Senior Dam Safety Engineer/ FERC Independent Consultant

Position Overview

At HDR, our employee-owners are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every individual’s unique perspective is valued. We are a hydropower and dam safety industry leader seeking Senior Dam Safety Engineers and/or Qualifications: FERC approved Independent Consultants (IC) to join our thriving Hydropower Practice. In this role you will contribute to engineering assessments, design, and regulatory compliance for hydropower, pumped-storage, and dam safety projects across the country. Hybrid and flexible work locations are available.

Location: United States-Washington-Bellevue Schedule: Full-time

Key Responsibilities

• Perform inspections and engineering assessments for dams and hydraulic structures as required for FERC Comprehensive Assessments (CAs), Periodic Inspections (PIs), or other purposes.
• Conduct engineering analyses, evaluations, and designs; develop design options or recommendations for hydropower, pumped-storage, and related dam safety projects.
• Lead the design of new structures or rehabilitation projects including dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, and water conveyance systems.
• Apply critical thinking and creativity to address unique engineering challenges.
• Prepare contract documents including drawings, specifications, design documentation, and cost estimates.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams on various hydropower, pumped-storage, and dam safety engineering projects.
• Work independently as the project engineer while providing oversight, quality assurance, and mentorship when needed.
• Travel as required for inspections, meetings, and other project-related needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• At least 10 years of related experience
• Minimum of 5 years project management experience
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Proficiency in MS Office and MS Project (Access experience is a plus)
• Demonstrated leadership, business development, and strategic planning skills
• A commitment to actively participating in our employee-owned culture

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience
• Experience with dams, water conveyance systems, or other infrastructure associated with hydropower and pumped-storage projects regulated by FERC or other agencies
• Familiarity with FERC’s Part 12 Dam Safety Program, including Comprehensive Assessments (CAs), Periodic Inspections (PIs), and risk assessments
• Experience working in a multi-discipline environment
• Understanding of FERC regulatory processes including STIDs, PFMAs, CSIRs, and SQRAs
• Approved FERC Independent Consultant status or the ability to achieve it within 1-2 years
• Completion of the necessary training to serve as an IC or Facilitator for Comprehensive Assessments
• Experience in performing structural analyses of hydraulic structures using finite element software (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, SAP2000, STAAD, RISA)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and/or MicroStation along with strong written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a project team
• Willingness and ability to travel as necessary for project requirements
• A strong commitment to quality, teamwork, innovative problem solving, and effective communication

Benefits & Perks

• Salary: Washington: $114,713 - $198,375; California: $132,825 - $224,250; Colorado: $132,825 - $189,750; New York: $120,750 - $215,625; Ohio: $120,750 - $172,500; Connecticut: $132,825 - $189,750; Maryland: $126,788 - $181,125; Montana: $114,713 - $163,875; New Jersey: $149,247 - $231,750; Washington D.C.: $144,900 - $207,000; Minnesota: $126,788 - $198,375.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, an employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.
• Compensation: The final compensation is determined based on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.