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Hydraulic Engineering Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

This position provides technical hydraulic engineering support for pipelines, pump stations, and terminal/tank projects nationwide. You will participate in a multi-disciplinary project team. A ...

This position provides technical hydraulic engineering support for pipelines, pump stations, and terminal/tank projects nationwide. You will participate in a multi-disciplinary project team. A ...

Water Resources Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Provide project engineering and task management on water resources design projects. * Supervise and delegate work to junior engineers and support staff as necessary to manage specific hydraulic ...

Water Resources Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$95K - $145K/yr

Provide project engineering and task management on water resources design projects. * Supervise and delegate work to junior engineers and support staff as necessary to manage specific hydraulic ...

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Hydraulic Engineering information

What is a hydraulic engineer?

A Hydraulic Engineering job involves designing, analyzing, and managing systems that control and direct water flow, such as dams, levees, canals, and drainage systems. Hydraulic engineers apply principles of fluid mechanics to ensure efficient water distribution, flood prevention, and environmental conservation. They work on projects related to irrigation, stormwater management, and hydropower generation. This role often requires collaboration with other engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists to develop sustainable water infrastructure solutions.

What does a hydraulic engineer do?

As a Hydraulic Engineer, you can expect to work on a diverse range of projects, including designing water distribution systems, flood control infrastructure, stormwater management solutions, and hydraulic modeling for dams and bridges. Your daily duties may involve site assessments, data analysis, creating technical reports and drawings, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams, and ensuring compliance with environmental or safety regulations. Many roles also require client meetings and field inspections to oversee construction progress and troubleshoot challenges as they arise. This position offers a dynamic mix of office-based design work and hands-on fieldwork, providing opportunities to see your engineering solutions come to life.

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

To thrive as a Hydraulic Engineer, you need strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, environmental regulations, and civil engineering principles, generally backed by a degree in civil or hydraulic engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, and computational fluid dynamics software, as well as relevant PE licensure where applicable, is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and teamwork set candidates apart in this field. These skills are vital for creating safe, efficient hydraulic systems and effectively collaborating on complex infrastructure projects.

How much do hydraulic engineers make in the US?

Hydraulic engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized hydraulic engineers can earn higher salaries, especially with professional certifications and advanced skills in fluid dynamics and CAD software.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hydraulic Engineering jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Hydraulic Engineering jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Hydraulic Engineering jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Hydraulic Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Hydraulic Engineering job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Senior Transportation Hydraulics Engineer

Ayres Associates Inc

Fort Collins, CO โ€ข On-site, Remote

$130K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Finding the right fit:

Ayres has been a national leader in hydraulics and river engineering for over 30 years. Our team is seeking a passionate and ambitious senior hydraulic engineering subject matter expert in hydraulic engineering willing to work on a variety of projects and programs to serve clients nationwide while advancing the state of practice in infrastructure-focused hydraulic engineering. You’ll join a nationally recognized technical team to perform challenging engineering studies, designs, research, manual development, and training that can impact our entire industry. If you are passionately interested in resiliency at the nexus of rivers and infrastructure and want to be part of a like-minded team, this is a great position for you!

Join Ayres – a USA TODAY Top Workplace recognized in both 2025 and 2026 – where people-first leadership, collaboration, and professional growth create an environment where great teams do their best work. That people‑first culture is further reinforced by our recognition as a 2026 Colorado Top Workplace by The Denver Post.

This role is open to remote or hybrid opportunities. We encourage individuals to apply even if their current location does not perfectly align.

On a given day, you'll:

  • Assist with the design of bridges over rivers.
  • Analyze river and floodplain hydraulics and hydrology.
  • Pursue and conduct applied research projects.
  • Work with state or federal DOT hydraulic engineers to develop reference manuals, guidance documents, procedures.
  • Help state DOTs with their bridge scour programs.
  • Work with our clients to develop and implement resiliency best practices
  • Develop and present training courses.
  • Represent Ayres at conferences and on local and national committees

Required Qualifications:

  • An advanced degree (MS or higher) in hydraulic engineering or related field.
  • Experience in hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, especially with one-and two-dimensional hydraulic modeling software.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated and recognized expertise in hydraulic engineering applied to infrastructure design or management.
  • Fifteen or more years of experience in civil engineering.
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer in at least one state.

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Experience in developing and presenting hydraulic engineering training.
  • Experience in conducting applied research in hydraulics.
  • Experience providing hydraulic engineering consulting to state Departments of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

Benefits of being part of the Ayres team:

  • Health, dental, and vision Insurance.
  • Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and 401K with company match.
  • PTO upon hire, paid holidays including two floating holidays, and a flexible work schedule.
  • Professional development opportunities.

Please note, benefits vary depending on job status. To learn more about our great benefits, visit our website at https://www.ayresassociates.com/careers/the-ayres-advantage/

Our good-faith compensation approach is fair and equitable, and takes into consideration only permissible factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, training, skills, and experience, and geographic location where the work is performed. A salary range for this posting is $130000 - $200000. The foregoing salary range represents what the company believes, in good-faith, it will pay for the posted opportunity. The individual selected for this role will be evaluated with the compensation factors in mind and placed appropriately.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer