Deputy Technical Principal

Position Title

Deputy Technical Principal – Structures (Hydro Power & Dams)

Role Purpose

The Deputy Technical Principal (Structures) provides senior technical leadership in the planning, design, review, and delivery of structural works for hydro power and dam projects. The role supports the Technical Principal by ensuring technical excellence, safety, compliance, and innovation across complex water infrastructure projects, while mentoring engineers and contributing to business development and knowledge leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Design Excellence

• Act as a senior technical authority for structural engineering aspects of dams, hydro power schemes, spillways, intakes, powerhouses, tunnels, shafts, and associated civil structures.
• Lead and review the structural design of concrete and embankment dams, gravity structures, underground structures, foundations, and hydraulic structures.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant international and local codes, guidelines, and standards (e.g. ICOLD, ANCOLD, USACE, Eurocodes, ACI, BS, AS).
• Oversee design risk assessments, constructability reviews, and value engineering initiatives.
• Provide technical input on seismic design, flood loading, uplift, stability, and durability considerations.

Project Delivery & Governance

• Support or act as Design Manager / Technical Lead on major hydro and dam projects.
• Review and approve key technical deliverables, calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Interface with clients, independent reviewers, and regulatory authorities on technical matters.
• Manage technical scope, programme, quality, and risk related to structural components.
• Provide expert input during construction phases, including design clarifications, inspections, and non-conformance resolution.

Safety, Risk & Compliance

• Champion dam safety principles throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contribute to dam safety reviews, failure mode analysis, and risk-informed decision making.
• Support preparation of dam safety documentation, emergency action plans (technical inputs), and safety in design workshops.

People Development & Knowledge Sharing

• Mentor and coach structural engineers and technical leads.
• Review and guide the work of junior and mid-level engineers.
• Contribute to development of technical guidelines, tools, and best practices within the organisation.
• Promote a strong culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Business Development & Innovation

• Provide technical input to bids, tenders, and proposals for hydro power and dam projects.
• Assist in defining technical strategies, methodologies, and resource requirements for pursuits.
• Stay informed of emerging technologies, materials, digital engineering tools, and sustainability practices relevant to dams and hydro power.

Key Interfaces

• Technical Principal / Engineering Director
• Project Directors and Managers
• Multidisciplinary design teams (geotechnical, hydraulic, mechanical, electrical)
• Clients, owners, and operators
• Regulators and independent reviewers
• Construction teams and contractors

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master’s degree preferred).
• Chartered / Professional Engineer status or eligibility.
• Typically, 12–20+ years of experience in structural engineering, with significant experience in dams and hydro power projects.
• Demonstrated experience in leading complex structural designs for major water infrastructure projects.

Technical Skills & Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of dam engineering, hydro power structures, and hydraulic structures.
• Strong understanding of geotechnical-structural interaction and foundation design.
• Experience with seismic analysis and advanced structural analysis methods.
• Proficiency with relevant structural analysis and design software.
• Strong technical writing and review capabilities.