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Hydraulics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McMillen, Inc.

Senior Applied Hydraulics Engineer

Boise, ID · On-site

$153K - $250K/yr

Senior Applied Hydraulics Engineer McMillen, Inc. is seeking a Senior Applied Hydraulics Engineer to join our team. The successful candidate will be a recognized leader in hydraulic engineering for ...

HDR

Transportation Hydraulics Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$79K - $105K/yr

Primary Responsibilities HDR is currently in search of a Transportation Hydraulics Engineer in our Transportation Business Group. The primary duties include project and task-level management, leading ...

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Hydraulics Engineer information

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$76K

$108.3K

$128K

How much do hydraulics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 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 engineering 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 do hydrologic engineers do?

Hydrologic engineers analyze and model water systems, including surface and groundwater flow, to solve issues related to water resources, flood control, and environmental impact. They use tools like GIS and hydrologic modeling software and often work on designing drainage systems, flood prevention measures, and water management projects.

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, sewage, and hydraulic machinery. They often work with computer-aided design (CAD) tools, conduct site inspections, and ensure systems meet safety and environmental standards.

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.

How much do hydraulic engineers get paid?

Hydraulic engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in high-demand industries such as construction, manufacturing, or environmental engineering.
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Hydraulics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydraulics Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,250 per year, or $52 per hour.
Senior Transportation Hydraulics Engineer

Senior Transportation Hydraulics Engineer

Ayres Associates Inc

Fort Collins, CO • On-site, Remote

$130K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 hours ago

Job description

Finding the right fit:

Ayres has been a national leader in hydraulics and river engineering for over 30 years. Our team is seeking a passionate and ambitious senior hydraulic engineering subject matter expert in hydraulic engineering willing to work on a variety of projects and programs to serve clients nationwide while advancing the state of practice in infrastructure-focused hydraulic engineering. You’ll join a nationally recognized technical team to perform challenging engineering studies, designs, research, manual development, and training that can impact our entire industry. If you are passionately interested in resiliency at the nexus of rivers and infrastructure and want to be part of a like-minded team, this is a great position for you!

Join Ayres – a USA TODAY Top Workplace recognized in both 2025 and 2026 – where people-first leadership, collaboration, and professional growth create an environment where great teams do their best work. That people‑first culture is further reinforced by our recognition as a 2026 Colorado Top Workplace by The Denver Post.

This role is open to remote or hybrid opportunities. We encourage individuals to apply even if their current location does not perfectly align.

On a given day, you'll:

  • Assist with the design of bridges over rivers.
  • Analyze river and floodplain hydraulics and hydrology.
  • Pursue and conduct applied research projects.
  • Work with state or federal DOT hydraulic engineers to develop reference manuals, guidance documents, procedures.
  • Help state DOTs with their bridge scour programs.
  • Work with our clients to develop and implement resiliency best practices
  • Develop and present training courses.
  • Represent Ayres at conferences and on local and national committees

Required Qualifications:

  • An advanced degree (MS or higher) in hydraulic engineering or related field.
  • Experience in hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, especially with one-and two-dimensional hydraulic modeling software.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated and recognized expertise in hydraulic engineering applied to infrastructure design or management.
  • Fifteen or more years of experience in civil engineering.
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer in at least one state.

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Experience in developing and presenting hydraulic engineering training.
  • Experience in conducting applied research in hydraulics.
  • Experience providing hydraulic engineering consulting to state Departments of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

Benefits of being part of the Ayres team:

  • Health, dental, and vision Insurance.
  • Short and long-term disability and life insurance.
  • Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) and 401K with company match.
  • PTO upon hire, paid holidays including two floating holidays, and a flexible work schedule.
  • Professional development opportunities.

Please note, benefits vary depending on job status. To learn more about our great benefits, visit our website at https://www.ayresassociates.com/careers/the-ayres-advantage/

Our good-faith compensation approach is fair and equitable, and takes into consideration only permissible factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, training, skills, and experience, and geographic location where the work is performed. A salary range for this posting is $130000 - $200000. The foregoing salary range represents what the company believes, in good-faith, it will pay for the posted opportunity. The individual selected for this role will be evaluated with the compensation factors in mind and placed appropriately.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer