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Hydraulic Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Sr. Hydraulic Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$72K - $108K/yr

The Hydraulic Designer will work extensively on NCDOT bridge and culvert replacement projects, drainage design, and hydrologic/hydraulic modeling. Key Responsibilities * Utilizes CADD and OpenRoads ...

Sr. Hydraulic Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$72K - $108K/yr

The Hydraulic Designer will work extensively on NCDOT bridge and culvert replacement projects, drainage design, and hydrologic/hydraulic modeling. Key Responsibilities * Utilizes CADD and OpenRoads ...

Designing and analyzing hydraulic systems, including pipelines, channels, drainage systems, and water treatment facilities. * Conducting feasibility studies, including site investigations and ...

Designing and analyzing hydraulic systems, including pipelines, channels, drainage systems, and water treatment facilities. * Conducting feasibility studies, including site investigations and ...

Designer, Hydraulics

Houston, TX · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

GFT Infrastructure is seeking a Designer to join our Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team in Houston or Fort Worth, TX ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of ...

Designer, Hydraulics

Fort Worth, TX · Hybrid

$85K - $125K/yr

GFT Infrastructure is seeking a Designer to join our Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team in Houston or Fort Worth, TX ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of ...

Hydraulic Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

The Principal Hydraulic Engineer will lead hydraulic engineering support to the engineering ... Performs technical reviews of H&H engineering designs prepared by design subcontractors.

Designer, Hydraulics

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$85K - $125K/yr

GFT Infrastructure is seeking a Designer to join our Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team in Houston or Fort Worth, TX ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of ...

Hydraulic Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$80K - $105K/yr

The Principal Hydraulic Engineer will lead hydraulic engineering support to the engineering ... Performs technical reviews of H&H engineering designs prepared by design subcontractors.

Hydraulic Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Develops NCDOT drainage designs, including storm drain systems, ditches, channels, and BMPs. * Utilizes OpenRoads Designer (ORD) Drainage & GeoPak Drainage for hydraulic modeling and plan production.

Designer, Hydraulics

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$85K - $125K/yr

GFT Infrastructure is seeking a Designer to join our Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team in Houston or Fort Worth, TX ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of ...

Hydraulic Mechanic

Geneva, IL · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

Excellent working knowledge of hydraulic systems and components including troubleshooting and retro-fitting or designing hydraulic systems. * Solid understanding of electrical (480V), mechanical ...

Designer, Hydraulics

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

GFT Infrastructure is seeking a Designer to join our Geotechnical Dams & Hydraulics Team in Fort Worth, TX ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our Texas ...

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Hydraulic Designer information

See salary details

$57K

$94.3K

$116.5K

How much do hydraulic designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydraulic designer 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 designer?

To excel as a Hydraulic Designer, you need a solid background in fluid mechanics, engineering principles, and CAD drafting, typically supported by a degree in mechanical or civil engineering. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and hydraulic modeling tools, as well as knowledge of relevant codes and standards, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help ensure designs are safe, efficient, and meet client requirements. These skills are crucial for delivering reliable hydraulic systems that comply with regulations and function effectively in real-world applications.

What is the difference between Hydraulic Designer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHydraulic DesignerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in civil, hydraulic, or mechanical engineering; certifications like PE may be preferredRequires a degree in mechanical engineering; PE license often necessary
Work EnvironmentDesigning hydraulic systems for infrastructure, water management, and industrial projectsDesigning mechanical systems across various industries including manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace
Industry UsageCommonly employed in water resources, civil engineering, and environmental projectsUsed across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

While both roles require engineering knowledge and similar credentials, Hydraulic Designers focus specifically on fluid systems related to water and hydraulics, whereas Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope covering various mechanical systems. The choice depends on your specialization interest and industry focus.

What are some common challenges faced by hydraulic designers when working on large-scale projects?

Hydraulic Designers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, managing tight project deadlines, and ensuring that designs comply with evolving codes and environmental regulations. On large-scale projects, integrating hydraulic systems with architectural and structural elements can be complex, requiring close collaboration with engineers, architects, and contractors. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential for addressing unforeseen issues and ensuring that systems are both efficient and sustainable.

What does a hydraulic designer do?

A Hydraulic Designer is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing systems that use fluids, such as water or oil, to generate, control, and transmit power. They create detailed drawings and calculations for hydraulic systems in various applications, such as buildings, industrial machines, or vehicles. Their work often involves selecting appropriate components, ensuring system efficiency, and complying with safety and regulatory standards. Hydraulic Designers collaborate with engineers, architects, and construction teams to ensure systems function as intended and meet project requirements.
More about Hydraulic Designer jobs
What states have the most Hydraulic Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydraulic Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hydraulic Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hydraulic Designer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Hydraulic Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,322 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Hydraulic Designer

Larson Design Group

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$59K - $89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Larson Design Group rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 439 rated engineering


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.

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