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Dam Design Engineers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dam Safety Engineer Location: Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania (Some Travel & Overnight Stays Required) Job ... Strong knowledge of Engineering related to planning, design and operations concepts for water ...

Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Greensboro, NC · On-site +1

$180K - $215K/yr

... dam engineering. Schnabel's high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the ... Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United ...

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Dam Design Engineers information

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$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.5K

How much do dam design engineers jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for dam design engineers in the United States is $88,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Dam Design Engineers?

Dam Design Engineers are specialized civil engineers who focus on the planning, design, and construction of dams and related hydraulic structures. They assess site conditions, analyze hydrological data, and ensure that dams are structurally sound and meet safety standards. Their work involves selecting appropriate materials, designing spillways, and considering environmental impacts. Dam Design Engineers collaborate with geologists, environmental scientists, and construction teams throughout a project’s lifecycle. Their expertise is crucial for water management, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation.

What are some common challenges Dam Design Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Dam Design Engineers often collaborate with geologists, hydrologists, environmental scientists, and construction professionals. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and coordination across these specialties, as each discipline may have different priorities and technical requirements. Balancing structural safety with environmental and regulatory considerations can require creative problem-solving and adaptability. Proactively addressing these challenges by fostering open communication and regular meetings helps keep projects on track and ensures all perspectives are integrated into the final design.

What is the difference between Dam Design Engineers vs Civil Engineers?

AspectDam Design EngineersCivil Engineers
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentSpecialized in dam projects, often in remote or construction sitesVaried, including buildings, infrastructure, and projects across multiple sectors
Industry UsagePrimarily in water resources, hydroelectric, and dam constructionBroad industry use including transportation, structural, environmental, and water resources

Dam Design Engineers focus specifically on designing and analyzing dam structures, requiring specialized knowledge in hydraulics and geotechnical engineering. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects. While both roles require similar credentials, Dam Design Engineers are more specialized in dam-related projects, whereas Civil Engineers work across multiple sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dam Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dam Design Engineer, a strong background in civil or structural engineering, hydrology, and geotechnical principles is essential, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure (e.g., PE). Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and specialized hydrological modeling tools, as well as knowledge of safety and regulatory standards, is commonly required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These competencies are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant dam structures that protect communities and the environment.
More about Dam Design Engineers jobs
What cities are hiring for Dam Design Engineers jobs? Cities with the most Dam Design Engineers job openings:
What states have the most Dam Design Engineers jobs? States with the most job openings for Dam Design Engineers jobs include:
Infographic showing various Dam Design Engineers job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Schnabel Engineering, Inc.

Greensboro, NC • On-site, Remote

$180K - $215K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


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 31 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 fun and flexible atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Greensboro, NC office is seeking a Senior Dam Safety Engineer to join our growing practice. We are looking for a motivated candidate with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong team. Candidate does not need to be in Greensboro, NC, and can be remote.

Please provide a cover letter to be considered.

Job Responsibilities:

Candidate will serve as a Senior Dam Safety Engineer. Major focus areas for the role include:

  • Manage, execute, and provide technical support, in a team setting and on a variety of challenging interdisciplinary infrastructure projects.
  • Responsibilities may include planning and managing geotechnical and geologic field investigations, reviewing field investigation boring logs, evaluating instrumentation and monitoring data, assigning project-specific soil and rock laboratory testing, conducting engineering analyses and design specific to soil and rock mechanics, foundation design, fill placement/ground modification, embankment dam design, seepage evaluations, slope stability analyses, and seismic analyses, as well as performing value engineering (VE) and forensic studies.
  • Preparation and review of engineering reports, technical documents, and presentations, for a variety of applications, projects, and clients.
  • Communicate with clients and regulators, establish goals and objectives for project teams, and schedule and coordinate resources, to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the quality expectations of the client.
  • Manage and mentor junior engineering, commensurate with experience level.
  • Periodic travel will be required.
  • Contribute to maintaining and developing Schnabel’s strong brand in the geotechnical and water markets through thought leadership embodied in published papers, white papers, and participation at recognized conferences and workshops.

Required Skills/Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree (Master’s Degree preferred) in Geotechnical and/or Civil Engineering, or related fields.
  • 20+ years of experience in the dam safety engineering field.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer or ability to become registered within 6 months.
  • Relevant expertise with dams and water impounding structures, cofferdams, and other hydraulic structures, including but not limited to seepage, static and seismic stability analysis, liquefaction analysis, deformation analysis, and foundation and settlement analysis.
  • Organized, self-starter with a strong entrepreneurial and team spirit.
  • Excellent English technical verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be able to occasionally travel to project sites, both local and remote, and be able to lift heavy loads (up to 25 pounds).

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 screening

The compensation range for this position is between $180,000 to $215,000. 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.