Hydraulic Structures Engineer

GFT. • Denver, CO

1d • $90,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

GFT is seeking a Hydraulic Structures Engineer to join 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 role supports the design, evaluation, and rehabilitation of dams, levees, spillways, and other hydraulic structures, helping protect communities and critical infrastructure and improve dam safety, resilience, flood-risk management, and the service life of existing facilities.

The engineer will perform structural analyses and develop designs and computer models for dams and hydraulic structures; visit project sites for inspections, condition assessments, and construction or design oversight; and prepare technical documentation with guidance from senior engineers. The role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, communication with staff and clients, participation in engineering assignments, and progressively greater technical and project-delivery responsibility, with opportunities to grow into technical leadership and project delivery roles.

GFT is a privately held AEC firm with more than 5,000 employees and over a century of experience. The position offers a salary range of $90,000–$120,000, dependent on experience and geographic location. Successful candidates must complete a criminal background check.

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 experience in structural engineering for 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 and ability to collaborate effectively with 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 sites to support inspections, condition assessments, investigations, evaluations of existing infrastructure, construction observation, and construction support activities.
• Travel periodically for site visits, inspections, condition assessments, and construction support activities.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance.
• 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 and access to internal and external training programs.
• Support for active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

What This Job Offers

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