Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) Engineer

Zephyr U A S Inc; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Sick Time

Job summary

Zephyr U A S Inc is seeking a Hydrologic and Hydraulic Engineer to lead drainage design and water resources engineering for complex rail projects in California.

Responsibilities include conducting hydrologic analyses, designing stormwater systems, and preparing technical reports. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of H&H experience, preferably in Class I railroads, and a Bachelor’s in civil or environmental engineering.

The compensation ranges from $140,000 to $200,000 DOE with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and a retirement match.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of H&H experience in Class I railroads, commuter rail, or light rail.
• California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is highly preferred.
• Proficient in H&H modeling tools and railroad drainage standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses using specific tools.
• Design stormwater systems and conduct floodplain assessments.
• Prepare drainage reports and support QA/QC efforts.

Skills

H&H modeling

MicroStation

AutoCAD

California Engineer-in-Training (EIT)

FEMA guidelines

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering

Tools

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

HY-8

CivilStorm

Job description

About Zephyr Rail

Zephyr Rail is an engineering design and construction management firm based in Orange, CA. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in railroad design, construction management, and UAV solutions. We are proud to have earned the Zweig Group’s recognition as a "Best Firms to Work For" for three consecutive years, demonstrating our commitment to our team and our industry.

Job Summary

As a Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) Engineer, you will be key to our design team, leading drainage design, water resources engineering, and hydraulic modeling for complex rail projects, especially for Class I railroads, commuter rail, and transit authorities. You will create engineering solutions, prepare technical reports, support permitting, and collaborate across teams. Your duties include technical analyses, developing drainage solutions, producing detailed reports, designing stormwater systems, and ensuring project compliance with regulations.

Responsibilities

• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses using tools such as HEC-RAS (1D/2D), HEC-HMS, HY-8, and CivilStorm.
• Design stormwater systems, culverts, channel improvements, and erosion control measures for rail infrastructure.
• Conduct floodplain assessments and support FEMA submittals and USACE Section 404 permit applications.
• Prepare drainage reports, technical memoranda, and plan sets in coordination with project teams.
• Support QA/QC efforts and mentor junior staff as needed.
• Interface with clients, Class I railroads, public agencies, and municipalities.

Representative Projects at Zephyr Rail

• Hydraulic modeling and culvert design supporting LA Metro, Metrolink (SCRRA), CSX, UPRR, and BNSF corridor improvements.
• Floodplain mitigation for new rail bridge construction in FEMA-regulated areas.
• Stormwater management design for rail siding extensions, yard capacity improvements, and Quiet Zone projects.
• Drainage and hydraulic analysis for at-grade crossing upgrades.
• Emergency drainage assessments related to failed culverts, scour concerns, and storm damage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering (or a related field).
• Minimum of 5 years of H&H experience, with at least 7 years in Class I railroads (such as UPRR, BNSF, NS, and CSX), commuter rail, or light rail transit projects.
• California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is mandatory; California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is highly preferred.
• Proficiency with H&H modeling tools and familiarity with MicroStation and/or AutoCAD.
• Working knowledge of railroad drainage standards, FEMA guidelines, and relevant permitting processes.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base Salary - $140,000 - $200,000 DOE.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance – 100% employer-paid for employees; 50% for dependents.
• Retirement – 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Vacation.
• Paid Holidays.
• Paid Sick Time.

At Zephyr Rail, we're an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion.