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Hydraulics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Robert Peccia & Associates

Hydraulics Engineer

Helena, MT · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Hydraulics Engineer * Streets & Highways Group * All Office Locations * $80,000 - $115,000 (base salary) * Regular Full-Time Robert Peccia & Associates is seeking a motivated Hydraulics Engineer to ...

Robert Peccia & Associates

Hydraulics Engineer

Missoula, MT · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Hydraulics Engineer * Streets & Highways Group * All Office Locations * $80,000 - $115,000 ( base salary ) * Regular Full-Time Robert Peccia & Associates is seeking a motivated Hydraulics Engineer to ...

Robert Peccia & Associates

Hydraulics Engineer

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Hydraulics Engineer * Streets & Highways Group * All Office Locations * $80,000 - $115,000 ( base salary ) * Regular Full-Time Robert Peccia & Associates is seeking a motivated Hydraulics Engineer to ...

Robert Peccia & Associates

Hydraulics Engineer

Helena, MT · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Hydraulics Engineer * Streets & Highways Group * All Office Locations * $80,000 - $115,000 ( base salary ) * Regular Full-Time Robert Peccia & Associates is seeking a motivated Hydraulics Engineer to ...

Robert Peccia & Associates

Hydraulics Engineer

Anaconda, MT · On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Hydraulics Engineer * Streets & Highways Group * All Office Locations * $80,000 - $115,000 ( base salary ) * Regular Full-Time Robert Peccia & Associates is seeking a motivated Hydraulics Engineer to ...

Tetra Tech

Hydraulics Engineer

Englewood, CO

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 ...

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Hydraulics Engineer

Englewood, CO · On-site

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 ...

Terex Corporation

Hydraulics Engineer

Watertown, SD · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Job Title: Hydraulics Engineer Location: Watertown Department: Engineering/Mechanical Systems Reports To: Engineering Manager Job Type: Full-Time We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented ...

Terex

Hydraulics Engineer

Watertown, SD · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Job Title:Hydraulics Engineer Location: Watertown Department: Engineering/Mechanical Systems Reports To: Engineering Manager Job Type: Full-Time We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented ...

ARi

Hydraulics engineer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering curriculum preferred. 3+ years of relevant work experience Required Skills: Working knowledge of hydraulic components or systems Strong analytical and ...

HDR

Transportation Hydraulics Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

In the role of Transportation Hydraulics Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Serve in a technical role under the direction of a Project Manager and Senior Hydraulic Engineers on the engineering ...

HDR

Transportation Hydraulics Engineer

Tampa, FL

In the role of Transportation Hydraulics Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Serve in a technical role under the direction of a Project Manager and Senior Hydraulic Engineers on the engineering ...

HDR

Transportation Hydraulics Engineer

Columbus, OH

$78K - $102K/yr

HDR currently has an opening for a Transportation Hydraulics Engineer to join our team in the Ohio Offices. The primary duties are to provide project engineering, task management and project ...

HDR

Transportation Hydraulics Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$78K - $102K/yr

HDR currently has an opening for a Transportation Hydraulics Engineer to join our team in the Ohio Offices. The primary duties are to provide project engineering, task management and project ...

GFT.

Hydrology and Hydraulics Engineer

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

$90K - $135K/yr

GFT Infrastructure is seeking a Hydrology and Hydraulics Engineer (H&H Engineer) to join our Hydraulics Team in Fort Worth, Beaumont, Dallas, Austin, or Houston, TX ! This role follows a hybrid work ...

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Hydraulics Engineer information

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$128K

How much do hydraulics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydraulics engineer in the United States is $108,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $119,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Hydraulics Engineer do?

A Hydraulics Engineer designs, analyzes, and manages systems and structures that use liquid flow, primarily water, to perform various functions. Their work often involves creating hydraulic systems for dams, water treatment facilities, irrigation networks, flood control, and piping systems. They apply principles of fluid mechanics to solve engineering challenges, ensure safety, and optimize the efficiency of hydraulic systems. Hydraulics Engineers also conduct simulations, oversee construction, and maintain compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain senior roles in software or data science can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may include bonuses or stock options that contribute to total compensation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions often require advanced skills, management responsibilities, or work in high-demand industries.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Hydraulics engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or large manufacturing. High salaries often require expertise in fluid dynamics, system design, and the use of engineering software, along with a strong track record of project management and innovation.

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

To thrive as a Hydraulics Engineer, a strong background in fluid mechanics, civil or mechanical engineering, and a relevant engineering degree is essential. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, and hydraulic modeling software, along with a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help engineers collaborate effectively and deliver innovative solutions. These competencies ensure accurate design, analysis, and implementation of hydraulic systems critical for infrastructure and environmental sustainability.

What are some common challenges Hydraulics Engineers face when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Hydraulics Engineers working on large-scale infrastructure projects often encounter challenges such as integrating complex fluid dynamics models with real-world site constraints, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations. Managing timelines and budgets while adapting designs to unexpected site conditions, like variable soil quality or unforeseen weather patterns, is also common. Effective communication with civil engineers, project managers, and regulatory agencies is crucial for navigating these challenges and delivering successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Hydraulics Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHydraulics EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Civil, or Hydraulic Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license optional but beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesigning hydraulic systems, testing components, working in labs or on-site for fluid systemsDesigning mechanical systems, manufacturing, testing, and maintenance in various industries
Industry UsageWater resources, hydraulic machinery, fluid power systemsAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy

Hydraulics Engineers specialize in fluid power systems and hydraulic machinery, focusing on designing and testing hydraulic components. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems across industries. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in their specific focus and work environments.

What does a Hydraulic Engineer do?

A Hydraulic Engineer designs, analyzes, and maintains systems that use fluid power, such as water supply, drainage, and hydraulic machinery. They often work with computer-aided design (CAD) tools, conduct field inspections, and ensure systems meet safety and environmental standards. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of fluid mechanics are essential for this role.

What Is a Hydraulics Engineer?

A hydraulics engineer is a civil engineer who specializes in the properties and movement of liquids like water and sewage. In hydraulics engineering jobs, projects include designing or overseeing structures like dams, bridges, and canals. They may also work with machinery that utilizes hydraulic power. These professionals usually have a bachelor’s in engineering and a master’s degree in hydraulics. Most find work with state and local government agencies or private firms.

More about Hydraulics Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Hydraulics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Hydraulics Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Hydraulics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydraulics Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hydraulics Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hydraulics Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Hydraulics Engineer jobs? For Hydraulics Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Hydraulics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydraulics Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,250 per year, or $52 per hour.
Hydraulics Engineer

Hydraulics Engineer

Robert Peccia & Associates

Helena, MT • On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Hydraulics Engineer
  • Streets & Highways Group
  • All Office Locations
  • $80,000 - $115,000 (base salary)
  • Regular Full-Time

Robert Peccia & Associates is seeking a motivated Hydraulics Engineer to join our Streets & Highways Group. This position will support and/or lead hydrology and hydraulics efforts for transportation infrastructure projects across Montana and the Northwest, ranging from rural highways to complex urban corridors and interchanges.
This opportunity is designed for candidates with mid- to senior-level experience. Depending on experience, the selected candidate may perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses under the guidance of senior engineers and project managers, or serve as a technical lead and primary hydrology and hydraulics point of contact for select projects.
In this role, you will help deliver practical, resilient, and permit-ready drainage solutions that support safe and reliable transportation infrastructure. You will work closely with roadway designers, project managers, structural engineers, environmental staff, surveyors, clients, and regulatory agencies to develop drainage designs, prepare technical documentation, support project approvals, and integrate hydrology and hydraulics solutions into multidisciplinary transportation projects.
As a Hydraulics Engineer, you will support and/or lead hydrology and hydraulics analyses and design for transportation projects. Responsibilities will vary based on experience level and may include:
  • Perform Hydrology & Hydraulics Design: Complete hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and design transportation drainage systems, including storm sewer systems, culverts, channels and ditches, water quality BMPs, pipe hydraulics, bridge hydraulics and scour support, and floodplain evaluations.
  • Develop Drainage Plans & Details: Prepare drainage exhibits, quantities, design details, and plan deliverables that integrate with roadway geometry, structural elements, environmental constraints, constructability considerations, and overall project requirements.
  • Prepare Technical Documentation: Develop calculations, drainage reports, hydraulic memoranda, technical reports, permitting documentation, and calculation packages to support design decisions, reviews, approvals, and regulatory coordination.
  • Apply Design Criteria & Support Quality Reviews: Apply federal, state, and local design criteria; participate in internal QA/QC reviews; address review comments; and help ensure deliverables are accurate, consistent, and defensible.
  • Coordinate Projects & Stakeholders: Collaborate with project managers, roadway designers, structural engineers, environmental staff, surveyors, clients, and regulatory agencies to resolve drainage issues and support project delivery.
  • Conduct Field & Site Reviews: Participate in site reviews and field investigations to validate assumptions, evaluate existing conditions, and ensure designs align with real-world constraints and applicable specifications.
  • Provide Technical Leadership: For senior-level candidates, serve as the hydrology and hydraulics lead or primary point of contact on select projects, providing technical direction, coordinating drainage design development, and supporting client and agency interactions.
  • Mentor & Support Staff: For senior-level candidates, provide technical guidance and mentorship to EITs and junior engineers through task leadership, design review, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
  • Support Scopes, Schedules & Budgets: For senior-level candidates, lead hydrology and hydraulics tasks and provide technical input to project scopes, schedules, budgets, and staffing plans in coordination with project managers.

Requirements
We are looking for a self-motivated engineer with strong technical knowledge in transportation-related hydrology and hydraulics, sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. The ideal candidate has:
  • Education & Licensure: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field, with a Professional Engineer license in Montana or the ability to obtain Montana licensure within six months of hire.
  • Relevant Experience: Four or more years of progressive hydrology and hydraulics experience, with transportation or roadway drainage experience preferred. Senior-level candidates should typically have eight or more years of relevant experience and the ability to independently lead complex drainage tasks.
  • Transportation Drainage Experience: Experience supporting or delivering roadway, highway, urban street, interchange, culvert, storm sewer, bridge hydraulics, scour, floodplain, or related transportation drainage projects.
  • Technical Proficiency: Experience with hydrologic and hydraulic analysis tools such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, HY-8, SSA, and/or comparable software. Familiarity with Civil 3D, MicroStation/OpenRoads, and ArcGIS is preferred.
  • Documentation & Design Skills: Ability to prepare calculations, drainage reports, technical memoranda, permitting documentation, and plan deliverables with strong attention to detail and clear technical communication.
  • Project Coordination: Ability to work effectively with project managers, multidisciplinary teams, clients, agencies, and stakeholders to support project delivery and resolve drainage-related design issues.
  • Leadership & Mentorship: For senior-level candidates, demonstrated ability to provide technical direction, review complex calculations and reports, mentor junior staff, and exercise independent engineering judgment.
  • Professional Attributes: Strong written and verbal communication skills, collaborative and team-oriented approach, self-motivation, sound judgment, adaptability, and alignment with RPA's core values and employee-owned culture.

Benefits
About RPA
Robert Peccia & Associates (RPA) is a distinguished, 100% employee-owned civil engineering, planning, and land surveying firm headquartered in Montana. Established in 1978, we are renowned for our personalized service and commitment to designing practical and sustainable solutions for our clients.
We champion an open leadership style based on mutual trust, empowering our team members to influence the future of RPA. Our commitment to a collaborative culture has fostered consistent growth and one of the lowest staff turnover rates in the industry. At RPA, our core values-listening, respect, integrity, empowerment, teamwork, and social responsibility-drive our success and shape our dynamic work environment.
Company Culture and Benefits
At RPA, our employee-owners are the cornerstone of our success. That is why we invest in you, your professional development, your community, and your future, celebrating both your work achievements and personal milestones. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Generous Retirement Plan: RPA contributes to your retirement future, with no match required, starting on day one.
  • 100% Employee Owned: Our Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) provides you with direct ownership in the company, aligning your success with ours.
  • Competitive Salary and Bonuses: Enjoy a rewarding compensation structure including competitive base salary and company-wide bonus program.
  • Flexible Work Environment: We support work-life balance with excellent leave policies, flexible schedules, and paid time over 40 hours per week.
  • Professional Growth: We support and encourage professional development and involvement in civic/professional organizations and provide ample opportunity for career growth within RPA.

Additional details about our benefits can be found on our RPA Advantage Page.

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