Principal Dam Engineer

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Job Description

AECOM Technical Services, Inc. is seeking a Principal Dam Engineer in Orange, CA.

Job Responsibilities:

• Review designs, technical specifications, and drawings for civil and geotechnical aspects of dams and hydropower projects, levees and flood control systems
• Develop resource plans, proposals, bid schedules, and cost estimates for dams and other water infrastructure projects
• Review and prepare written technical reports, and evaluation memoranda to satisfy regulatory requirements
• Conduct site visits and dam inspections, and oversee data collection, compilation, and evaluate data for dams and related structures
• Perform interdisciplinary technical reviews of plans and specifications for adequacy of technical approach, compliance with the best practices and the client needs, and constructability
• Provide oversight during construction activities, ensuring compliance with engineering plans and specifications
• Support the resolution of construction-related issues by evaluating challenges and assessing the effectiveness of proposed solutions
• Oversee field exploration/characterization and laboratory testing of soil and rock materials
• Oversee teams performing dam analysis and design including seismic stability, seepage and seismic analyses
• Oversee field exploration/characterization and laboratory testing of soil and/or rock materials
• Lead field quality assurance for dam and hydropower construction projects for compliance with plans and specifications, and review contractor submittals for conformance with contract plans and specifications and evaluate requests for information as part of engineering services during construction
• Coordinate with internal technical experts on business development initiatives and promote the company's expertise in dam and hydropower solutions to potential new clients, and support upper management with the development of business strategies for dams and hydropower projects
• Identify and pursue new clients/projects with business development goals
• Up to 15% domestic travel required
• Telecommuting permitted from anywhere within the US

Qualifications

Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Mining, Geoscience, Civil Engineering, or a related field of study and 10 years of experience as a Dam Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, Geotechnical Team Lead, or a related occupation.

Alternatively, the employer will accept a Master's degree in Geophysics, Mining, Geoscience, Civil Engineering, or a related field of study and 8 years of experience.

Position requires experience in the following:

1. Dam and hydropower design and construction
2. Dam safety reviews and codes and regulations
3. Engineering during construction, resident engineering, and quality assurance and quality control
4. Performing review of plans, specifications, cost estimates, and technical reports for dams and hydropower projects
5. Performing technical support to Dams Project Managers, including design, analysis, inspection, regulatory compliance activities associated with a variety of dams
6. Conducting geo-hazard evaluations and technical reviews
7. Providing project management support, including client management, contract management, planning and execution, and financial management
8. Overseeing teams performing slope stability and seepage analyses and designing slope stabilization measures for dams, spillways, and levees
9. Identifying and pursuing new clients and opportunities with existing clients with business development goals
10. Supervising and training staff in geotechnical investigations, analyses, reporting, and construction observation

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM  

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options ,  well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work  

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.