Hydrology and Hydraulics Section Lead

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Hydrology and Hydraulics Section Lead in the United States (Irvine, CA area) to guide hydrology/hydraulic design for civil projects and lead a team of engineers. You will drive flood modeling, reporting, and risk analysis while mentoring junior staff and coordinating with authorities for project approvals.

The role emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration across disciplines, and leadership within HDR’s Water Business Group.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 10 years experience.
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments.
• Good leadership and organizational skills.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydrologic and hydraulic design input for civil engineering projects.
• Undertake and/or review flood modeling and technical reporting.
• Apply advanced engineering techniques to address complex hydraulic challenges.
• Conduct flood risk analysis, floodplain management, and bridge-related flood assessments, including scour analysis.
• Mentor, coach, and provide direction to junior and mid-level engineers.
• Coordinate with statutory authorities and provide technical guidance for project approvals.
• Prepare design and analysis documentation suitable for client and agency approvals.
• Provide technical input to support integrated multidisciplinary design.
• Support project delivery in collaboration with Project Managers, including client and stakeholder liaison.
• Author reports that are technically sound, grammatically correct, and well organized.

Skills

Hydrology design

Flood modeling

Mentorship

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Hydrology and Hydraulics Section Lead - ( 194457 )

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?

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.

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our WaterBusiness 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.

In the role of Hydrology and Hydraulics Section Lead, we'll count on you to:

Technical:

• Lead hydrologic and hydraulic design input for civil engineering projects
• Undertake and/or review flood modeling and technical reporting.
• Apply advanced engineering techniques to address complex hydraulic challenges
• Conduct flood risk analysis, floodplain management, and bridge-related flood assessments, including scour analysis.
• Mentor, coach, and provide direction to junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical excellence
• Stay current with relevant government manuals, guidelines, legislation and best-practice sustainability and flood resiliency approaches
• Coordinate with statutory authorities and provide technical guidance for project approvals

Participate in the development and implementation of technology strategies within HDR’s engineering practice

Leadership and Project Collaboration:

• Prepare design and analysis documentation suitable for client and agency approvals
• Provide technical input to support integrated multidisciplinary design
• Support project delivery in collaboration with Project Managers, including client and stakeholder liaison.
• Author reports that are technically sound, grammatically correct, and well organized
• Use engineering judgment to determine the best course of action
• Manage your time and organization of multiple tasks/projects
• Communicate effectively with managers and team members
• Pursue efficiencies within your work and operations
• Mentor less experienced staff in performing and delegate appropriate tasks

Due to client contract requirements, US citizenship or Permanent Resident Status (Green card holder) is required.

#LI-JF1

Keywords: Hydrology and Hydraulic Section Lead, hydrology and hydraulics, H&H, f lood risk analysis, floodplain management, flood assessments, flood modeling, scour analysis

Preferred Qualifications

• 10 years civil engineering experience across the full spectrum of H&H Analysis
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering firm
• Preference given to local candidates

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 10 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• 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.

Primary Location

Other Locations

United States-California-Irvine

Industry

Water

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Dams Levees Civil Works