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Entry Level Hydraulic Engineering Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Hydraulic Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$59K - $89K/yr

Your Opportunity + Impact The Hydraulic Designer is an entry-level technical role on the Professional Engineer licensure track. This position applies basic to intermediate hydraulic engineering ...

Assisting engineers in hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, modeling, and floodplain mapping ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Assisting engineers in hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, modeling, and floodplain mapping ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Entry Level Hydraulic Engineering information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$47.6K

$90.1K

$130.7K

How much do entry level hydraulic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level hydraulic engineering in Raleigh, NC is $90,133.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,200.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get into engineering with no experience?

Entry level hydraulic engineering positions often require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Gaining relevant skills through internships, certifications, or coursework in fluid mechanics and CAD software can improve your chances; demonstrating a strong foundation in math and problem-solving is also beneficial.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Most entry-level hydraulic engineers do not earn $500,000 annually. High salaries in engineering typically occur at senior levels, in specialized roles, or within executive positions such as engineering managers or directors, often requiring extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities.

Are hydraulic engineers in demand?

Hydraulic engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects, water resource management, and environmental concerns. Employment opportunities often require knowledge of fluid mechanics, CAD software, and relevant certifications, with job growth expected to align with infrastructure development trends.

What is the difference between Entry Level Hydraulic Engineering vs Entry Level Civil Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Hydraulic EngineeringEntry Level Civil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering; Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; EIT certification typically required
Work EnvironmentDesigning and analyzing water systems, flood control, hydraulic structuresBroader infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, water supply systems
Employer & Industry UsageWater resource agencies, environmental firms, consulting companiesConstruction firms, government agencies, consulting firms

Entry Level Hydraulic Engineering focuses specifically on water-related systems and hydraulic structures, requiring specialized knowledge in fluid mechanics. In contrast, Entry Level Civil Engineering covers a wider range of infrastructure projects. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their work environments and project types differ significantly.

Is 32 too old to become an engineer?

Entry level hydraulic engineering positions are open to individuals of various ages, and starting a career at 32 is common. Many engineers pursue additional education, certifications, or training to enter the field, and age does not typically limit employment opportunities in engineering roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydraulic Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Hydraulic Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Hydraulic Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Entry Level Hydraulic Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Hydraulic Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Hydraulic Engineering jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Hydraulic Engineering job openings in Raleigh, NC as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,133 per year, or $43.3 per hour.
Hydraulic Designer

Hydraulic Designer

Larson Design Group

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$59K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

About Us
Larson Design Group (LDG) is an award-winning, employee-owned Architecture, Engineering, and Consulting Firm. Guided by our core values, we're expanding our team, opening new offices, and adding new offerings to provide responsive, innovative solutions to clients nationwide.
Being 100% employee-owned directly impacts our culture: it drives our decision-making, motivates our teams, increases our productivity, improves retention, and contributes to the future success of our company. Our culture is one where we work hard for our clients and for each other - and we have fun collaborating, sharing experience and expertise, and learning along the way. We're passionate about delivering exceptional quality, elevating client relationships, enriching the careers and lives of our employee owners, and enhancing the communities where we live and serve.
At LDG, we strive to create an organization where people want to work. We offer a flexible work environment, paid training for required licensures, competitive benefits, bonus plans, and a company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) while supporting your professional and personal growth.
Your Opportunity + Impact
The Hydraulic Designer is an entry-level technical role on the Professional Engineer licensure track. This position applies basic to intermediate hydraulic engineering principles to support design computations, technical reports, drainage plans, and hydraulic modeling. Under the guidance of senior hydraulic engineers, the associate contributes to NCDOT drainage design, bridge and culvert replacement projects, and hydrologic/hydraulic analyses using CADD and OpenRoads Designer (ORD).
Key Responsibilities
  • Prepares and reviews hydraulic design computations, drainage layouts, and plan drawings.
  • Supports NCDOT bridge and culvert replacement projects, including hydraulic reports, scour analysis, and drainage design tasks.
  • Utilizes CADD and OpenRoads Designer (ORD) to develop drainage models, storm drain systems, and plan sheets.
  • Assists with NCDOT drainage design, including stormwater conveyance systems, ditches, channels, and erosion control features.
  • Reviews submittals and assists with project documentation and submissions.
  • Prepares and reviews specifications, draft letters, and written technical reports.
  • Researches, interprets, and applies NCDOT design standards, codes, and permitting requirements.
  • Maintains accurate documentation of work and project records.
  • Develops technically accurate, clean, and deliverable hydraulic drawings.
  • Promotes and supports quality assurance and quality control processes to reduce design errors and improve deliverable quality.

Education and Experience
  • Education: Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited program.
  • Experience: 0-2 years of relevant experience; prior internships in transportation, hydraulics, or A/E consulting preferred. Experience with CADD / OpenRoads Designer (ORD).
  • Licensure/Certification: Engineer-in-Training (EIT) preferred.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong desire to expand hydraulic engineering knowledge and take on new responsibilities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills; able to work independently and collaboratively within a project team.

EEO Statement
Larson Design Group, Inc. is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization.