Hydraulic Structures Engineer

GFT • Denver, CO

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Hydraulic Structures Engineer to join its Geotechnical, Dams and Hydraulics Team in Greenwood Village, a suburb of Denver, Colorado. The position follows a hybrid work model and requires regular attendance at the Greenwood Village office. The Dams and Hydraulics team works on the design, evaluation, and rehabilitation of dams, levees, spillways, and other hydraulic structures, with a focus on dam safety, resilience, flood risk management, and extending the service life of existing facilities.

The engineer will perform structural analyses and develop designs and computer models for dams and hydraulic structures. The role includes site visits supporting inspections, condition assessments, construction, or design oversight; preparation of technical documentation under senior engineers’ guidance; and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and clients. The successful candidate will communicate technical information to varied audiences and take on increasing technical and project delivery responsibility over time, with opportunities to grow into technical leadership and project delivery roles.

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 such as 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 effectively 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 project-specific technical challenges, independently and collaboratively with 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 quality assurance and quality control reviews.
• Communicate technical information clearly to technical and nontechnical audiences and collaborate with clients to understand and address project needs.
• Visit project sites to support inspections, condition assessments, investigations, construction observation, and construction or design oversight.

Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including wellness programs and parental leave, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Pet 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