Transportation Hydraulics Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Transportation Hydraulics Engineer to contribute to drainage engineering for transportation projects across Southern California. You will perform hydraulic models, stormwater design, and prepare technical reports while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role requires a civil/environmental/water resources background, a PE or effort to obtain within 12 months, and strong communication with clients. Local DOT relationships and leadership capabilities are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental, water resources or related fields
• Professional engineer license recognized by licensing board for location of position offered
• Minimum of 3 years licensed experience in stormwater and water resources
• Demonstrated design skills, communication skills and ability to collaborate with various teams
• Technical proficiency in hydrologic and hydraulic design and analyses, modelling, permitting, and preparing drainage reports
• Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, and/or OpenRoads Designer focused on storm system design
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Active participation in employee-owned culture

Responsibilities

• Provide project engineering with a focus on transportation projects and public transportation clients in Southern California
• Conduct hydraulic and hydrologic modeling
• Model stormwater collection systems and design
• Collect, assimilate, and present data in reports and memos
• Produce design calculations and technical reports
• Lead preparation of engineering plans for detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities
• Work independently and with teams on highway and railroad drainage design and plans production for Caltrans and municipal clients
• Perform drainage analysis and stormwater management design & permitting

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Staff management

Team collaboration

Hydraulic modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering/environmental/water resources

Master's degree in water resources or related discipline

Professional engineering license

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

MicroStation

OpenRoads Designer

Job description

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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our 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.

In the role of Transportation Hydraulics Engineer, we'll count on you to:

• The primary duties of the Drainage Engineer are to provide project engineering with a focus on transportation projects and public transportation clients throughout the Southern California Region.
• Anticipated work tasks may include:
  • Conduct hydraulic and hydrologic modeling
  • Conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design
  • Collect, assimilate, and present data in reports, memos and public forums
  • Production of design calculations and technical reports
  • Lead preparation of engineering plans and specifications for design of detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, and other hydraulic structures
• Will work independently as well as assist groups of medium to large teams of professionals and technicians dependent on project/task. Will be involved in highway and railroad drainage design and plans production for Caltrans and Municipal clients, drainage analysis and documentation, and stormwater management design & permitting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in water resources or related discipline
• 3 years of experience in roadway or railroad drainage engineering projects is preferred.
• PE or ability to obtain within 12 months.Candidates hired without their PE will have the title of Drainage EIT and will be expected to obtain their PE for career progression
• Previous work experience with CalTrans projects (studies and design) is preferred.
• Project experience and existing relationships with local DOT and municipal clients
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Preference will be given to local candidates.
• Strong leadership, planning, mentoring and staff management experience
• Advanced knowledge of stormwater engineering concepts and H&H modeling programs and ArcGIS
• Ability to work in the office to allow for collaboration

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental, water resources or other related fields
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered.
• A minimum of 3 years' licensed experience in stormwater and water resources
• Demonstrated design skills, communication skills and ability to collaborate with various teams
• Technical proficiency in hydrologic and hydraulic design and analyses, modelling, permitting, and preparing drainage reports
• Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation, and/or OpenRoads Designer focused on storm system design
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to support marketing efforts
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture

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

Industry

Highway + Road

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

Job Posting

Sep 26, 2026

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

We are an Affir? ... ???

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

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