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Hydraulic Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Hydraulic Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

About Us Larson Design Group (LDG) is an award-winning, employee-owned Architecture, Engineering ... This role leads hydraulic engineering efforts, coordinates design activities, oversees project ...

Sr. Hydraulic Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$90K - $135K/yr

About Us Larson Design Group (LDG) is an award-winning, employee-owned Architecture, Engineering ... This role leads hydraulic engineering efforts, coordinates design activities, oversees project ...

Sr. Hydraulic Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$72K - $108K/yr

About Us Larson Design Group (LDG) is an award-winning, employee-owned Architecture, Engineering ... The Hydraulic Designer will work extensively on NCDOT bridge and culvert replacement projects ...

Hydraulic Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$59K - $89K/yr

About Us Larson Design Group (LDG) is an award-winning, employee-owned Architecture, Engineering ... Your Opportunity + Impact The Hydraulic Designer is an entry‑level technical role on the ...

Hydraulic Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

About Us Larson Design Group (LDG) is an award-winning, employee-owned Architecture, Engineering ... The Hydraulic Engineer supports and coordinates design activities, assists with project schedules ...

Hydraulic Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$59K - $89K/yr

About Us Larson Design Group (LDG) is an award-winning, employee-owned Architecture, Engineering ... Your Opportunity + Impact The Hydraulic Designer is an entry-level technical role on the ...

Hydraulic Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

About Us Larson Design Group (LDG) is an award-winning, employee-owned Architecture, Engineering ... The Hydraulic Engineer supports and coordinates design activities, assists with project schedules ...

Hydrology & Hydraulics Design Engineer

Jackson, MS · Hybrid

$71K - $92K/yr

Hydraulic Modeling (HEC-RAS 1D/2D, MS DOT, HydroWIN, FHWA HY-8 and Hydraulic Toolbox) * Design of ... Mentor junior engineers and designers, providing guidance on technical work and best practices

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Hydraulic Design Engineer information

See salary details

$57K

$94.3K

$116.5K

How much do hydraulic design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydraulic design engineer in the United States is $94,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Hydraulic Design Engineer, you need a solid background in fluid mechanics, civil or mechanical engineering, and a relevant engineering degree or licensure such as a Professional Engineer (PE). Proficiency in CAD software, hydraulic modeling tools like HEC-RAS or EPANET, and familiarity with industry standards are typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and deliver innovative solutions. These competencies are essential for designing safe, efficient hydraulic systems that meet client and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by Hydraulic Design Engineers when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Hydraulic Design Engineers often work closely with professionals from civil, mechanical, and environmental engineering disciplines, which can present coordination challenges. One common issue is ensuring that hydraulic systems integrate seamlessly with structural and architectural designs, requiring frequent communication and adjustments. Additionally, managing differing project timelines and priorities among teams can be demanding, so strong organizational and collaboration skills are essential. Adapting to changing site conditions and regulatory requirements can also require quick problem-solving and flexibility.

What does a Hydraulic Design Engineer do?

A Hydraulic Design Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing systems that use fluids, typically water, to transmit power or control processes. Their work includes creating plans for hydraulic systems in infrastructure projects like dams, pipelines, irrigation, and water treatment plants. They also ensure designs meet safety, efficiency, and environmental standards, often collaborating with other engineers and stakeholders throughout a project's lifecycle.

What is the difference between Hydraulic Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHydraulic Design EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Mechanical, or Hydraulic Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license common for certain roles
Work EnvironmentDesigning hydraulic systems for water, sewage, or flood control projectsDesigning mechanical systems across various industries like manufacturing, HVAC, or automotive
Industry UsageWater resources, civil infrastructure, environmental projectsManufacturing, energy, automotive, aerospace

Hydraulic Design Engineers focus on designing systems involving fluid flow in water and civil projects, while Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope across multiple industries. Both roles require engineering credentials and involve system design, but their applications and environments differ significantly.

More about Hydraulic Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Hydraulic Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Hydraulic Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydraulic Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Hydraulic Design Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Hydraulic Design Engineer jobs? The top employers for Hydraulic Design Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Hydraulic Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,322 per year, or $45.3 per hour.
Project Engineer - Hydraulic Design

Project Engineer - Hydraulic Design

McAdams

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

McAdams is seeking a Project Engineer for our growing Hydraulic Design practice. This position will be involved in the planning and design of drainage elements for multimodal transportation projects for public and private clients. Projects will include hydraulic design and hydrologic analysis for roadways, side paths/multi-use paths, sidewalks, greenways, bicycle lanes, and other facilities. The ideal candidate will be able to perform hydrology, hydraulic design, permitting, and erosion control for transportation projects.  This position will assist in maintaining project schedules, ensuring high quality deliverables at project milestones, performing quality control on their projects as well as other projects

Essential Functions + Responsibilities

  • Deliver high quality projects on-time and on-budget to our clients.
  • Design, review, and oversee production of plans, contract documents, specifications and costs estimates suitable for publicly bid projects.
  • Design, review, and oversee production plans for offsite roadway improvements for public roads associated with private development projects.
  • Coordinate with other McAdams' service lines (geomatics, water resources, site civil, etc.) to develop project plans. Effectively manage subconsultants.
  • Participate in field reviews of projects to support alignment development and recommendations.
  • Assist in advancing projects through feasibility analysis, to design, permitting, and successful bidding.
  • Oversee design, technical analyses, and engineering calculations and prepare plans, submittal packages and permitting applications.
  • Focus on quality project delivery through adherence to McAdams' quality assurance and quality control standards.
  • Participate in business development activities including development of detailed proposal materials. Develop an understanding of key client's program and develop personal client relationships.  Develop and maintain relationships with key teaming partners.
  • Supervise and coach/mentor junior staff.
  • Actively participate in professional organizations. Attend/present at industry conferences.

Skills + Experience

  • A bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Biological and Agricultural Engineering or a related field
  • North Carolina PE required (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
  • 5+ years of experience related to hydraulics engineering, water resource engineering, and erosion and sediment control design, preferably on NCDOT projects
  • Knowledge of MicroStation/Geopak/OpenRoads and/or AutoCAD/Civil 3D production workflows
  • Technical proficiency in preparing hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and reports, scour investigations, erosion and sediment control plans and reports, drainage and stormwater management design
  • HEC-RAS experience preferred
  • Interest in multimodal transportation issues and design
  • Consistent focus on clarity, accuracy, and completeness of work product
  • Strong critical thinking abilities
  • Excellent task and time management skills
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Enjoys working within a high performing team
  • Active participation in relevant professional organizations a plus
  • Knowledge of AASHTO, NCDOT and NC municipal guidelines, standards and procedures
  • Valid driver's license

Work Environment + Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

  • Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions.
  • Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion.
  • Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
  • Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.