Dam Computational Modeling Technical Lead

Computationaldesign; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a senior Structural Engineer in Denver to lead complex projects, perform linear and nonlinear finite element analyses, and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams. The role emphasizes design of buildings and hydraulic structures and ensuring compliance with codes.

A PE license and 10+ years of experience are required. The successful candidate will work within HDR’s Water Business Group, contributing to resilient infrastructure and advanced numerical modeling initiatives while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years structural engineering experience related to building design.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license recognized by the licensing board.
• Experience with AutoCAD, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar software.
• Ability to design and detail in steel, concrete, masonry and wood; gravity and lateral analysis.
• Experience with architectural/engineering firms and client collaboration.
• Commitment to HDR's employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Supervise or conduct structural analyses including linear and nonlinear FEA modeling, evaluations and designs.
• Lead design of new or rehabilitation of hydraulic structures where applicable.
• Coordinate structural design with multi-disciplinary teams and review design tasks for quality checks.
• Manage projects independently and mentor junior staff.
• Help expand HDR’s structural engineering services for federal, state, and utilities projects.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Seismic analysis

Finite element modeling

Programming (Python, Matlab)

Machine learning (education/experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

SAP2000

ANSYS

Abaqus

LS-Dyna

ADINA

HyperMesh

RAM

ETABS

SAFE

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you’re modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Office

Supervise or conduct structural analyses including linear and nonlinear FEA modeling, evaluations and designs; develop design options or recommendations Lead, assist with, or provide oversight for preparation of contract documents including drawings, specifications, design documentation and criteria, and cost estimates. Lead design of various new and/or rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, including dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, cofferdams, floodwalls, water conveyance structures, foundations Perform engineering assignments that may require critical thinking and creativity to address unique structural elements that have limited or no specific code-based guidance Coordinate structural design with multi-disciplinary teams Work independently as project manager and provide oversight and mentorship of project and junior staff. This role may include leadership and expansion of HDR’s structural engineering services including client and strategic project development with Federal and State government agencies, water agencies and utilities, and power utilities. Review tasks undertaken by others in the group such that each design receives a complete check of design assumptions, calculations, criteria, load cases, code review and compliance with design standards.

Field

Perform inspections and structural assessments of existing structures and structures under construction Prepare inspection and design documentation including critical reports Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

Must possess strong interpersonal, speaking, and writing skills and an attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must Demonstrable experience with leading structural design projects, including analysis, reporting, and drawing production Demonstrated knowledge of structural, seismic, inspection, remediation, and construction Strong background in finite element modeling and knowledge of computer-based design tools (such as SAP2000, ANSYS, Abaqus, LS-Dyna, ADINA or equivalent. Meshing software such as Altair Hypermesh or equivalent). Use of commercially available programs that can be used for advanced analysis such as dynamic response spectrum or seismic time history analysis. Experience with programming in Python, Matlab or other. Experience with machine learning. SE a plus PhD a plus Future Serve as HDR’s national technical leader for advanced numerical modeling of dams and hydraulic structures, supporting design, dam safety evaluation, rehabilitation planning, risk- and resilience-informed design, design optimization, data- and AI-enabled safety assessment, quality management, and strategic growth. The role bridges high-end computational mechanics, consulting practice needs, and owner-facing implementation across feasibility studies, final design, issue evaluations, risk assessments, and applied research initiatives.

#LI-MV3

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering A minimum of 10 years structural engineering experience as it relates to building design Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license. Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar analytical software Experience in design calculations and layouts Ability to design and detail in steel, concrete, masonry and wood Requires understanding of gravity analysis and lateral analysis Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ , People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

• Asian Pacific
• Black
• Hispanic/Latino(a)
• LGBTQ
• People with Disabilities
• Veterans
• Women
• Young Professionals