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Dam Design Engineers Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... engineers. Job Responsibilities: * Perform the following structural engineering tasks: * Perform ... Collaborate with other design disciplines and CAD designers on complex dam and related ...

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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 May 31, 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 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.

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 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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 69% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,150 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Instrumentation Engineer - Dam Safety & Monitoring

AECOM

Orange, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


AECOM rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 58 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 77 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a Civil Engineer or Electrical Engineer - Dam Safety & Monitoring to support our Water business line in Orange, CA. The successful candidate will work on dam safety projects involving the design, installation, and monitoring of instrumentation systems to ensure structural integrity and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform specific and moderate portions of a broader assignment of an experienced engineer.
  • Gather and correlate basic engineering data using established and well-defined procedures.
  • Design and implementation of instrumentation systems, including telemetry networks for dams and levees, including piezometers, inclinometers, and pressure transducers.
  • Conduct as needed field inspections, calibrations, and troubleshooting of malfunctioning monitoring equipment.
  • Analyze instrumentation data to assess dam performance and identify potential risks to Dam safety.
  • Prepare technical reports and documentation for review by clients and regulatory agencies.
  • Experience with instrumentation condition assessments.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including geotechnical, structural, hydraulics/hydrology, and environmental engineers.
  • Performs work in accordance with the agreed-upon budget and schedule with little supervision.
  • Independently performs all the tasks necessary to complete primary design elements for engineering works. 
Qualifications

Miinimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil, electrical and/or Geotechnical Engineering, and 4+ years of experience in dam safety, instrumentation, or geotechnical monitoring. or demonstrated equivalency of experience and or education
  • US Citizenship is required

Preferred Qualifications

  • Geotechnical dam design and construction oversight.
  • Experience in the design and installation of ADAS, SCADA and telemetry systems.
  • Strong analytical and communication skills.
  • 8+ years of experience in dam safety, instrumentation, or geotechnical monitoring.
Additional Information
  • No sponsorship is available for this position
  • Relocation is not available for this position

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


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