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KGS Group is an employee-owned, multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm serving clients across North America. We’re not a traditional engineering company—we build lasting relationships and deliver exceptional work by putting our people and clients first. Our commitment to “KGS Quality” means we look closer, dig deeper, and never take the easy way out. Every project matters, and we care enough to do it right. Explore some of our standout projects and accomplishments.

As an employee-owned firm, we are fully invested in both our work and our team. Joining KGS means contributing to some of the most meaningful and technically exciting projects along the West Coast, while gaining access to diverse expertise and countless opportunities for growth.

We are all about hydro - our long-standing clients operate in the hydropower and water management sectors, and as we expand our U.S. presence, we are growing our team with talented professionals.

KGS International offers the opportunity to help build something meaningful in the hydropower industry. Employees have a real voice and play an active role in shaping the company’s direction and culture. The team shares a strong passion for clean energy and sustainable hydropower, creating a mission-driven environment where work truly matters.

The company is building a supportive, value-driven workplace from the ground up, one that encourages innovation, personal growth, and collaboration. Team members develop long-lasting co-worker and client relationships based on trust and results, and they solve complex challenges through creative thinking and partnerships with top industry solution providers.

Be part of a company where your work makes an impact—and where you’re empowered to grow your career. Explore the latest KGS news, insights, events, awards, and more. News & Insights

They Value and Appreciate their Employees

Why You’ll Love Working at KGS Group

KGS Group is a people-focused engineering firm built on a strong 40-year legacy in water and hydropower. Employees are valued through a culture where their voice matters; collaboration is encouraged, and individuals can make a meaningful impact on the work they do.

The company combines a deep passion for hydropower with a workplace culture rooted in strong values, long-term vision, and lasting client relationships. Many team members, including the original owners, have been with KGS for over 20 years, creating stability, mentorship, and continuity.

Employees also benefit from access to globally respected subject matter experts with 20+ years of hydropower experience, offering mentorship and deep technical knowledge. With its collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit, KGS is ideal for people who want to contribute, make an impact, and be part of something bigger.

The firm embraces a collaborative and entrepreneurial environment where innovation is encouraged. Unlike larger risk-averse firms, KGS takes on complex, “first of its kind” projects and partners directly with trusted vendors and general contractors. Examples include designing a 600-ton gantry crane and teaming with specialized instrumentation partners on cutting-edge work such as placing strain gauges on a pump turbine with 1,000 feet of head—instrumentation at pressures never previously attempted.

Employees at KGS get to work on “cool” and technically challenging projects that competitors often avoid. They’re not just assigned tasks—they help shape the work they do, have real influence, and see the impact of their contributions.

A Culture of Fun, Community, and Appreciation, there’s always something to look forward to here. With monthly social events like February Fitness Month, Pi Day, Volunteer Month, festive holiday celebrations, potlucks, and Employee Appreciation Day, our teams enjoy engaging, meaningful opportunities to connect and recharge all year long.

Flexibility That Supports Real Life. We know that every employee’s needs are unique. While we generally follow a “more in than out” hybrid approach—typically 3 days in the office and 2 days from home—we also understand that life happens. That’s why we make exceptions where possible and offer flexibility whenever we can to support our people both professionally and personally.

KGS Group provides a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-being, including:

• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Company-paid life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential personal and professional support

Your Role with KGS Group

You will play a key role in delivering engineering solutions for both small and large‑scale hydro and dam projects. In this leadership-focused position, you will guide technical teams, mentor junior engineers, and coordinate the development and delivery of high-quality engineering work products across multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders. You will contribute to strengthening our broader engineering capabilities, with a particular emphasis on advancing our hydropower practice and supporting strategic business growth initiatives.

In this role, you will support project management activities, collaborate with internal and external clients, and lead teams performing technical work on turbines, generators, ancillary equipment, and other balance of plant systems, including gates, hoists, cranes, pumping systems, and lubrication systems at hydroelectric facilities. You will oversee feasibility studies, detailed engineering design, construction documentation, and conduct site visits and inspections. This position offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative environment of engineers, technologists, scientists, and industry experts while engaging directly with clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design modifications to, or entirely new, mechanical systems related to dams, control structures, water retaining structures, and hydroelectric generating stations.
• Execute multiple projects from the proposal stage through to completion. Projects will include a variety of small to large projects involving water resources, flood control, and hydroelectric sectors.
• Conduct site investigations, condition assessments, and provide design and construction support.
• Mechanical engineering design and refurbishment of cranes, hoists, hydroelectric turbines, generators, and other balance of plant systems.
• Conduct feasibility studies for proposed designs and assess costs and benefits for alternatives in a systematic and thorough manner.
• Preparation and review of reports.
• Work collaboratively with other disciplines to execute project deliverables, as well as ensure that quality objectives, schedules, and budgets are met.
• Edit and prepare design specifications.
• Contribute to the development of the hydro-mechanical practice at KGS by assisting the US mechanical design lead by documenting technical knowledge, improving internal production processes, coordinating and developing internal training content, and other tasks.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Community Information

The successful candidate may work from any of our three West Coast offices: Bellevue, WA; Corvallis, OR; or Granite Bay, CA—with direct supervision based in Corvallis, OR. Each location offers a unique set of lifestyle benefits and community strengths, making them exceptional places to live and work.

Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue is a vibrant, fast-growing city known for its thriving tech sector, beautiful outdoor spaces, upscale amenities, and exceptional quality of life. Consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S., Bellevue combines urban sophistication with easy access to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about the City of Bellevue.

Corvallis, Oregon
Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Corvallis offers a blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. It is home to Oregon State University and is known for its sustainability values, recreation opportunities, and high livability.
Learn more about the City of Corvallis.

Sacramento (Granite Bay), California
Sacramento, the capital city of California, is a vibrant metropolitan hub known for its rich history, diverse culture, and strategic location within Northern California. Situated at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers, the city blends historic charm with modern development, offering a unique mix of government, agriculture, innovation, and community life.

As the center of California’s government, Sacramento is home to the State Capitol, numerous public agencies, and a growing network of private‑sector organizations supporting policy, technology, health care, and education. The region’s economy is anchored in government operations but continues to expand into clean energy, food and agricultural innovation, and professional services.

Sacramento’s neighborhoods feature tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and a thriving arts scene. Its location provides easy access to major Northern California destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Lake Tahoe, Napa Valley, and Yosemite. With a warm Mediterranean climate, diverse population, and growing cultural footprint, Sacramento continues to emerge as one of California’s most dynamic and livable cities. Learn more about the City of Sacramento.

The office is located near Sacramento in Granite Bay, an upscale, scenic community along the shores of Folsom Lake, offering a serene residential environment with abundant outdoor recreation, top-rated schools, and proximity to the Sacramento metropolitan area. Known for its high quality of life, lush landscapes, and family-friendly environment, it is one of Placer County’s most desirable places to live. Learn more about the City of Granite Bay.

Background Profile

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering
• Mechanical engineering expertise in hydroelectric power projects
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) registration in Washington, Oregon, or California, candidates not currently licensed must be able to obtain P.E. licensure within one year of hire in WA, OR or CA.
• Expertise performing site investigations, condition assessments, engineering design, and construction support

Please contact me to find out more about this position!

Contact: Jennifer Powers
Phone or Text: (916) 304-6661
Email: jennifer@jpowersinc.com

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