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Reservoir Simulation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Reservoir simulation, optimization, re-operation, and decision support * Hydrologic and climate change modeling, including ensemble and statistical analyses * Flood risk management, FERC relicensing ...

Reservoir simulation, optimization, re-operation, and decision support * Hydrologic and climate change modeling, including ensemble and statistical analyses * Flood risk management, FERC relicensing ...

... reservoir geomechanics * Organize, analyze, and interpret large geophysical sets from ongoing laboratory/field operations and physics-based simulations * Employ physical, statistical, or machine ...

... reservoir geomechanics * Organize, analyze, and interpret large geophysical sets from ongoing laboratory/field operations and physics-based simulations * Employ physical, statistical, or machine ...

... reservoir geomechanics * Organize, analyze, and interpret large geophysical sets from ongoing laboratory/field operations and physics-based simulations * Employ physical, statistical, or machine ...

Reservoir Simulation information

Is reservoir simulation a good career?

Reservoir simulation is a specialized field within the oil and gas industry that involves modeling subsurface reservoirs to optimize extraction. It requires strong skills in geology, petroleum engineering, and software tools like Eclipse or CMG. The career offers opportunities in exploration, production, and consulting, often with competitive salaries and the need for ongoing technical training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a reservoir simulation engineer?

To thrive as a Reservoir Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in petroleum engineering or related fields, with expertise in fluid dynamics, reservoir modeling, and data analysis. Proficiency with specialized simulation software such as Eclipse, CMG, or Petrel, as well as familiarity with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help convey complex technical results to diverse teams. These skills are vital for accurately predicting reservoir performance, optimizing production strategies, and supporting informed decision-making in oil and gas operations.

What is the difference between Reservoir Simulation vs Reservoir Engineer?

AspectReservoir SimulationReservoir Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping computer models to predict reservoir behaviorAnalyzing reservoir data to optimize production
Required SkillsPetroleum engineering, reservoir modeling, software proficiencyReservoir analysis, production forecasting, data interpretation
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, software development, simulation labsField operations, data analysis, project planning
CertificationsPetroleum Engineering degree, software certificationsPetroleum Engineering degree, professional licenses

Reservoir Simulation involves creating models to predict reservoir performance, while Reservoir Engineers analyze data to optimize extraction. Both roles require petroleum engineering knowledge but focus on different aspects of reservoir management.

What is reservoir simulation?

Reservoir simulation is the process of using computer models to represent and predict the behavior of fluids (such as oil, gas, and water) within a reservoir underground. These simulations help engineers understand how a reservoir will respond to various extraction methods over time. By using data from geological, petrophysical, and production sources, reservoir simulation aids in optimizing production strategies and maximizing recovery while minimizing costs and risks.

What are some common challenges faced by reservoir simulation engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Reservoir simulation engineers often face challenges such as managing incomplete or uncertain subsurface data, integrating multidisciplinary inputs, and ensuring model accuracy for reliable forecasting. Addressing these challenges involves close collaboration with geologists, petrophysicists, and production engineers to validate assumptions and update models as new data becomes available. Regular calibration and validation of simulation models with actual production data, as well as ongoing training in the latest simulation software, also help enhance reliability and performance in this role.
Infographic showing various Reservoir Simulation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

System Operations Modeling Team Lead

HDR

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you'll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience.  We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people's lives. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

HDR is looking for a water resources engineer to join as a team leader within our Hydrology and System Operations Section team in Sacramento, CA and assist in staff development and project delivery. This position is well-suited for an experienced water resources professional with a strong technical foundation and increasing responsibility in project delivery, client interaction, technical leadership, and staff development. The ideal candidate will bring depth in reservoir system operations, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, watershed hydrology, and climate change analysis, and will contribute meaningfully to team leadership and mentoring.

Our clients include local, state, and federal agencies, and our work spans some of the most complex and high-profile water resources challenges in California and the western U.S. The selected candidate will play a key role in project execution, staff development, and the delivery of high-quality technical work across a diverse portfolio.

Skills such as scripting (such as WRESL, Python/Jython, or VBA) and experience with CalSim II and CalSim 3, CalLite, VIC, HEC software (such as HEC-SSP, HEC-HMS, HEC-ResSim and both HEC-RAS 1D and 2D), water temperature modeling (HEC 5Q, CE QUAL W2), climate change analytical tools and datasets (such as Global Circulation Models and downscaling methods), linear programming and optimization would be considered beneficial. 

The candidate is expected to be a key part of project delivery teams; mentor junior staff; manage small- to medium-sized projects; and effectively interact with clients and peers.  Candidates should be able to work independently but also enjoy working in a collaborative team environment.  The candidate must have strong writing skills and good quality control/quality assurance processes.

In the role of System Operations Modeling Team Lead, we'll count on you to: 
 
  • Assist in the responsibility for operations of section team including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support

  • Assist in the selection, training, development and management of technical personnel in the section team

  • Provide advanced technical support and task leadership on water resources projects related to:

    • Water supply and reservoir operations modeling

    • Hydrology development and analysis

    • Reservoir simulation, optimization, re-operation, and decision support

    • Hydrologic and climate change modeling, including ensemble and statistical analyses

    • Flood risk management, FERC relicensing, and ecological enhancement projects

  • Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead technical tasks within multi-disciplinary project teams.

  • Support project management activities for small- to medium-sized projects, including scope, schedule, and budget tracking.

  • Mentor junior staff and support knowledge transfer, technical review, and staff development.

  • Participate in client coordination, including technical meetings, work sessions, and preparation of client-facing deliverables.

  • Apply strong QA/QC practices, ensuring clear documentation, reproducible analyses, and high-quality deliverables.

  • Contribute to the development and improvement of HDR's technical tools, workflows, and best practices.

  • Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design; collect, assimilate and present data in reports, memos and public forums; lead production of design calculations and technical reports; and lead preparation of engineering plans and specifications for design of detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities and other hydraulic structures

  • Work independently in addition to planning, organizing and assisting groups of medium to large teams of professionals and technicians dependent on project/task

  • Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning documentation

  • Assist in water resources permitting efforts

  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

  • Graduate degree

  • Experience with water supply operations modeling such as CalSim and CalLite.

  • Experience with climate change analytical tools and datasets.

  • Linear programming, optimization, and decision-support modeling

  • Scripting and automation using Python/Jython, WRESL, VBA, or similar tools

  • Familiarity with NEPA and ESA processes, including supporting environmental compliance, biological assessments, effects analyses, and coordination with environmental and regulatory teams

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • A minimum of 7 years experience
  • Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
  • Strong communication and listening skills
  • Ability to handle multiple assignments
  • Good leadership and organizational skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917