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Hydraulics Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer I

Raleigh, NC

$69K - $95K/yr

RS&H is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer for our Transportation Practice in our ... Experience with 2-dimensional bridge hydraulics modeling * Experience using ArcGIS for water ...

Water Resources Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer for our Transportation ... Experience with 2-dimensional bridge hydraulics modeling * Experience using ArcGIS for water ...

Water Resources Engineer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$69K - $95K/yr

The Opportunity RS&H is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineer for our Transportation ... Experience with 2-dimensional bridge hydraulics modeling * Experience using ArcGIS for water ...

Project Engineer - Water Resources

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$76K - $105K/yr

Position Overview  Project Engineers will work as part of a project team to deliver various ... Hydrologic & hydraulic simulations of project sites based on agency-specific design storms

Showing results 41-60

Hydraulics Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$73.9K

$105.2K

$124.4K

How much do hydraulics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydraulics engineer in Raleigh, NC is $105,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,700.00 and $116,200.00 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 Raleigh, NC?

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

Infographic showing various Hydraulics Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,221 per year, or $50.6 per hour.

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Plumbing

DPR Construction

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$101K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


DPR Construction rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Job Description

The Senior Mechanical Engineer - Plumbing is responsible for the design, development, and delivery of plumbing engineering solutions throughout all phases of project execution. This role leads the preparation of plumbing system drawings, specifications, calculations, and technical documentation while ensuring compliance with applicable plumbing codes, industry standards, and project requirements.

Working with increasing independence, the Senior Mechanical Engineer serves as a technical leader for plumbing system design, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop coordinated, constructible building systems. The role supports successful project execution through technical leadership, construction administration, scope management, quality assurance, and risk evaluation while delivering innovative, sustainable, and code-compliant plumbing solutions.

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • This position does not have direct supervisory responsibilities but serves as a technical leader within the plumbing engineering team.

  • Provides mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers and designers while supporting professional development and knowledge sharing.

  • May lead project-specific engineering teams and coordinate plumbing engineering work assignments to support successful project delivery.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead the design and production of plumbing engineering deliverables, including drawings, specifications, calculations, hydraulic analyses, and technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle.

  • Design domestic water, sanitary waste and vent, storm drainage, natural gas, medical gas, specialty piping, and other plumbing systems in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and project requirements.

  • Perform plumbing system sizing and hydraulic calculations, fixture unit analyses, equipment selection, and utility demand evaluations.

  • Coordinate plumbing system layouts with HVAC, structural, architectural, electrical, fire protection, and civil disciplines to ensure fully integrated and constructible building designs.

  • Prepare and review coordinated 2D drawings and 3D models using computer-aided design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms.

  • Review plumbing engineering deliverables to ensure compliance with project quality standards, coordination requirements, constructability expectations, and applicable plumbing codes.

  • Lead construction administration activities, including reviewing shop drawings and submittals, responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), conducting site visits, evaluating field conditions, and supporting commissioning and project closeout activities.

  • Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, utility providers, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), and project stakeholders to develop coordinated and cost-effective plumbing solutions.

  • Assist project managers with scope management, budgeting, scheduling, technical risk evaluation, and quality control related to plumbing system design.

  • Apply sound engineering judgment to resolve complex plumbing design challenges while balancing performance, maintainability, sustainability, and lifecycle costs.

  • Support the evaluation and implementation of sustainable water management strategies, including water conservation, rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, and other high-performance building initiatives where applicable.

  • Participate in professional development activities and contribute to continuous improvement of engineering standards, design processes, and technical best practices.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent engineering discipline with a plumbing engineering focus) required.

  • 6+ years of experience in plumbing engineering for commercial, institutional, healthcare, industrial, or mission-critical building projects required.

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required.

  • Active NCEES Record for licensure maintenance preferred.

  • Demonstrated experience designing domestic water, sanitary, storm, natural gas, medical gas, specialty piping, and other plumbing systems for commercial building projects.

  • Strong understanding of the International Plumbing Code (IPC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), NFPA standards, local jurisdictional requirements, and applicable building codes.

  • Proficiency with plumbing engineering calculations, hydraulic analysis, CAD/BIM software, and industry-standard engineering design tools.

  • Experience coordinating plumbing systems within multidisciplinary BIM environments and participating in clash detection and constructability reviews.

  • Strong knowledge of construction administration practices, submittal review, field coordination, and project delivery methods.

  • Excellent analytical, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities while working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

DPR Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing general contractor specializing in technically complex and sustainable projects for the advanced technology, life sciences, healthcare, higher education and commercial markets. Founded in 1990, DPR is a great story of entrepreneurial success as a private, employee-owned company that has grown into a multi-billion-dollar family of companies with offices around the world.

Working at DPR, you'll have the chance to try new things, explore unique paths and shape your future. Here, we build opportunity together-by harnessing our talents, enabling curiosity and pursuing our collective ambition to make the best ideas happen. We are proud to be recognized as a great place to work by our talented teammates and leading news organizations like U.S. News and World Report, Forbes, Fast Company and Newsweek.

Explore our open opportunities atwww.dpr.com/careers.


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