Chief Dam Safety Engineer

Webuildidaho; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) and matching

Generous PTO

Wellness reimbursement

Job summary

McMillen, Inc. is seeking a Chief Dam Safety Engineer in Sacramento, California. The role requires a licensed Professional Engineer with 12+ years of experience in dam safety evaluations and engineering design. You will manage projects, conduct inspections, and collaborate with clients and regulators.

The position offers a compensation range of $120,000 to $180,000 along with full benefits including 401(k) matching, paid holidays, and generous PTO. Join a team dedicated to shaping the future of water resources.

Qualifications

• Licensed Professional Engineer in Washington, Oregon or California.
• 12+ years of engineering consulting experience.
• Experience with FERC Part 12 and dam engineering design.

Responsibilities

• Perform dam safety work and lead inspections.
• Oversee evaluations of dams, embankments, and levees.
• Write reports and manage project deliverables.

Skills

Client relationship management

Regulatory experience

Dam safety evaluations

Engineering design software

Proposal development

Education

BS in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering

MS in relevant field

Tools

AutoCAD

GeoStudio

AllPile

HEC-RAS

Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!

Chief Dam Safety Engineer

McMillen, Inc. is looking for a Chief Dam Safety Engineer to join our team. We are looking for a licensed Professional Engineer with a strong background in civil, structural, hydrological, and/or geotechnical engineering as it relates to dam safety evaluations and design. This position requires direct collaboration with clients and regulatory agencies, so we are looking for a professional with exceptional client relationships and regulatory experience. If you are passionate about dam safety and eager to contribute to impactful water resource projects, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform dam safety related work, including FERC Part 12D inspections and Chief Dam Safety Engineer (CDSE) services
• Oversee dam safety related hydrological, geotechnical, and structural evaluations of dams, embankments, dykes, and levees
• Write all types of dam safety reports including FERC required DSSMRs, ODSPs, EAPs, and STI documents
• Manage clients, projects, and deliverables.
• Provide dam safety training to and EAP tabletop exercises with clients
• Conduct meetings, present findings, provide guidance to clients, regulators, and/or boards.
• Lead or support remedial designs for earthfill embankment dams, concrete dams, and various other water-impounding structures
• Mentor junior staff on all aspects of dam safety
• Marketing of professional services, proposal writing, cost estimating, and project scheduling
• Assist in the selection and qualification of subcontractors (specifically for dam safety related activities)
• Coordinate the development of construction and engineering cost estimates for dam safety projects

Qualifications

• BS. required, in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering (MS preferred)
• Washington, Oregon or California PE License is required
• 12+ years of engineering consulting experience which includes FERC Part 12, dam safety evaluations, and dam engineering design and analysis
• Previously performed the role of FERC-approved Independent Consultant or CDSE or be eligible to be approved to perform this role.
• Significant knowledge of federal and state dam safety standards/guidelines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proposal development
• Knowledge of design software such as AutoCAD, GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, etc.), AllPile, Rocscience, and/or HEC-RAS etc.

Compensation Package

• Pay Range: $120,000 – 180,000 (DOE)
• Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

Who we are: McMillen, Inc. designs and builds solutions that shape the future of water resources. As an employee-owned firm, we take pride in every project because we know our work truly matters. Our people thrive on solving complex challenges, pushing boundaries, and refining their craft. We don’t look for the complacent or the comfortable. We seek problem solvers, innovators, and experts who are always striving to be better. We support continuous learning, cutting-edge technology, and a balanced work-life environment so our employees can build careers they’re proud of.

We are focused in the dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure markets. With staff across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond, we bring global best practices to our clients. Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical, results-driven outcomes. From concept to completion, projects are guided through feasibility studies, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring technical precision and real-world functionality.

McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.