1

Hydraulic Modeling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

Required Qualifications * 8+ years of experience in hydraulic modeling, water system planning, or related engineering work. * Bachelor's in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a related Engineering ...

Required Qualifications * 8+ years of experience in hydraulic modeling, water system planning, or related engineering work. * Bachelor's in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a related Engineering ...

The Olsson Water/Wastewater team is looking for an experienced water and/or sewer modeling engineer to perform hydraulic modeling and master planning to meet the client's needs from conception to ...

Hydraulic / Water Resources Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Hydraulic / Water Resources Engineer Agency: City of Baltimore Location: Baltimore, MD Duration: 24 ... Expertise in HEC-RAS, SWMM, Civil 3D, and hydraulic modeling. Minimum Requirements: * 10+ years of ...

Developing hydraulic models using GIS data and as-built drawings * Collecting and assessing field ... MS Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering * Experience with modeling software applications ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Hydraulic Modeling Engineer information

See salary details

$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 Hydraulic Modeler

Senior Hydraulic Modeler

HDR

Woodcliff Lake, NJ • On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 355 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

HDR's Hydraulic Modeling practice focuses on the application of modern mathematical modeling to understand the hydraulics and hydrologic processes. One- and two-dimensional hydraulic models and processing tools, including visualization and animation routines, are routinely applied to problems associated with flooding, combined and sanitary sewer modeling, and water distribution quantity and quality modeling. Projects may include the design and execution of field monitoring efforts. 

Description

HDR needs a Senior Hydraulic Modeler/Planner to join our Water Business Group team in New York/New Jersey offices. The ideal candidate will have a background of leading teams in the delivery of utility management, master planning, facility planning, and hydraulic modeling projects associated with water supply, stormwater, sanitary and combined sewer collection, and water reuse systems. The Senior Hydraulic Modeler/Planner will be responsible for leading or contributing to the preparation of planning studies, development and calibration of water, stormwater, and wastewater hydraulic models, performance of GIS data analysis, alternatives analysis, execution of infrastructure renewal and rehabilitation studies, preliminary engineering, cost analysis, and capital project development. 

Responsibilities also include client interaction such as the development of proposals, scopes and level of effort estimates, project presentations, and report writing. This role may include the supervision of teams, mentoring and quality assurance/quality control activities for hydraulic modeling and master planning projects.

In the role of Senior Hydraulic Modeler, we'll count on you to: 
  • Provide project and task management; conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design; collect, assimilate and present data in reports, memos and public forums; lead production of design calculations and technical reports; and lead preparation of engineering plans and specifications for design of detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities and other hydraulic structures
  • Work independently in addition to planning, organizing and supervising the work of medium to large teams of professionals and technicians dependent on project/task
  • Serve as project manager on larger projects as needed
  • Prepare proposal, scopes of work and contract cost estimates
  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications:

  • MS in Civil or Environmental Engineering or related field a plus.
  • Proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, mapping and analysis
  • Knowledge and experience with software such as InfoWorks ICM, WaterGEMS, EPA/XP/PCSWMM, HECHMS, HECRAS, InfoWater, and HydroCAD 
  • Infrastructure design experience
  • Experience mentoring junior modeling and planning staff
  • Experience working for a public, municipal, or investor-owned water and/or wastewater utility, public works department, or engineering consulting firm is beneficial
  • Experience assisting with project budgeting, project management and client management activities
  • Experience working with clients within New York / New Jersey
  • Local Candidates 

Keyword(s): HYDROLOGY, HYDRAULICS, COMBINED SEWER, WASTERWATER, DRINKING WATER, STORMWATER, WATERSHED MODELING

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field
  • A minimum of 10 years Water Resources experience
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • HEC-1, HEC-RAS, GEO-RAS, Storm CAD, Haested Methods
  • Experience in water resources planning, hydrology/hydraulics and drainage/flood control design
  • Familiarity with DOT drainage design criteria
  • Experience in FEMA studies a plus
  • Excellent writing and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a project team
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917