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Hydraulic Modeling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Primary Function The candidate will provide engineering support for hydraulic modeling of water and wastewater systems using industry-standard modeling software. Responsibilities include building ...

Primary Function The candidate will provide engineering support for hydraulic modeling of water and wastewater systems using industry-standard modeling software. Responsibilities include building ...

Primary Function The candidate will provide engineering support for hydraulic modeling of water and wastewater systems using industry-standard modeling software. Responsibilities include building ...

DOT hydraulic modeling and bridge design experience required * Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred * Demonstrates a strong working knowledge of ...

Primary Function The candidate will provide engineering support for hydraulic modeling of water and wastewater systems using industry-standard modeling software. Responsibilities include building ...

Primary Function The candidate will provide engineering support for hydraulic modeling of water and wastewater systems using industry-standard modeling software. Responsibilities include building ...

Primary Function The candidate will provide engineering support for hydraulic modeling of water and wastewater systems using industry-standard modeling software. Responsibilities include building ...

Hydraulic Engineer

Raleigh, NC ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

The Hydraulic Engineer supports and coordinates design activities, assists with project schedules ... Conducts HEC-RAS 1D modeling for culverts and bridges; 2D modeling experience is a plus. * Supports ...

HDR's Hydraulic Modeling practice focuses on the application of modern mathematical modeling to ... MODELING Qualifications Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or ...

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Hydraulic Modeling Engineer information

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$59K

$89.8K

$122.5K

How much do hydraulic modeling engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydraulic modeling engineer in the United States is $89,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are hydraulic modeling engineers and what do they do?

Hydraulic modeling engineers are professionals who use mathematical models and simulation tools to analyze, design, and optimize water flow systems such as rivers, stormwater networks, and water supply infrastructure. They evaluate how water moves through natural and engineered environments to help solve problems related to flooding, water quality, and infrastructure planning. Their work often involves creating computer models, interpreting data, and providing recommendations for sustainable water management solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by Hydraulic Modeling Engineers when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Hydraulic Modeling Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating complex data from multiple sources, ensuring model accuracy with limited site-specific information, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams like civil engineers and environmental specialists. Large-scale projects typically require balancing technical constraints with project budgets and timelines. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as these engineers must frequently present findings to stakeholders and adjust models based on evolving project requirements.

What Does a Hydraulic Modeling Engineer Do?

As a hydraulic modeling engineer, your responsibilities include water resource system planning, engineering design, and conducting water, wastewater, groundwater, and stormwater modeling for a pipeline. You prepare stormwater management plans and conduct field investigations. You develop plans and specifications, complete hydraulic modeling, and design each project using various software programs such as WaterCAD. This position requires coordination with surveyors to collect accurate data for technical reports. You are also expected to complete data entry and analysis covering topics like water pipe and storage sizing, fire flow and pressure, and emergency response. Other duties include estimating costs for construction projects, working directly with clients, supervising technical engineers and mentoring junior staff.

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

To excel as a Hydraulic Modeling Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, fluid mechanics, and quantitative analysis, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard modeling software such as HEC-RAS, SWMM, and GIS platforms, as well as professional certification like EIT or PE, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure accurate modeling, effective collaboration with stakeholders, and the successful design and management of water-related infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Hydraulic Modeling Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectHydraulic Modeling EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Hydraulic, or Environmental Engineering; often requires engineering licensureBachelor's in Civil Engineering; licensure varies by region
Work EnvironmentDesigning and analyzing hydraulic systems, modeling water flow, working with software toolsDesigning infrastructure projects, site development, construction oversight
Industry UsageWater resources, flood control, hydraulic infrastructure projectsTransportation, structural, water resources, and urban development projects

Hydraulic Modeling Engineers focus on water flow analysis and hydraulic system modeling, often working with specialized software. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, including infrastructure design and construction. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and licensure, but their daily tasks and project focus differ significantly.

What cities are hiring for Hydraulic Modeling Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Hydraulic Modeling Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydraulic Modeling Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Hydraulic Modeling Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Hydraulic Modeling Engineer jobs? The top employers for Hydraulic Modeling Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Hydraulic Modeling Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydraulic Modeling Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hydraulic Modeling Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,784 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Senior Hydrology & Hydraulic Modeling Lead

Rizzo International, Inc

Pittsburgh, PA โ€ข On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Position Description: RIZZO International, Inc. is seeking a highly experienced Senior Hydrology & Hydraulic Modeling Lead to provide technical leadership and oversight in integrated hydrology, hydraulics, and advanced numerical modeling for complex water-related infrastructure projects.
This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with extensive experience in dam engineering, hydropower development, nuclear cooling water systems, tailings dams, flood control infrastructure, and large-scale drainage systems. The selected candidate will serve as a technical authority responsible for high-level modeling strategy, design oversight, regulatory support, and mentorship of junior engineers across domestic and international projects.
Skills & Requirements
Responsibilities:
  • Lead hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for dams, hydropower facilities, nuclear power plants, tailings dams, levees, flood control systems, and major drainage infrastructure
  • Provide technical supervision and quality control for 1D/2D hydraulic and hydrologic models
  • Perform and oversee:
    • Flood frequency and PMP/PMF studies
    • Water availability and water balance analyses
    • Dam break and inundation mapping studies
    • Embankment erosion and sediment transport modeling
    • Scour analyses and river morphodynamic assessments
    • Cooling water intake/discharge hydraulic and thermal studies
  • Develop, review, and validate advanced numerical models using:
    • HEC-RAS (1D/2D)
    • HEC-HMS
    • FLOW-3D
    • OpenFOAM
    • RiverFlow2D
    • FLO-2D
    • ANSYS
  • Support reservoir operations modeling and climate change impact assessments
  • Provide input on project planning, budgets, scheduling, and modeling strategies
  • Prepare technical scopes of work, proposals, reports, and client presentations
  • Attend and lead domestic and international client and regulatory meetings
  • Mentor and supervise junior and intermediate engineers
  • Support interdisciplinary coordination across geotechnical, structural, and environmental teams

Experience Requirements:
  • B.S. in Civil, Hydraulic, or Water Resources Engineering (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred)
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in hydrology and hydraulic modeling
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain licensure
  • Demonstrated leadership and technical oversight on complex water infrastructure projects
  • Extensive numerical modeling experience in surface water hydrology and hydraulics
  • Strong foundation in:
    • Fluid mechanics
    • Surface water hydrology
    • Hydraulic structures design
    • Statistics and flood frequency analysis
    • Sediment transport and river hydraulics
  • Experience with GIS and CADD software
  • International project experience preferred
  • Coastal modeling experience considered an asset

Preferred Experience:
  • Hydropower development and rehabilitation
  • Dam safety reviews and regulatory support
  • Nuclear power plant cooling water systems
  • Tailings dam hydrology and dam breach assessments
  • Climate resilience and extreme event modeling
  • Design-build infrastructure delivery

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $120,000 - $150,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
Competitive Compensation Package:
  • 401(k)
  • Accident/Wellness insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Dependent care spending account
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Company-paid life, AD&D, and short/long term disability
  • Paid time off (vacation, paid sick leave, holidays)
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee referral program
  • Relocation assistance (as applicable)
  • Vision insurance
  • Optional work from home Fridays
  • Twelve (12) annual work from home days

BACKGROUND
RIZZO International, Inc. is a woman-owned, highly focused consulting firm specializing in all aspects of civil engineering, earth sciences, and field/testing services for dams, nuclear power plants, and other power-related markets. Our firm has worked around the world on unique, challenging, and technically demanding projects. We take pride in our commitment to providing personal and professional services in a responsive, high quality manner, and continually strive to exceed our clients' expectations by providing innovative and economically smart solutions. To learn more about our global experience visit us at .
EOE M/F/Disability/Veteran
EEOC Disclaimer: RIZZO International, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer in that our policy, in accordance with Federal and State laws, prohibits employment discrimination solely on the basis of a person's race, color, creed, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, or disability except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists.
Qualifications