Intern - Dams & Hydraulics Engineering

GFT; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

GFT in Greenwood Village, CO invites an Dams & Hydraulics Engineering Intern to gain hands-on experience on dam projects and water resources infrastructure. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support analyses, field work, and reporting, while learning industry standards and design criteria.

The internship runs mid-May to mid-August, with hourly compensation and potential for full-time opportunities.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in ABET-accredited undergraduate or graduate program in Civil or Mechanical Engineering.
• Demonstrated interest in dams, hydraulic structures, water resources, or infrastructure resilience.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite.

Responsibilities

• Support engineering analyses and design efforts for dams, levees, spillways and other hydraulic structures using computer software and hand calculations.
• Learn and apply engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and design criteria for dam projects.
• Participate in technical meetings, design discussions, and collaborative project teams.
• Assist with field investigations and site visits to evaluate existing conditions and support engineering assessments.
• Help prepare technical reports, memoranda, plans, specifications, and presentations for clients and regulatory agencies.
• Contribute to projects that improve infrastructure resilience and flood risk management.

Skills

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Communication

Problem solving

Education

ABET-accredited Civil/Mechanical Eng program

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

What You Will Do

Program Timeframe: Mid-May through mid-August

Join GFT, an award-winning architecture, engineering, and construction firm, as a Dams & Hydraulics Engineering Intern and gain real-world experience in a dynamic environment. Our inclusive environment will fuel your innovation and imagination while fostering a sense of belonging.

Joining the Dams & Hydraulics team at GFT means helping protect communities and critical infrastructure through the design, evaluation, and rehabilitation of dams, levees, spillways, and other hydraulic structures. Our engineers work on some of the nation's most important water infrastructure projects, applying innovative solutions to improve dam safety, enhance resilience, manage flood risks, and extend the service life of aging facilities.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in civil, structural, geotechnical, mechanical, and hydraulic engineering to solve complex challenges for dam owners across the country. From condition assessments and rehabilitation design to hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and risk-informed decision making, every project offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

During your internship, you will work alongside experienced engineers on real-world dam and hydraulic structure projects. You'll receive mentorship and hands‑on experience while contributing to meaningful engineering work that supports public safety and infrastructure resilience. You’ll collaborate with professionals across multiple disciplines, including structural, geotechnical, construction, mechanical, and hydrology and hydraulics. The majority of our interns convert to full‑time employees.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Support engineering analyses and design efforts for new dams, dam rehabilitation projects, levees, spillways, outlet works, and other hydraulic structures using computer software and hand calculations.
• Learn and apply engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and design criteria for dam projects.
• Participate in technical meetings, design discussions, and collaborative project teams.
• Assist with field investigations and site visits to evaluate existing conditions and support engineering assessments.
• Help prepare technical reports, technical memoranda, plans, specifications, and presentations for clients and regulatory agencies.
• Contribute to projects that improve infrastructure resilience, reduce flood risk, and support the safe performance of critical infrastructure.

Education | Experience:

• Enrolled in an ABET‑accredited undergraduate or graduate program in Civil or Mechanical Engineering.
• Demonstrated interest in dams, hydraulic structures, water resources, or infrastructure resilience through applied coursework, research, extracurricular activities, or previous internships.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong analytical, technical writing, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Desire to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to projects that have a direct impact on public safety and infrastructure reliability.

What We Prefer You Bring

• Familiarity with GIS applications, Civil 3D, HEC‑RAS, or HEC‑HMS.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $21.00 - $28.00 per hour. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location: Greenwood Village, CO

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Hourly

Application Deadline: 9/29/2026

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.