Bridge Hydraulics Research Lead & Lab Manager

Genex Systems; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

FSA

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Genex Systems in McLean, VA, is seeking a Senior Hydraulic Research Engineer and Laboratory Manager to lead the J. Sterling Jones Hydraulics Research Laboratory. You will direct lab research on bridge scour, hydraulics, and erosion, while managing multiple R&D projects on tight schedules and budgets.

You will publish results, brief FHWA and state DOTs, and supervise engineers, technicians, and support staff. A strong emphasis on safety, field support, and continuous improvement is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in civil, hydraulic, geotechnical, or environmental engineering
• 5+ years leading a research lab, test facility, or research program in the hydraulic engineering field
• Expertise in bridge scour, including FHWA's HEC-18 (Evaluating Scour at Bridges)
• Proficiency in scheduling, project planning, and optimizing multi-use testing environments
• Hands-on experience designing and running physical experiments and the instruments that go with them
• Working knowledge of OSHA standards, industrial hygiene, and research laboratory safety planning
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, demonstrated by a record of writing, editing, and reviewing technical publications and research reports
• Experience presenting technical results to agency sponsors or practicing engineers

Responsibilities

• Lead the research on bridge hydraulics, scour, culverts, and erosion of cohesive soils; translate results into design guidance.
• Oversee the scope, schedule, budget, and milestones for multiple R&D projects.
• Publish and present technical reports and papers; brief FHWA program leaders and support state DOTs and consultants.
• Schedule flumes, equipment, space, and contracted staff; manage logistics and data workflows.
• Maintain and calibrate flumes, pumps, sensors, and instruments; manage records and inventory.
• Own and enforce lab safety; update safety plans and conduct hazard assessments.
• Plan and support field demonstrations with state DOTs and coordinate with vendors.
• Lead and mentor Genex engineers, technicians, and staff on site; build team skills.

Skills

Lab leadership

Bridge hydraulics

Project management

Technical writing

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in civil/hydraulic/environmental engineering

PhD in engineering

Job description

Genex Systems in McLean, VA, is seeking a Senior Hydraulic Research Engineer and Laboratory Manager to lead the J. Sterling Jones Hydraulics Research Laboratory. You will direct lab research on bridge scour, hydraulics, and erosion, while managing multiple R&D projects on tight schedules and budgets.

You will publish results, brief FHWA and state DOTs, and supervise engineers, technicians, and support staff. A strong emphasis on safety, field support, and continuous improvement is required.