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Hydraulics Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Engineer I

Spotsylvania, VA · On-site

$68K - $126K/yr

Engineering Operations Opening Date: 08/13/2026 Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern ... Assists with the calibration and operation of the Department's hydraulic distribution and ...

Engineer I

Spotsylvania, VA · On-site

$68K - $126K/yr

Assists with the calibration and operation of the Department's hydraulic distribution and ... Prepares engineering, permitting, and design standards drawings using AutoCAD. Attends and ...

$140 - $215/hr

Hydrologic/hydraulic (H/H) studies and drainage * Stormwater management (SWM) and erosion/sediment ... Must be licensed as a Registered Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia or the ...

Posted today

Master's degree in nuclear or mechanical engineering with a focus on thermal hydraulics. * Prior experience with verification and validation of thermal analysis tools. * Familiarity with physics ...

Master's degree in nuclear or mechanical engineering with a focus on thermal hydraulics. * Prior experience with verification and validation of thermal analysis tools. * Familiarity with physics ...

Showing results 21-40

Hydraulics Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$75.3K

$107.3K

$126.9K

How much do hydraulics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydraulics engineer in Virginia is $107,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,700.00 and $118,500.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Hydraulics Engineer jobs in VA?

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

Infographic showing various Hydraulics Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,321 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Engineer III - Thermal Hydraulic Analysis

Framatome North America

Lynchburg, VA

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Why This Role Is Critical

As the need for nuclear energy grows, the future couldn't be brighter. Join our vital mission to create lasting solutions for our planet's greatest challenges. In this role, you are ready to shape the future of clean energy and make a long-lasting global impact. With us, anticipate engaging and challenging projects that deliver innovative solutions and value-added technologies helping power more than 38 million North American homes.

What You'll Do Day-To-Day
  • Performs non-standard engineering, varied engineering, and new-to-you assignments typically in areas of design, development, analysis, evaluation, testing, preparation of specifications, execution of field tasks and resolution of field problems and resolution of quality events.  
  • Receives minimal assistance and instruction and works autonomously on most assignments and solutions.  
  • Ensures compliance with government regulations, organization, industry and customer engineering standards.  
  • Independently evaluates, selects and applies a variety of technical techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgement in making adaptations and modifications for tasks not previously performed.  
  • Continues to develop knowledge of organization, processes and customers.  
  • Works on special projects, as directed.  
  • Provides suggestions for improving processes and implementing process improvements.  
  • Maintain a safety mindset.

Preferred Skills

  • Demonstrated experience in pressurized water reactor (PWR) or boiling water reactor (BWR) thermal-hydraulics analysis experience.
  • You have experience with nuclear industry systems, subchannel codes (e.g. VIPRE or COBRA), or other software-development/method codes.
  • Familiarity with engineering workstation computers and within LINUX operating environments.
  • Programming/software capabilities and experience in FORTRAN, C/C++, or PYTHON.
  • Display positive and effective team interaction skills and value positive peer relationships.
  • Effective written and oral communication skills.
What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
    • Dependent on the position, degrees in Physics, Engineering Technology and Engineering Science may also be accepted. 
  • Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
  • Knowledge of related engineering standards, techniques and criteria.  
  • Good communication skills to comprehend and convey detailed technical data.
  • Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
  • Good problem identification and problem resolution skills.  
  • Displays informal leadership characteristics.  
  • Exhibits questioning attitude and practices self-checking.  
  • Advanced proficiency with specialized software tools and programming languages as required by the role.
Total Rewards Package

Total Rewards Package         

  • Salary: $100,000 - $110,000 and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
  • Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
  • Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
  • Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
  • Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.
About Framatome

Framatome has been shaping the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. for more than 60 years. Framatome Inc. is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, with more than 2,400+ employees across North America supporting nearly every nuclear plant in the nation.

From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next-gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.

At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon-free energy. Here, you can:

  • Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
  • Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
  • Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well-being.

Framatome is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOE 810 Appendix A).

Employment Type: FULL_TIME