Floodplain and Dam Engineer - Technical Lead

System One; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

System One is seeking a Floodplain and Dam Engineer - Technical Lead to guide floodplain and dam projects in Chantilly, VA. You will lead H&H modeling, manage client relationships, and ensure high-quality regulatory submittals across FEMA and state programs.

Ideal candidates bring 10+ years in water resources, PE licensure (VA preferred), and strong GIS and computational modeling skills. This role emphasizes leadership, communication, and careful project oversight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• PE license (VA required; multi-state preferred).
• 10+ years of water resources experience, focusing on floodplain and dam modeling.
• Strong experience with HEC-RAS (2D) and HEC-HMS.
• Proficiency in ArcMap or similar GIS platforms.
• Demonstrated project management and client relationship skills.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail and quality control capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage floodplain and dam modeling projects with H&H models.
• Analyze, calibrate, and troubleshoot hydraulic models for accuracy.
• Prepare floodplain study and permit packages for local and FEMA areas.
• Conduct dam breach studies, hazard analyses, and rehabilitation support.
• Develop and review technical reports, floodplain maps, and EAPs.
• Design floodplain crossings for vehicles and pedestrians.
• Coordinate with regulators to secure permits across multiple projects.
• Mentor junior engineers and support staff.
• Communicate with internal teams and clients to support contracts.
• Perform site visits for floodplain and dam inspections.

Skills

Water Resources Engineering

Floodplain Modeling

Dam Modeling

Project Management

Client Relations

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

HEC-RAS (2D)

HEC-HMS

ArcGIS / ArcMap

Job description

Job Title: Floodplain and Dam Engineer - Technical Lead

Location: Chantilly, VA

Overview

The Floodplain and Dam Engineer - Technical Lead involves work on floodplain modeling, floodplain permitting, floodplain crossing design, dam modeling, and dam permitting. The position supports hydrology and hydraulic (H&H) modeling across a variety of regional projects. Floodplain work includes both local and FEMA-regulated areas, while dam-related efforts focus on state-regulated dams in Virginia and Maryland.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage floodplain and dam modeling projects, including development of H&H models using topographic, GIS, and as-built data
• Analyze, calibrate, and troubleshoot hydraulic models to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Prepare floodplain study, alteration, CLOMR, and LOMR permit packages for local and FEMA-regulated areas
• Conduct dam breach inundation studies, hazard assessments, and failure analyses, supporting dam rehabilitation and alteration design
• Develop and review technical reports, floodplain mapping, and emergency action plans
• Design floodplain crossings for vehicular and pedestrian access
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies to secure permits and approvals, managing multiple projects and deadlines
• Mentor and support junior engineers and technical staff
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external clients, supporting contract management activities
• Perform site visits for floodplain and dam inspections, ensuring adherence to standards and regulatory requirements

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in water resources engineering, including floodplain and dam modeling
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field
• Professional Engineer (PE) license (VA required; multi-state preferred)
• Strong experience with HEC-RAS (including 2D modeling) and HEC-HMS tools
• Proficiency in ArcMap or similar GIS platforms
• Demonstrated project management and client relationship skills
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills
• Strong attention to detail and quality control capabilities

System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.

System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.