Senior Dam Safety Engineer

GEI Consultants; Cary, Atlanta, Dallas (NC, GA, TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Hybrid work schedules

GEI University (GEIU)

Tuition reimbursement

Profit sharing and 401(k)

Job summary

GEI Consultants is seeking experienced Senior Dam Safety Engineers to join our nationwide team. You will work on dam safety inspections, risk assessments, and design projects that protect communities and critical infrastructure.

This role requires a PE license, 10+ years of dam/hydropower experience, and strong project-management skills. We offer hybrid work locations and opportunities to influence practice growth across the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of relevant professional experience with dams, water conveyances, or hydropower infrastructure.
• PE license.
• Minimum 5 years of project management experience with leadership & business development.
• FERC Part 12 Dam Safety familiarity (CA, PI, risk assessment).
• Knowledge of FERC process: STIDs, PFMAs, CSIRs, SQRAs.
• Experience in a multidiscipline environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication; proficient in Word, Excel, MS Project, AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and inspection of dams and hydraulic structures.
• Perform risk assessments for hydropower and pumped-storage projects.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary teams across GEI to deliver high-profile projects.
• Support business development and client relationships in dam safety engineering.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Travel readiness

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

MS Project

Excel

Job description

GEI’s Dams and Hydropower practice is growing, and we are seeking experienced Senior Dam Safety Engineers and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)–approved Independent Consultants (ICs) to join our nationally recognized team. This is an opportunity to work with leaders in the field of dam engineering on high-profile inspections, risk assessments, and design projects that keep communities and critical infrastructure safe.

You will join a connected team of GEI dam safety professionals across the country, contributing to the design, analysis, and inspection of dams and hydraulic structures. Hybrid and flexible work locations are available, and you will help shape a practice that has completed dam projects in all 50 states and performed FERC Part 12D safety inspections since Order No. 122 (1981).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 10+ years of relevant professional experience with dams, water conveyances, or other constructed works and infrastructure associated with hydropower and pumped-storage projects regulated by FERC or other agencies.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Minimum of 5 years of project management experience, with demonstrated leadership, business development, and strategic-planning skills.
• Familiarity and experience with FERC’s Part 12 Dam Safety Program, with emphasis on CAs, PIs, and risk assessment.
• Knowledge of the FERC regulatory process, including STIDs, PFMAs, CSIRs, and SQRAs.
• Experience working in a multidiscipline environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, MS Project) and AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Self-motivated, able to work both independently and as part of a project team through completion.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to travel as required.

Desired Qualifications

• FERC-approved Independent Consultant, or the ability to demonstrate approval within 1–2 years.
• Completion of training necessary to serve as an IC or Facilitator for Comprehensive Assessments.
• Experience performing structural analyses of hydraulic structures using finite element software (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, SAP2000, STAAD, RISA, or similar).
• Knowledge and experience with hydroelectric dam reservoir operations.
• Civil and dam engineering design experience, including development of design drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and bidding assistance.
• A commitment to quality, teamwork, innovative problem-solving, communication, and relationship management — and to being an active participant in our employee-ownership culture.

We are GEI.

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here .

Employee-owned. Employee-focused.

As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career sitehere .

GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes

• Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
• Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
• Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
• GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
• Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
• Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
• Rewards and Recognition
• GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
• Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here )
• A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Functional Demands:

X

Sedentary

Light

Medium

Other

Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row)

Occasional

(0-35% of day)

Frequent

(33-66% of day)

(67-100% of day)

6-8 hours

Standing

0-1 hour

Walking

0-1 hour

Climbing

X

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)

Carrying objects

0-1 hour

Push/pull

X

Twisting

0-1 hour

0-1 hour

Reaching forward

0-1 hour

Reaching overhead

0-1 hour

X

3-5 hours

1-2 hours

Keyboard use/repetitive motion

6-8 hours

Taste or smell (taste=never)

0-1 hour

Talk or hear

6-8 hours

Accurate 20/40

Very Accurate 20/20

Not Applicable

Near Vision

X

Far Vision

X

Yes

No

Not Applicable

X

Sensory Requirements

Minimal

Moderate

Accurate

Not Applicable

Depth perception

X

Hearing

X

Reasonably Anticipated

Not Anticipated

X

Chemical

X

X

Extreme temperatures

X

Radiation

X

Uneven surfaces or elevations

X

X

Dust/particulate matter

X

Other (exposure risks):

X

8

10

12

Other work hours

GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans.