Senior Structural Dam Engineer

Schnabel, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Maternity leave

Tuition reimbursement

ESOP

401(k) and profit-sharing

Paid time off

Wellness program

Professional development

Bonus program

Job summary

Schnabel, Inc. is seeking a Senior Structural Dam Engineer with 12+ years of experience to lead the evaluation, design, rehabilitation, and construction of concrete dams and related hydraulic structures in Texas.

You will serve as technical leader, grow client relationships, manage complex projects, and mentor staff across Schnabel's dam engineering practice. Texas PE preferred; ESOP and comprehensive benefits included.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from ABET‑accredited program.
• Texas PE license preferred; reciprocity considered.
• Minimum 10 years of dam/hydraulic structures experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural evaluations of dams and hydraulic structures.
• Manage complex dam projects from planning through construction.
• Develop client relationships with dam owners, utilities, and agencies.
• Mentor engineers and supervise staff.

Skills

Licensed Professional Engineer (TX)

Dam engineering expertise

Project management

Client management & business dev

Staff mentoring

Strong communication

Education

ABET-accredited Civil/Structural Engineering degree

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Structural modeling software

Job description

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit Options Include

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a relaxed atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then Schnabel Engineering may be a great fit for you! We approach problems with creativity and innovation balanced with tried-and-true engineering experience and industry knowledge.

Schnabel Engineering is seeking a Senior Structural Dam Engineer (>12-years experience) with expertise in the evaluation, design, rehabilitation, and construction of concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, intake structures, and related hydraulic structures. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader while helping grow client relationships and expand Schnabel's dam engineering practice throughout Texas.

Job Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership
  • Lead structural evaluations of dams and hydraulic structures.
  • Perform and oversee structural analysis and design for concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, gate structures, intake facilities, and appurtenant works.
  • Conduct gravity dam stability evaluations and rehabilitation studies.
  • Prepare and review engineering calculations, reports, plans, and specifications.
  • Provide engineering support during construction, including responding to contractor questions, reviewing submittals, and conducting site visits.
• Project Management
  • Manage complex dam engineering projects from planning through construction.
  • Develop scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and staffing plans.
  • Monitor project financial performance and resource utilization.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across Schnabel offices.
• Client Management & Business Development
  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships with dam owners, utilities, governmental agencies, and water resource organizations.
  • Support business development efforts through networking, conference participation, and strategic client engagement.
  • Lead and contribute to proposals, qualifications packages, and interviews.
  • Assist with negotiating professional services contracts.
• Staff Management
  • Mentor and supervise engineers and technical staff.
  • Support professional development and technical growth of junior staff.
  • Participate in recruiting and staff development initiatives.

Required Skills/Experience

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering or other related engineering discipline from an ABET‑accredited program. A Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas (preferred) or the ability to obtain reciprocity upon employment. Preference will also be given to candidates licensed in other states with a Structural Engineer (SE) designation.
• At least 10 years of relevant technical experience in inspection, evaluation, design and construction of dams and hydraulic structures. Texas experience is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of applicable state and federal dam safety design methodologies, policies and regulations. Texas experience is preferred.
• Experience with project management, client management, business development, and staff management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and well‑organized.
• A strong work ethic and the desire to perform professionally at a high level.
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Proficiency with common computer‑aided analyses and modeling programs applicable to structural engineering.
• Experience preparing and reviewing construction drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience with construction of concrete dams and hydraulic structures.

Other Requirements

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment drug screening.

The compensation range for an Associate level candidate is $140,000 to $160,000 with 12-15+ years of experience.

The compensation range for a Senior Associate level candidate is $160,000 to $175,000 with 15-20+ years of experience.

Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.