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Hydraulics Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fluid Power Engineer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$110 - $120/hr

Fluid power engineer applies fluid power theory and related knowledge to design, test and ... Sizing and selecting hydraulic and pneumatic components and provide specifications to Planning ...

Showing results 41-60

Hydraulics Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$75.3K

$107.3K

$126.9K

How much do hydraulics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,321 per year, or $51.6 per hour.

Thermal Hydraulic Core Design Engineer-Lynchburg, Virginia

BWX Technologies

Big Island, VA

$86K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


BWX Technologies rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. A U.S.-based company, BWXT is a Fortune 1000 and Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,800 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. We are the sole manufacturer of naval nuclear reactors for U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. Our company supplies precision manufactured components, services and fuel for the commercial nuclear power industry across four continents. Our joint ventures provide environmental restoration and operations management at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. BWXT's technology is driving advances in medical radioisotope production in North America and microreactors for various defense and space applications. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com . Follow us on LinkedIn , X , Facebook and Instagram .
Welcome to BWXT
We believe in empowering our employees and cultivating a dynamic workplace that fosters growth and collaboration. Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find opportunities to challenge yourself, learn from seasoned experts, and contribute to nuclear innovation. We required a diverse range of skills to support our work in the markets that drive our business and welcome candidates from all backgrounds and life stages who are passionate about making a difference.
BWXT is People Strong, Innovation Driven - be part of BWXT's innovation hub. BWXT's Advanced Technologies (AT) group researches, designs, and develops innovative new nuclear reactors, nuclear rocket propulsion systems, and radioisotope production systems for both internal and external customers.
If you are looking for a career where your experience is valued, innovative thinking is fostered, and barrier-free teamwork is embraced every day, then this opportunity is for you.
Position Overview:
As our Thermal Hydraulic Core Design Engineer, you will contribute to a variety of projects in a collaborative team environment, performing thermal analysis of advanced core designs that include a variety of fuel systems, cycle, and coolant types. The Engineer will work within the core design team, interacting with neutronic core design, fuel performance, mechanical, and systems engineers. Depending on the candidate's qualifications, the role may involve supporting the development of core thermal modeling, simulation, and optimization tools.
Location:
On-site in Lynchburg, VA at the Advanced Technologies Office
Your Day to Day as a Thermal Hydraulic Core Design Engineer:
  • Perform thermal analysis of advanced core designs that include a variety of fuel systems, cycle, and coolant types.
  • Control a broad scope of studies, from preconceptual through reference design.
  • Perform a range of core thermal analysis from quick scoping to design quality.
  • Support the development of core thermal modeling, simulation, and optimization.
  • Interact with neutronic core design, fuel performance, mechanical, and system engineers.
  • Work in a core design team contributing to a variety of projects.

Required Qualifications:
  • A bachelor's degree in engineering or physics is required.
  • A minimum of four (4) years of related experience is required.
  • Must be a strong team player with the ability to develop effective relationships with internal and external customers and suppliers.
  • Must be able to learn a variety of new procedures, processes and tools while maintaining various stages of production.
  • Must possess understanding of design control and configuration control concepts and project engineering activities (task plans, schedules).
  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) or Department of Defense (DOD) security clearance, which may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 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 tools such as Ansys, Relap5-3D, and Flownex.
  • Knowledge of programming languages such as FORTRAN, Python, C, and C++.

What We Offer:
  • Competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and retirement plans.
  • Flexible work schedules and paid time off to promote a healthy work-life balance.
  • Professional development opportunities, including mentorship programs and sponsorship for continuing education.
  • An inclusive atmosphere that celebrates new perspectives and supports collaboration between different generations.
  • The chance to be part of a mission-driven organization making a positive impact on the future of energy.
  • Opportunities for continuous learning and training to grow throughout your career!

Pay: $86,000.00 - $136,000.00
The base salary range for this position in Virginia (US-VA) at the start of employment is expected to be between $86,000.00 and $136,000.00 per year. However, the base salary offered is based on local job market factors, and may vary further depending on factors specific to the selected job candidate, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to these considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, such as an annual cash incentive in addition to a full range of medical, retirement, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided at such time the selected job candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, the selected job candidate will be employed 'at-will,' unless employed at a location and in a position subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The company further reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment, compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and other market factors.
As a federal government contractor, BWX Technologies, Inc. and any subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities ("BWXT" or the "Company") complies with all federal, state, and local laws and customer requirements regarding health and safety protocols. As such, all BWXT new hires will be required to adhere to applicable Company health and safety requirements within the workplace as a condition of employment.
All candidates must be U.S. citizens. Selected applicants are required to successfully complete a pre-employment check and drug screening. In addition, the position may require the ability to obtain and maintain applicable federal eligibility requirements for access to classified/sensitive information or matter which involves an extensive criminal and financial background investigation, drug test, previous employment, and reference verifications.
BWXT is committed to the concept of Equal Employment Opportunity. We have established procedures to ensure that all personnel actions such as recruitment, compensation, career development, benefits, company-sponsored training and social recreational programs are administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, protected veteran or other protected status.
BWX Technologies, Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (BWXT) is not responsible for and does not accept any liability for fees or other costs associated with resumes or candidates presented by recruiters or employment agencies, unless a binding, written recruitment agreement between BWXT and the recruiter or agency exists prior to the presentation of candidates or resumes to BWXT and includes the specific services, job openings, and fees to be paid ("Agreement"). BWXT may consider any candidate for whom a recruiter or agency has submitted an unsolicited resume and explicitly reserves the right to hire such candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency unless an Agreement is in place prior to presentation and such Agreement explicitly encompasses the job opening for which such fees or costs are sought. An email, verbal or other informal contact with any person within BWXT will not create a binding agreement. Agencies or recruiters without an Agreement are directed not to contact any hiring managers of BWXT with recruiting inquiries or resumes. Recruiters and agencies interested in partnering with BWXT may contact BWXT's Talent Acquisition team at talent_acquisition@bwxt.com.
Nearest Major Market: Lynchburg
Nearest Secondary Market: Virginia
Job Segment: Thermal Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Physics, Design Engineer, Defense, Engineering, Science, Government

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