Hydraulic Structures Engineer

GFT • Denver, CO

8h • $90,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Hydraulic Structures Engineer for its Geotechnical, Dams and Hydraulics Team in Greenwood Village, Colorado. The position follows a hybrid work model and requires regular attendance at the Greenwood Village office. The engineer will contribute to the design, evaluation, and rehabilitation of dams, levees, spillways, and other hydraulic structures, supporting projects intended to improve dam safety, resilience, flood-risk management, and the service life of infrastructure.

The role involves structural analyses, condition assessments, design development, computer modeling, and project-site visits for inspections and construction or design oversight. The engineer will prepare technical documentation under the guidance of senior engineers, work with multidisciplinary project teams, and communicate technical information to staff and clients. As technical and project delivery skills develop, the role offers opportunities to take on greater responsibility and grow toward technical leadership and project delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, with the ability to obtain Colorado registration.
• 3–5 years of structural engineering experience in dams, hydraulic structures, water resources, mining, or related infrastructure projects.
• Experience performing structural analyses and developing designs using engineering software such as AutoCAD, Mathcad, and finite element analysis programs (e.g., Ansys or SAP2000).
• Field experience supporting inspections, condition assessments, investigations, evaluation of existing infrastructure, construction observation, or construction activities.
• Strong technical writing skills, including preparation of engineering calculations, memoranda, reports, and design documentation.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to collaborate within multidisciplinary teams and communicate technical concepts to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Ability and willingness to travel periodically for site visits, inspections, condition assessments, and construction support activities.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree with emphasis in Structural or Civil Engineering.
• Experience with reinforced concrete and steel design for dams, hydraulic structures, or other heavy civil infrastructure.
• Experience with condition assessments, rehabilitation design, or evaluation of existing infrastructure.
• Familiarity with dam safety practices, risk-informed engineering, and/or regulatory dam safety programs.
• Experience with advanced finite element analysis software, such as LS-DYNA.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analyses and condition assessments, and develop designs for concrete dams and reinforced-concrete and steel hydraulic structures, including spillways, outlet works, stilling basins, and gates.
• Develop project design concepts, criteria, calculations, and finite element models using software such as Ansys and SAP2000.
• Apply engineering theories, concepts, and principles to solve project-specific technical challenges independently and in multidisciplinary teams.
• Research technical literature and evaluate design approaches for complex or unique project elements.
• Participate in planning, coordinating, and executing engineering assignments.
• Prepare engineering memoranda, reports, design drawings, and specifications, and support QA/QC reviews.
• Communicate technical information to technical and nontechnical audiences and collaborate with clients to understand and address project needs.
• Visit project sites to support inspections, condition assessments, investigations, and construction or design oversight.

Benefits

• Hybrid in-person and remote work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including wellness programs, parental leave, pet insurance, and medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support for active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level