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Dams Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with concrete dams, structural steel gates, and stability of ... Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license. * Previous structural engineer experience

Preferred Qualifications • Familiarity with concrete dams, structural steel gates, and stability ... Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license. * Previous structural engineer experience

Your Opportunity As a Structural Engineer your role is to work with general supervision and ... Typical design projects may include spillways, dams, pumping stations, tanks, culverts, pipe ...

Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$80K - $85K/yr

Staff-level engineers have the opportunity to observe and document field explorations and ... Support evaluation and design efforts for structural steel, reinforced concrete, dams, excavation ...

Your Opportunity As a Structural Engineer your role is to work with general supervision and ... Typical design projects may include spillways, dams, pumping stations, tanks, culverts, pipe ...

Staff-level engineers have the opportunity to observe and document field explorations and ... Support evaluation and design efforts for structural steel, reinforced concrete, dams, excavation ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Portland, ME · On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

Dams, reservoirs, hydroelectric developments, and other water resources facilities are crucial ... Structural Engineer licensure. We are GEI. Some of the world's most pressing problems - from ...

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Dams Structural Engineer information

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$50K

$99.4K

$152K

How much do dams structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for dams structural engineer in the United States is $99,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a dams structural engineer do?

A Dams Structural Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and maintaining the structural integrity of dams and related hydraulic structures. Their work involves assessing site conditions, creating detailed structural plans, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and overseeing construction or repair projects. They also conduct regular inspections and evaluations to prevent failures and mitigate risks associated with dam operations. These engineers collaborate with geologists, hydrologists, and construction teams to ensure dams are safe and function as intended.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dams structural engineer?

To thrive as a Dams Structural Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, often supported by a relevant degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with structural analysis software (such as SAP2000 or STAAD.Pro), CAD tools, and dam safety standards is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help manage complex projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the safety, reliability, and regulatory compliance of dam structures, protecting both people and the environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by dams structural engineers when working on rehabilitation projects?

Dams Structural Engineers often encounter challenges such as assessing aging infrastructure, integrating modern safety standards with existing designs, and addressing unknown conditions revealed during inspections. These projects require close collaboration with geotechnical engineers, hydrologists, and regulatory bodies to ensure compliance and long-term safety. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as unexpected issues may arise that necessitate prompt engineering solutions and coordination with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Dams Structural Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectDams Structural EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license, specialized dam design certificationsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license, broader engineering certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and inspecting dam structures, often in specialized projectsDesigning and managing various infrastructure projects like bridges, roads, buildings
Industry UsagePrimarily in water resources, hydroelectric, and dam construction sectorsWide-ranging sectors including transportation, urban development, and water resources

While both roles require a civil engineering background and PE licensure, Dams Structural Engineers focus specifically on dam design, safety, and analysis, often working on specialized water infrastructure projects. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on various infrastructure projects across multiple sectors.

What are popular job titles related to Dams Structural Engineer jobs?

For Dams Structural Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Dams Structural Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 60% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,400 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Structural Engineer - Hydro

Portland, ME

HDR
Specialized Design Services • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


HDR rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


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. Check out the difference Employee-Ownership makes at HDR!  

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

HDR is looking for a Structural Engineer to join our thriving and growing Hydropower Practice. HDR is a hydropower and dam safety industry leader. Our national Hydropower Practice engineering and regulatory team offers core services such as mechanical, electrical, structural, geotechnical, and site civil engineering expertise in addition to environmental scientists and regulatory specialists. Hydropower generation is recognized as a critical and renewable component of the US energy portfolio, and our team provides engineering consulting services to all types of hydropower owners located across the U.S. and Canada. If you are looking for a vibrant work environment with career growth opportunities and the chance to work on innovative hydropower, pumped-storage, and dam safety projects, we welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Hybrid or flexible work locations will be considered.

We are seeking a Structural Engineer with the technical skills and desire to help support structural engineering design, repair and retrofit hydropower projects as part of our nationally recognized Hydropower Practice.

Primary duties of the Structural Engineer include:

  • Support inspections and engineering assessments of existing dams and water retaining structures.
  • Conduct analyses, evaluations and designs; develop design options or recommendations with supporting calculations.
  • Preparation of contract documents including drawings, specifications, design documentation and criteria, and cost estimates including critical reports for various new and/or rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, including dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, floodwalls, water conveyance structures, foundations, etc.
  • Perform engineering assignments that may require critical thinking and creativity to address unique elements that have limited or no specific code based guidance.
  • Work with multi-disciplinary teams on a variety of hydropower, pumped-storage, and dam safety engineering projects.
  • Work independently as project engineer and provide oversight, checking, QA/QC, and mentorship of staff as needed or if required.
  • Participate in risk assessments for dams and hydraulic structures.
  • Some travel is required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Familiarity with concrete dams, structural steel gates, and stability of concrete structures is desirable but not required.
  • Previous experience with hydropower and dams is a plus.
  • Ability to perform field inspections at operating power generation facilities or dams.
  • Ability to independently direct the design of projects from proposal to completion.
  • Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of task.
  • Experience working in a multi-discipline environment.
  • Experience interacting with clients.
  • An attitude and commitment to quality, teaming, innovative problem solving, communication, relationship management, and the culture that is integral to our employee ownership model.
  • Ability to travel as needed for inspections, meetings or other requirements.
  • Preference given to Local candidates

#LI-JC7

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Previous structural engineer experience
  • Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

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.


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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917