Senior Hydraulic Structures Engineer — Dams & Levees Leader

HDR, Inc.; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The ideal candidate holds a PE license, has 10+ years of structural engineering experience, and is proficient with CAD, ETABS, RAM and SAFE for complex analysis. HDR offers ownership culture and opportunities across water projects.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering is preferred.
• Strong background in finite element modeling and knowledge of computer-based design tools (CAD, SAP2000, LPILE) and advanced analysis.
• PE license and 10+ years of structural engineering experience required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct structural analyses, evaluations and designs; develop design options or recommendations.
• Prepare contract documents including drawings, specifications, design documentation and criteria, and cost estimates.
• Lead design of hydraulic structures including dams, spillways, gates, and water conveyance structures.
• Coordinate structural design with multi-disciplinary teams and reviews by others.
• Provide project engineer oversight and mentorship of staff; engage with federal/state agencies and utilities as needed.
• Review design assumptions, calculations and compliance with standards.
• Perform inspections and structural assessments of existing structures.

Skills

Finite element modeling

Seismic analysis

Education

Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

CAD

SAP2000

LPILE

RAM

ETABS

SAFE

Job description

Senior Structural Engineer (Hydraulic Structure Design) - ( 195624 )

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 work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the 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 that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

Are you looking for an opportunity with an industry-leading company? Do you thrive in a work environment with collaborative colleagues who do amazing work for clients who trust them to push open the doors to what’s possible? That’s what you’ll find at HDR!

We’re an employee-owned company with more than 100-years of making great things possible, together with our clients. Sure, we have hundreds of industry awards to prove it, but our pride is in our people. Smart, hardworking team members who take their employee ownership seriously and will have your back at every turn. Their expertise will inspire you to be your best and develop new and better solutions.

We invite you to build your Water career at HDR. Our global team is looking for success-oriented Hydraulic Structures Engineers to work in a number of locations on a wide variety of projects in the Dams, Levees, and Civil Works world.

If you want to work for a company like HDR and you’re motivated to deliver quality project work on-time and on-budget for major clients, we want you on our team.

The primary duties of the role are to:

• Conduct structural analyses, evaluations and designs; develop design options or recommendations
• Preparation of contract documents including drawings, specifications, design documentation and criteria, and cost estimates including critical reports.
• Lead design of various new and/or rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, including dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, cofferdams, floodwalls, water conveyance structures, foundations
• Perform engineering assignments that may require critical thinking and creativity to address unique structural elements that have limited or no specific code based guidance
• Coordinate structural design with multi-disciplinary teams
• Work independently as project engineer and provide oversight and mentorship of project and junior staff if required. This role may include leadership and expansion of HDR’s structural engineering services including client and strategic project development with Federal and State government agencies, water agencies and utilities, and power utilities
• Review tasks undertaken by others in the group such that each design receives a complete check of design assumptions, calculations, criteria, load cases, code review and compliance with design standards
• Perform inspections and structural assessments of existing structures and structures

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil or StructuralEngineering , Structural emphasis preferred
• Strong background in finite element modeling and knowledge of computer-based design tools (such as CAD, SAP2000, LPILE, or equivalent). Use of commercially available programs that can be used for advanced analysis such as dynamic response spectrum or seismic time history analysis

*LI-MO1

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
• A minimum of 10 years structural engineering experience as it relates to building design
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar analytical software
• Experience in design calculations and layouts
• Ability to design and detail in steel, concrete, masonry and wood
• Requires understanding of gravity analysis and lateral analysis
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
• 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.

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

Primary Location

: United States-California-Folsom

Other Locations

Industry

: Water

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

Employee Status

: Regular

BusinessClass : Dams Levees Civil Works

Job Posting

Job Posting

: Aug 25, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.