Senior Dam Safety Engineer - FERC IC

McMillen Inc.; Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 165,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Stock ownership

Flexible hours

Job summary

McMillen, Inc. seeks a Senior Dam Safety Engineer to lead FERC IC projects across the United States. The role may be remote with flexible hours, collaborating directly with clients on federally-regulated hydroelectric projects.

Ideal candidates have a PE license, 15+ years of dam safety consulting experience, and strong project-management skills. The firm emphasizes employee ownership, ongoing learning, and a robust benefits program.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Civil/Structural/Geotechnical engineering is required; MS preferred.
• Active PE license in good standing required.
• 15+ years in engineering consulting with FERC Part 12D and dam safety.
• Experience as FERC Independent Consultant or CDSE desirable.
• Strong written and verbal communication; client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform dam safety work including FERC Part 12D inspections.
• Lead PFMA and L2RA workshops with clients and regulators.
• Oversee hydrological, geotechnical, and structural dam evaluations.
• Prepare dam safety reports and manage projects and clients.
• Mentor junior staff and assist in business development.

Skills

Leadership

Client relations

Project management

Dam safety knowledge

Education

B.S. in Civil/Structural/Geotechnical

PE License

MS preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

GeoStudio

AllPile

Rocscience

HEC-RAS

Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!

Senior Dam Safety Engineer - FERC IC

McMillen, Inc. is seeking a Senior Dam Safety Engineer - FERC IC to join our team in multiple locations across the United States. We are looking for a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with a strong background in civil, structural, hydrological, or geotechnical engineering as it relates to FERC dam safety evaluations. This position can be fully remote and the option for flexible working hours is available for the right candidate. This position requires direct collaboration with clients on federally-regulated hydroelectric projects. We are looking for a professional with exceptional client relationships, project management experience, and FERC regulatory experience. If you are passionate about dam safety and eager to contribute to impactful water resource projects, we encourage you to apply.

Who we are:

McMillen, Inc. designs and builds solutions that shape the future of water resources. As an employee-owned firm, we take pride in every project because we know our work truly matters. Our people thrive on solving complex challenges, pushing boundaries, and refining their craft. We don't look for the complacent or the comfortable. We seek problem solvers, innovators, and experts who are always striving to be better. We support continuous learning, cutting-edge technology, and a balanced work-life environment so our employees can build careers they're proud of.

We are focused in the dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure markets. Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical, results-driven outcomes. From concept to completion, projects are guided through feasibility studies, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring technical precision and real-world functionality.

Responsibilities:

• Perform dam safety related work, including FERC Part 12D inspections (both CAs and PIs) and Chief Dam Safety Engineer (CDSE) types dam safety services
• Lead or participate in Potential Failure Modes Analysis (PFMA) and Level 2 Risk Analysis (L2RA) workshops
• Oversee dam safety related hydrological, geotechnical, and structural evaluations of dams, embankments, dikes, and levees
• Prepare and review dam safety reports including DSSMRs, O&M Manuals, PSPs, ODSPs, EAPs, and STI documents
• Manage clients, projects, and deliverables.
• Provide dam safety training and lead EAP exercises (functional, tabletop, seminar, etc.) with clients
• Conduct meetings, present findings, provide guidance to clients, regulators, and/or boards.
• Lead or support remedial designs for earthfill embankment dams, concrete dams, and various other water-impounding structures
• Mentor junior staff on all aspects of dam safety
• Marketing of professional services, proposal writing, cost estimating, and project scheduling
• Assist in the selection and qualification of subcontractors (specifically for dam safety related activities)

Qualifications:

• B.S. required, in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering (MS preferred)
• Active PE License in good standing is required
• 15+ years of engineering consulting experience which includes FERC Part 12D, dam safety evaluations, and dam engineering design and analysis
• Previously performed the role of FERC-approved Independent Consultant or CDSE or be eligible to be approved to perform this role
• Previously performed the role of PMFA/L2RA Facilitator on a FERC-regulated Project or be eligible to be approved to perform this role.
• Significant knowledge of federal and state dam safety standards/guidelines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proposal development
• Knowledge of engineering design software such as AutoCAD, GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, etc.), AllPile, Rocscience, and/or HEC-RAS etc

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The inability to cope with a stressful work environment does not constitute a protected disability.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Must be able to travel with luggage and be able to transport materials and personal overnight supplies. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Compensation Package:

• Pay Range: 165,000 - 250,000 (DOE)
• Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

EEO:

McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.

No recruiters, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.