Senior Hydraulic Engineer - Spillway Modeling and Dam Hydraulics
About The Position
Ayres is seeking a Senior Hydraulic Engineer with expertise in dam hydraulics, spillway analysis, and advanced hydraulic modeling. The role involves leading technically complex projects for state and federal agencies and dam owners throughout the United States, with remote work available and reporting through the Madison, Wisconsin office. The engineer will lead evaluations and modeling for dams, spillways, outlet works, flood conveyance systems, and related hydraulic infrastructure. The position also supports dam rehabilitation, dam safety, and infrastructure improvement projects, and includes technical mentoring, fieldwork, and occasional travel to Ayres offices and project locations.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, or a related field.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain licensure within 12 months; an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) credential is required.
- At least 8 years of hydraulic engineering experience focused on dams, spillways, river systems, or complex hydraulic structures; alternatively, at least 5 years of hydraulic engineering experience with a graduate degree and CFD focus.
- Demonstrated hydraulic modeling experience, including CFD applications such as FLOW-3D.
- Strong technical writing, client communication, and project collaboration skills.
- Ability and willingness to perform fieldwork at dam, spillway, river, and heavy civil construction sites.
- Valid driver's license and good driving record.
Nice To Haves
- Master's degree in a related engineering discipline.
- Experience with dam safety evaluations, extreme flood studies, and regulatory review processes.
- Experience mentoring engineers and serving as a technical resource on multidisciplinary projects.
- Ability to verify CFD results against theory, physical-model or field data, and sensitivity testing.
Responsibilities
- Lead hydraulic evaluations of dams, spillways, outlet works, and flood conveyance systems.
- Develop, review, and guide advanced 1D, 2D, and 3D hydraulic models, including FLOW-3D analyses.
- Assess spillway capacity, energy dissipation, cavitation potential, scour, gate operations, and extreme flood performance.
- Prepare and review technical reports, engineering analyses, and regulatory submissions.
- Mentor junior engineers and modelers.
- Support dam rehabilitation, dam safety, and hydraulic infrastructure improvement projects.
- Participate in periodic site visits and occasional travel to Ayres offices and project locations.
- Perform fieldwork at dam, spillway, river, and heavy civil construction sites.
Benefits
- Employee ownership through an ESOP.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage.
- Flexible work arrangements.
- Career growth and leadership opportunities.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
