Senior Dam Safety Engineer

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a relaxed atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then Schnabel Engineering may be a great fit for you! We approach problems with creativity and innovation balanced with tried-and-true engineering experience and industry knowledge.

Schnabel Engineering is seeking a Senior Dam Safety Engineer (>12-years experience) with demonstrated experience in dam safety inspections, engineering evaluations, rehabilitation design, and construction support for embankment dams, concrete dams, and hydraulic structures. The position requires a broad understanding of dam engineering disciplines and the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in delivering dam safety solutions for public and private clients.

Job Responsibilities:

• Technical Leadership
  • Lead dam safety inspections and engineering evaluations.
  • Manage and participate in risk assessments, potential failure mode analyses, and dam safety reviews.
  • Develop rehabilitation concepts and design solutions for existing dams and hydraulic structures.
  • Coordinate geotechnical, structural, hydrologic, and hydraulic analyses performed by project teams.
  • Prepare and review engineering reports, calculations, plans, and specifications.
  • Provide engineering support during construction, including responding to contractor questions, reviewing submittals, and conducting site visits.

• Project Management
  • Manage complex dam engineering projects from planning through construction.
  • Develop scopes of work, budgets, schedules, and staffing plans.
  • Monitor project financial performance and resource utilization.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams across Schnabel offices.

• Client Management & Business Development
  • Develop and maintain strong client relationships with dam owners, utilities, governmental agencies, and water resource organizations.
  • Support business development efforts through networking, conference participation, and strategic client engagement.
  • Lead and contribute to proposals, qualifications packages, and interviews.
  • Assist with negotiating professional services contracts.

• Staff Management
  • Mentor and supervise engineers and technical staff.
  • Support professional development and technical growth of junior staff.
  • Participate in recruiting and staff development initiatives.

Required Skills/Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or other related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program. A Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Texas (preferred) or the ability to obtain reciprocity upon employment.
• At least 12 years of relevant technical experience in inspection, evaluation, design and construction of dams and hydraulic structures. Texas experience is preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of applicable state and federal dam safety design methodologies, policies and regulations. Texas experience is preferred.
• Experience with project management, client management, business development, and staff management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and well-organized.
• A strong work ethic and the desire to perform professionally at a high level.
• Ability to work as part of a team or independently.

Preferred Skills/Experience

• Proficiency with common computer-aided analyses and modeling programs applicable to dam engineering.
• Experience preparing and reviewing construction drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience with construction of earth dams, concrete dams, and hydraulic structures.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

The compensation range for an Associate level candidate is $140,000 to $160,000 with 12-15+ years of experience.

The compensation range for a Senior Associate level candidate is $160,000 to $175,000 with 15-20+ years of experience.

Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.