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Hydraulics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mead & Hunt

Hydrology & Hydraulics Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

A bachelor's degree (or higher) in civil engineering or related engineering field from an accredited college or university AND at least two (2) years of relevant hydrology & hydraulics experience The ...

Radiant

Senior Thermal-Hydraulics Engineer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$139K - $224K/yr

About the Role Radiant is seeking a driven Senior Thermal-Hydraulics Enginee r with expertise in ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or similar field from an accredited institution. * 5+ ...

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All JobsHydraulics Engineer JobsHydraulics Engineer Jobs in California

Hydraulics Engineer information

See California salary details

$75K

$106.8K

$126.3K

How much do hydraulics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydraulics engineer in California is $106,832.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $117,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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The top searched job categories for Hydraulics Engineer jobs in California are:

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For Hydraulics Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Hydraulics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydraulics Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,832 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Hydrology & Hydraulics Engineer

Mead & Hunt

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Mead & Hunt rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

287th of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Mead & Hunt, a nationally recognized professional services consulting firm, is seeking a client focused problem-solver to join our collaborative and innovative water resources team.
Responsibilities include:
  • Analyzing dam and hydropower facilities, water conveyance systems, levee systems, bridges/culverts, watersheds and floodplains
  • Construction document and cost development
  • Writing reports
  • Directing activities of other project staff
  • Quality control reviews
  • Client communication
  • Designing water resources and other civil engineering projects

Some travel will be required.
The successful candidate must have:
  • A bachelor's degree (or higher) in civil engineering or related engineering field from an accredited college or university AND at least two (2) years of relevant hydrology & hydraulics experience

The ideal candidate will have experience with any/all of the following:
  • HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS (including two-dimensional modeling), SWMM, HydroCAD or closely related software
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling with FLOW-3D HYDRO, Ansys Fluent, or similar
  • Spreadsheet and coding solutions for engineering applications including MS Excel, VBA, Python, MatLab, or similar
  • AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • ESRI GIS (ArcGIS Pro or similar) for data editing and geoprocessing workflows
  • Floodplain modeling/mapping including experience with FEMA
  • Dam failure analysis and inundation mapping
  • Watershed hydrology and open channel hydraulics
  • Bridge/culvert H&H analysis and modeling
  • Erosion protection design
  • Dam and spillway H&H analysis and design
  • Probable maximum flood (PMF) estimation
  • Pump and pipeline design
  • Coastal engineering
  • Presentations to clients/owners and/or at industry conferences
  • Writing technical reports
  • Leading tasks, providing guidance, and coordinating with others who assisted with the task

If you have strong communication and organizational skills, are self-motivated, and can work well both independently and as part of a team, complete the online application process for this job posting at www.meadhunt.com/careers.
Mead & Hunt proudly offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, paid sick leave, parental leave, a 401K plan with a generous company match, life and disability insurance, and an employee assistance program.
Salary Range: $80,000 to $107,000 - Actual compensation may vary due to other factors such as: experience, skill set or location.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of applicable pre-employment screening requirements.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.
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