Hydraulic Structures Engineer
CDM Smith· Engineering & Infrastructure· Jun 23, 2026 · 4mo agoPosted 126 days ago
Nationwide, United States
In office
Full-time
Principal
$133K–$210K est.
10+ years exp
Before you apply
Ghost Signal:
Open since June 23, 2026 — 126 days, and still accepting applications.
Job description
Company Overview
Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here!
Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.
Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.
Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.
Job Description
CDM Smith is a multi-discipline engineering and architectural firm. Our firm is responsible for large-scale flood protection projects, water supply, water and wastewater plant design, transit facilities, and industrial facilities. As a Hydraulic Structures Engineer at CDM Smith, you will have the opportunity to grow your career as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team of technical experts working on challenging projects in Environment, Industry, Transportation, and Water in the United States and beyond.
We offer partial remote working schedules.
The Hydraulic Structures Engineer will have the following responsibilities:
- Analyze and design hydraulic structures related to flood control, hydroelectric, and other water resource projects such as dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, cofferdams, floodwalls, and canals.
- Lead project teams of structural engineers and coordinate with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Prepare project proposals consisting of scopes of work, budgets, and schedules.
- Forecast workload and schedules.
- Prepare contract documents including drawings, specifications, design documentation and criteria, cost estimates, and bid documents by directing the work of others and as an individual contributor.
- Perform engineering services during construction, including review of shop drawing submittals and response to contractor questions.
- Conduct inspections and structural assessments of existing structures and prepare reports.
- Prepare and present technical presentations to project team, clients, and technical review boards.
- Conduct potential failure mode analyses and risk analyses for hydraulic structures, including identifying and developing potential failure modes, serving as recorder, subject matter expert, and/or facilitator in risk analysis workshops, estimating risk, and report documentation.
- Manage tasks on large projects or manage several medium sized projects.
- Review the work of others to ensure the quality of deliverables by checking assumptions, calculations, criteria, loading, and applicable codes and standards.
- Monitor projects and tasks to control budgets and schedules.
- Participate in business development, marketing, and recruiting activities through conference attendance, committee involvement, and related events.
- Act as a mentor for junior staff.
#LI-MO1
Skills & Abilities
- Expert knowledge in the analysis and design of hydraulic structures in accordance with USACE, USBR, FERC, FEMA, and additional applicable engineering standards.
- Expert knowledge of engineering principles of design.
- Ability to arrange/layout structural systems and elements for strength, stability, constructability, and construction economy.
- Knowledge of structural engineering applications (STAAD, RISA, Enercalc, MathCad, SAP2000, LS DYNA/ANSYS).
- Knowledge of computer assisted design and drafting (CADD) 2D and 3D software and practices.
- Expert knowledge of Microsoft business software (Excel, Word, etc.).
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil, Architectural or Structural Engineering or related discipline.
- Professional engineering (PE) license.
- 10 years of related experience.
- Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.
- Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master of Science in Civil Engineering with a Structural Focus.
- Professional Structural Engineer license.
- Experience with analysis and design of reinforced concrete and structural steel hydraulic structures under the regulatory authority of state and federal dam and levee safety agencies such as FERC, USACE, California DWR, or similar.
- Experience designing structures for water and wastewater treatment plants.
- Advanced knowledge of building codes and application to design situations.
- Strong theoretical background in static and dynamic analysis of hydraulic structures and appurtenances with expert knowledge 3D finite element modelling software.
- Gates inspection experience.
- Prior supervisory experience
Amount of Travel Required
20% - 40%
EEO Statement
We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Background Check and Drug Testing Information
CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.
Massachusetts Applicants
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Additional Pay Range Information
CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.
Additional Compensation
All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.
Visa Sponsorship Available
No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position
Agency Disclaimer
All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes sent to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.
Pay Range Max
USD $248,394.00
Pay Range Min
USD $134,264.00
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.
- Platform
- jibe
- Effort
- medium
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Vision