Hydraulics Engineer

Hydraulics Engineer

The Opportunity: Tetra Tech Inc., is currently seeking a hydraulics engineer to be based in our Englewood, CO, Billings, MT, Casper, WY, or Houston, TX office. This position provides technical hydraulic engineering support for pipelines, pump stations, and terminal/tank projects nationwide. You will participate in a multi-disciplinary project team. A successful candidate will bring design engineering and technical expertise to a team of established consultants with a proven track record of 40+ years in the Oil & Gas Industry. The primary role of the position includes steady state and transient hydraulic analysis of liquid (oil, refined products, NGL, dense phase CO2, and water) pipeline systems using dedicated hydraulics analysis software (Synergi Pipeline Simulator or Applied Flow Technology). Advanced training in these programs will be made available.

Your Role:

• Performs duties under general direction.
• Pipeline Hydraulics (Steady State & Transient Analysis).
• Organizes and reviews drawings, elevations data, pump curves, fluid properties (vapor pressure, density, viscosity, bulk modulus), valve curves and closure times, maximum operating pressure (MOP) limitations, and builds hydraulic models in Synergi Pipeline Simulator (SPS) or Applied Flow Technology (AFT).
• Programs steady state operating scenarios and tunes hydraulics models with historical operating data.
• Assist with pump sizing, selection and control philosophy (pressure control valve and/or variable frequency drive).
• Programs transient cases (pump startup/shutdown, pump trips, inadvertent valve closures) and completes analysis of results. Makes required system adjustments and compiles recommendations.
• Assists with relief valve selection and disposal system sizing.
• Participate in internal and external review meetings to present and discuss status, results and collaborate on solutions/recommendations.
• Prepare formal reports to document studies.
• Facility Hydraulics (Steady State).
• Organizes and reviews drawings (line losses), elevations data, pump curves, fluid properties (vapor pressure, density, viscosity) and builds hydraulic models in Applied Flow Technology (AFT).
• Completes tank booster or transfer pump net positive suction head available versus required calculations.
• Completes truck loading / unloading hydraulic modeling and respective pump sizing and control review for operating points, minimum continuous stable flow and dead head.
• Assists with meter sizing.
• Participate in internal and external review meetings to present and discuss status, results and collaborate on solutions/recommendations.
• Prepare formal reports to document studies.
• Conducting field investigations and gathering applicable data to support detailed engineering and design for both greenfield sites and the upgrade, modification, and expansion of existing infrastructure.
• May be required to seal engineering drawings and calculations as the engineer of record.

Minimum Qualifications:

• B.S. in ABET accredited Engineering program with 3-8 years of relevant experience.
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE).
• Willing to attain PE licensure.
• A pre-employment drug screening in compliance with state regulations is required.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.
• Strong understanding of applicable engineering standards (ASME B31.4 & B31.3), industry standards (API) and regulations (CFR 195).
• Preferred experience coordinating with client SME's/stakeholders and offsite team members
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to dissect problems and quickly develop solutions.
• Strong computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft suite of products.
• 1-5 years of relevant experience with hydraulic modeling software: Synergi Pipeline Simulator (SPS) preferred or Applied Flow Technology (AFT) Fathom and Impulse.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics (steady state and transient), pump and motor sizing and selection, pump control (pressure control valve and variable frequency drives), and process relief systems (rupture pins, rupture discs, conventional spring relief, balanced bellows relief and nitrogen relief system).
• Experience in applying regulatory (CFR 195) and industry standard (API) requirement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge in the Midstream Oil & Gas industry.
• Experience in pipeline and facility control methods.
• PE licensure.
• NCEES record.
• Completion of coursework, certificate, or formal instruction in use of dedicated hydraulic modeling software.
• Gas compression experience.
• Experience with AutoDesk software or other 3D design platforms.

Target salary range: $90,000 to $120,000. Please note that Tetra Tech considers various factors in determining pay, including but not limited to: education, relevant and demonstrated work experience in the role, skills, geographic location, qualifications, certifications, and other competencies relevant to the needs of the business.

Physical Requirements:

• Constantly required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, bend, and reach with hands and arms
• Constantly use hands to keyboard or type, handle materials, or manipulate objects
• Light work that includes lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds and, occasionally, up to 50 pounds
• Frequently moving about to accomplish tasks.
• Specific vision abilities required by this classification include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing abilities required by this classification includes those which permit the employee to discern verbal instructions and communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Requires composure and ability to prioritize and handle several urgent tasks and requests simultaneously with a high level of competence and accuracy
• Occasionally climbing stairs and ladders to read meters at active oil & gas sites.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors:

Environmental factors mostly consist of work being conducted in an indoor office environment, but is not limited to extreme temperatures (e.g., cold, heat), fumes, variable weather conditions, outdoor work, and noise due to some travel & work on worksites.

Additional Information:

• Position: Full-time, exempt
• Work Location: Englewood, CO, Billings, MT, or, Casper, WY office
• This position is an in-office position
• Travel: Up to 10%

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Tetra Tech offers the following optional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Long & Short-Term Disability, Health & Dependent Care Flexible Spending. Financial Benefits: Group Term Life, Optional Group Term Life Insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, Health Savings Account, 401K, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Time Off with Pay, Employee Assistance Program, Adoption Assistance, Leaves of Absence.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at