Principal Dam Engineer

AECOM; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 277,000; Full time

Job summary

AECOM is seeking a Principal Dam Engineer to lead dam and hydropower projects in Orange, CA. You will oversee design, analysis, and construction activities, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver compliant, safe infrastructure.

The role demands advanced geotechnical expertise, project management, and business development. Travel up to 15% and telecommuting 1–2 days per week are supported under a hybrid model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Mining, Geoscience, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• 10 years of experience as a Dam Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Geotechnical Team Lead, or a related occupation.
• Alternatively, a Master's degree in Geophysics, Mining, Geoscience, Civil Engineering, or a related field with 8 years of experience.
• Dam and hydropower design and construction experience.
• Dam safety reviews and codes and regulations experience.
• Engineering during construction, resident engineering, and QA/QC experience.
• Reviewing plans, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports for dams/hydropower.
• Providing project management support, including client management and contracts.
• Overseeing slope stability and seepage analyses for dams, spillways, and levees.
• Identifying new clients and opportunities with business development goals.

Responsibilities

• Review designs, specifications, and drawings for civil/geotechnical aspects of dams and hydropower projects.
• Develop resource plans, proposals, bid schedules, and cost estimates for dams and water infrastructure.
• Prepare written technical reports and regulatory evaluation memoranda.
• Conduct site visits and dam inspections; oversee data collection and evaluation.
• Lead field QA during construction to ensure compliance with plans.
• Coordinate with internal experts on business development and client management.
• Travel up to 15% domestically; telecommuting 1–2 days per week.

Job description

Company Description

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

Work with Us. Change the World.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of nearly 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM Technical Services, Inc. is seeking a Principal Dam Engineer in Orange, CA.

Job Responsibilities

• Review designs, technical specifications, and drawings for civil and geotechnical aspects of dams and hydropower projects, levees and flood control systems
• Develop resource plans, proposals, bid schedules, and cost estimates for dams and other water infrastructure projects
• Review and prepare written technical reports, and evaluation memoranda to satisfy regulatory requirements
• Conduct site visits and dam inspections, and oversee data collection, compilation, and evaluate data for dams and related structures
• Perform interdisciplinary technical reviews of plans and specifications for adequacy of technical approach, compliance with the best practices and the client needs, and constructability
• Provide oversight during construction activities, ensuring compliance with engineering plans and specifications
• Support the resolution of construction-related issues by evaluating challenges and assessing the effectiveness of proposed solutions
• Oversee field exploration/characterization and laboratory testing of soil and rock materials
• Oversee teams performing dam analysis and design including seismic stability, seepage and seismic analyses
• Oversee field exploration/characterization and laboratory testing of soil and/or rock materials
• Lead field quality assurance for dam and hydropower construction projects for compliance with plans and specifications, and review contractor submittals for conformance with contract plans and specifications and evaluate requests for information as part of engineering services during construction
• Coordinate with internal technical experts on business development initiatives and promote the company's expertise in dam and hydropower solutions to potential new clients, and support upper management with the development of business strategies for dams and hydropower projects
• Identify and pursue new clients/projects with business development goals
• Up to 15% domestic travel required
• Telecommuting permitted 1 - 2 days per week

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Mining, Geoscience, Civil Engineering, or a related field of study and 10 years of experience as a Dam Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Geotechnical Team Lead, or a related occupation.

Alternatively, the employer will accept a Master's degree in Geophysics, Mining, Geoscience, Civil Engineering, or a related field of study and 8 years of experience.

Position requires experience in the following:

• Dam and hydropower design and construction
• Dam safety reviews and codes and regulations
• Engineering during construction, resident engineering, and quality assurance and quality control
• Performing review of plans, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports for dams and hydropower projects
• Performing technical support to Dams Project Managers, including design, analysis, inspection, regulatory compliance activities associated with a variety of dams
• Conducting geo-hazard evaluations and technical reviews
• Providing project management support, including client management, contract management, planning and execution, and financial management
• Overseeing teams performing slope stability and seepage analyses and designing slope stabilization measures for dams, spillways, and levees
• Identifying and pursuing new clients and opportunities with existing clients with business development goals
• Supervising and training staff in geotechnical investigations, analyses, reporting, and construction observation

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously.

To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $149845 to $277214.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Work Location Model: Hybrid

Compensation: USD 149845 - USD 277214 - yearly