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Entry Level Dam Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Control Systems Engineer

Beaver Dam, WI ยท On-site

$72K - $84K/yr

Onsite in Beaver Dam, WI Employment Status : Full Time | Direct Hire Compensation : $72,000 - $84 ... This entry-level engineering role provides hands-on exposure to control system integration ...

$72K - $84K/yr

Onsite in Beaver Dam, WI Employment Status : Full Time | Direct Hire Compensation : $72,000 - $84 ... This entry-level engineering role provides hands-on exposure to control system integration ...

Engineer I-III

Hermiston, OR ยท On-site

$108K - $181K/yr

Located seven miles south of the Columbia River, Lake Wallula and the McNary Dam, the Hermiston ... This Engineering position will be responsible to maintain working knowledge of the UEC substations ...

Staff Engineer - Geotechnical

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$31.25 - $43.26/hr

... dam appurtenances, instrumentation, excavation support systems, building and bridge foundations, floodwalls, tunnels, and ground treatment. Entry level engineers support senior staff and plan ...

... dam appurtenances, instrumentation, excavation support systems, building and bridge foundations, floodwalls, tunnels, and ground treatment. Entry level engineers plan, observe and document field ...

Engineer I-III

Hermiston, OR ยท On-site

$108K - $181K/yr

Located seven miles south of the Columbia River, Lake Wallula and the McNary Dam, the Hermiston ... This Engineering position will be responsible to maintain working knowledge of the UEC substations ...

Staff Engineer - Geotechnical

Pasadena, CA ยท Hybrid

$31.25 - $43.26/hr

... dam appurtenances, instrumentation, excavation support systems, building and bridge foundations, floodwalls, tunnels, and ground treatment. Entry level engineers support senior staff and plan ...

Assistant Electrical Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท Hybrid

$49.16 - $53.15/hr

In this position you will provide entry-level electrical engineering duties to support projects and ... Tolt Dam Power System upgrade project. Provide technical support for I&C aspects during design ...

Staff Geotechnical Engineer

Portland, OR ยท Hybrid

$85K - $92K/yr

... dam appurtenances, instrumentation, excavation support systems, building and bridge foundations, floodwalls, tunnels, and ground treatment. Entry level engineers plan, observe and document field ...

Staff Geotechnical Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$85K - $92K/yr

... dam appurtenances, instrumentation, excavation support systems, building and bridge foundations, floodwalls, tunnels, and ground treatment. Entry level engineers plan, observe and document field ...

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Entry Level Dam Engineer information

See salary details

$40.5K

$86.4K

$142.5K

How much do entry level dam engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level dam engineer in the United States is $86,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Dam Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Dam Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering and a solid understanding of hydrology, structural analysis, and geotechnical principles. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and hydraulic modeling tools, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safety, functionality, and regulatory compliance of dam projects.

What does an Entry Level Dam Engineer do?

An Entry Level Dam Engineer assists in the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of dams and related water-retaining structures. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers to perform site assessments, collect data, prepare technical reports, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Their responsibilities may also include using engineering software to create models and drawings, as well as supporting project management tasks. This role provides foundational experience in civil engineering, with a focus on hydraulic structures and water resource management.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level dam engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry-level dam engineers often encounter challenges such as understanding the complexities of hydrological modeling, learning to interpret technical drawings, and adapting to strict regulatory requirements. They may also need to quickly develop skills in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including geologists, environmental scientists, and construction crews. Additionally, balancing fieldwork with office tasks and becoming proficient with industry-specific software are typical hurdles. Support from experienced colleagues and ongoing training can help ease this transition.

What is the difference between Entry Level Dam Engineer vs Entry Level Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Dam EngineerEntry Level Civil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examBachelor's in Civil Engineering, EIT or FE exam
Work EnvironmentDesign, construction, and maintenance of dams and water infrastructureVarious infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and water systems
Employer & Industry UsageWater resource agencies, engineering firms, construction companiesPublic and private sector engineering firms, government agencies

Entry Level Dam Engineers focus specifically on dam-related projects, requiring specialized knowledge in water resources and hydraulics, while Entry Level Civil Engineers have a broader scope across various infrastructure projects. Both roles typically require similar educational backgrounds and entry-level certifications, but Dam Engineers work primarily in water resource and dam safety sectors.

More about Entry Level Dam Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Dam Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Dam Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Dam Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Dam Engineer jobs include:
Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

Thermo Systems

Beaver Dam, WI โ€ข On-site

$72K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Control Systems Engineer
Location: Onsite in Beaver Dam, WI
Employment Status: Full Time | Direct Hire
Compensation: $72,000 - $84,000 per year + Annual Bonus Eligibility
Travel: Up to 50% depending on project assignments
On Call: May participate in on-call rotation based on location and project requirements
Who We Are
Thermo Systems is a global, full-service control systems integration partner delivering premier class automation solutions across the Energy, Life Sciences, and Mission Critical markets.
Guided by The Thermo Way, we are unified, dynamic, and committed to delivering excellence. Our culture is grounded in three core principles:
Employee Success - investing in our people and their growth
Customer Success - delivering reliable, high-quality solutions
Financial Strength - operating with discipline and long-term focus
We believe strong teams, trusted partnerships, and technical excellence drive sustainable success.
The Opportunity
The Control Systems Engineer supports the design, development, and delivery of industrial automation and control system projects. This entry-level engineering role provides hands-on exposure to control system integration including hardware and software development, testing, commissioning, and installation support.
Working alongside experienced project engineers and project managers, you will develop foundational skills in PLC programming, SCADA/HMI systems, and industrial networking while contributing to high-impact automation projects across mission-critical infrastructure and industrial environments.
This position is ideal for early-career engineers who want to gain real-world field and project experience while developing strong technical and problem-solving capabilities.
What You'll Do
Core Responsibilities
  • Support control system engineering tasks including design development, testing, and system integration.
  • Assist with installation, startup, commissioning, and troubleshooting of automation systems.
  • Participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) and commissioning activities.
  • Read and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and wiring diagrams.
  • Assist with configuration and development of HMI and PLC-based control systems.
  • Support project documentation including testing reports, configuration records, and design updates.
  • Provide status updates on assigned tasks and escalate issues to project leads when necessary.

Collaboration & Communication
  • Coordinate with project engineers, field technicians, and project managers to support project execution.
  • Communicate clearly with internal teams and customers during installation, testing, and commissioning activities.
  • Follow customer-specific standards and procedures when working on project sites.
  • Maintain professional and positive working relationships with coworkers, project teams, and client representatives.

Quality, Safety & Process
  • Follow Thermo Systems Quality Management System (QMS) procedures during engineering and project activities.
  • Maintain strong attention to detail in documentation, testing, and system configuration.
  • Follow all safety procedures and use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required.
  • Support continuous improvement of engineering practices and project delivery processes.

What We're Looking For
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline.
  • Typically 0-2 years of experience in industrial automation, controls engineering, or system integration environments.
  • Internship, co-op, or project experience related to automation or industrial systems preferred.

Skills & Qualifications
  • Basic understanding of PLCs, HMI systems, and industrial automation concepts.
  • Familiarity with interpreting electrical schematics and P&IDs.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and support system integration activities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and standard engineering documentation practices.
  • Hands-on experience with basic electrical tools and instrumentation equipment such as multimeters preferred.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
  • Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
  • Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines in dynamic project environments.
  • Commitment to quality, safety, and professional growth.

What You'll Get
  • Competitive compensation with annual bonus opportunity
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with low-cost options
  • Paid time off and sick leave
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional credential support
  • In-house and external technical training opportunities
  • Exposure to complex, high-impact automation projects
  • A collaborative culture built on integrity, accountability, and teamwork

Learn more at www.thermosystems.com
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Thermo Systems provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other protected status.
Disclaimer
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected. Responsibilities may evolve based on business needs.