Principal Hydrotechnical Engineer

WSP USA; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 148,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work

Top 100 Employer in Canada

Job summary

WSP in British Columbia is seeking a Principal Hydrotechnical Engineer to provide technical leadership on water infrastructure projects across Western Canada. You will guide watershed, hydrologic, and hydraulic modelling, shaping resilient communities and protecting ecosystems.

You will mentor junior engineers, develop client relationships, and expand project opportunities while ensuring high‑quality delivery.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of hydrotechnical or water resources engineering consulting.
• Registered as a P.Eng. with EGBC, or eligible within six months.
• Proficiency in hydrologic and hydraulic modelling tools (HEC-RAS, MIKE, PCSWMM, GIS workflows).
• Strong client relationship management and business development experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydrotechnical design and analysis for complex water infrastructure projects.
• Deliver watershed, hydrologic, and hydraulic modelling to inform decisions.
• Grow WSP’s presence through client relationships and project opportunities.
• Provide senior technical guidance within multidisciplinary teams.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, promoting collaboration and excellence.
• Build trusted client and regulator relationships while ensuring high‑quality delivery.

Skills

15+ years hydrotechnical experience

Senior technical leadership

Business development

Education

Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, or related

Tools

HEC-RAS

MIKE

PCSWMM

GIS

Job description

What if you could redefine what’s possible? With us, you can.

With us, you can. You want Purpose. Growth. Opportunity . People who get it.

We are the home of ambitious, passionate, and innovative world shapers.

With an unmatched breadth and depth of engineering, advisory and science‑based expertise, our global minds unite to power local solutions.

We are pathfinders and impact makers.

We are Visioneers. We are WSP.

The Opportunity

Build the Future With Us — As a Principal Hydrotechnical Engineer, you will bring technical leadership to impactful projects shaping water systems and resilient communities across British Columbia. From watershed modelling to complex hydraulic analysis, your expertise will help protect ecosystems, infrastructure, and the people who rely on them.

Your Impact

• Lead hydrotechnical design and analysis for complex, climate‑resilient water infrastructure projects across Western Canada
• Deliver watershed, hydrologic, and hydraulic modelling that informs major municipal and provincial decisions
• Grow WSP’s presence through business development, strengthening client relationships, and expanding project opportunities
• Provide senior technical guidance on water resources assessments within multidisciplinary project teams
• Champion innovative tools and modelling approaches to enhance sustainability and project outcomes
• Collaborate across engineering, environmental, and planning disciplines to deliver integrated solutions
• Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and technical excellence
• Build trusted relationships with clients, regulators, and partners while ensuring high‑quality project delivery

The Skills That Set You Apart

• Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, or related discipline
• Registered as a P.Eng. with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC), or eligible within six months
• 15+ years of experience in hydrotechnical or water resources engineering consulting
• Strong technical expertise demonstrated through delivery of complex water infrastructure projects
• Proficiency in hydrologic and hydraulic modelling tools (e.g., HEC‑RAS, MIKE, PCSWMM, GIS‑based workflows)
• Experience in flood mitigation, river engineering, drainage systems, or watershed studies
• Proven success in business development and client relationship management
• Knowledge of BC regulatory frameworks, permitting processes, and hydrotechnical design practices

Why Choose WSP?

• We exist to shape communities to advance humanity. The brightest engineers, advisors and scientists from across the globe call WSP home.
• Proudly Canadian – we are a Top 100 Employer in Canada for 2026.
• A global community of brilliant minds – your next idea, mentor, or opportunity is always within reach.
• Limitless opportunities start here. Whether it’s across the country or around the globe, we help you tailor your role to match your ambition — because your growth drives ours.
• Flexible work, real balance – we recognize the importance of balance in our lives and encourage you to prioritize the balance in yours.

#WeAreWSP

Compensation

AB, BC, NT, NU, SK & YT: $147,500 – $195,400

MB & ON: $134,600 – $184,600

NB, NL, NS, PE & QC: $133,200 – $176,900

Disclosure:

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The wage range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

Make Your Mark with WSP

Ready to shape the future of water infrastructure and build more resilient communities? Join a team where your expertise drives meaningful impact.