Entry-Level Structural Engineer - Hydraulic Structures

Location: Sacramento, CA, United States Department: Engineering

This Opportunity

We are seeking an Entry-Level Structural Engineer to join our Hydraulic Structures Group. In this role, you will support multidisciplinary teams in the planning, analysis, design, evaluation, and rehabilitation of dams, spillways, outlet works, hydropower facilities, canals, flood-control structures, and related civil works. This position provides an outstanding opportunity to develop technical expertise supporting critical water infrastructure and public safety.

Key Responsibilities

Structural Analysis & Design

Perform structural analyses for reinforced concrete, steel, and masonry hydraulic structures.

Support design calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical memoranda.

Assist in evaluating hydrostatic, seismic, hydrodynamic, thermal, and soil-structure interaction loading.

Technical Support for Project Delivery

Assist with reports, feasibility studies, alternatives analyses, engineering evaluations, cost estimates, risk assessments, and design documentation.

Field Investigations

Participate in inspections of dams, spillways, outlet works, canals, and related hydraulic structures.

Support field data collection and construction observation activities.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Work with geotechnical, hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and CAD/BIM professionals.

Quality and Standards Compliance

Support compliance with ACI, AISC, ASCE 7, USACE, USBR, and dam safety requirements.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.

Strong knowledge of structural mechanics, reinforced concrete, and steel design.

Proficiency with engineering analysis tools and Microsoft Office.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to work collaboratively.

EIT certification or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Structural Engineering or related field.

Internship or coursework related to dams, hydraulic structures, or water infrastructure.

Familiarity with finite element modeling and nonlinear structural behavior.

Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, or Civil 3D.

Exposure to hydrology and hydraulics concepts.

Professional Growth Opportunities

Mentorship from senior engineers, training in advanced analysis methods, opportunities to support dam safety evaluations and major water infrastructure projects, and support for PE licensure and ongoing professional development.

Work Environment

Occasional travel for field investigations, construction support, site inspections, and project meetings may be required. Field work may include outdoor environments, confined spaces, and work near water bodies and heavy equipment while following all safety requirements.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $68,200 - $85,300

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.