropower Practice leaders to support local and national initiatives.
• Engage Directly with Clients & Business Development
• Build relationships with key hydropower owners/operators across utility clients, federal agencies and/or water authorities. Support proposals, interviews, and strategic pursuits throughout CA and across the region. Partner with the Power Business Development and Client Management teams.
• Work in partnership with the National Hydropower Practice and overall Power Sector: Support local and national marketing and production efforts.
• Perform other duties as needed: Support project goals and HDR business activities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Licensed Professional Engineer.
• Proficient and engaging in dynamic communication and collaboration.
• Consulting experience supporting client relationships and delivering high-quality electrical engineering work.
• Extensive hydropower industry experience, ideally 10–20+ years.
• Technical depth in hydropower electrical systems — 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.

Required Qualifications:

• 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

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees. We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. The expected compensation range for this position is $134,442.00 - $218,250.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.