In one or more disciplines, a hydraulic engineer specializes in the effects of water. From an engineering standpoint, the nature of water in terms of flow, runoff, flooding, and how it is affected by weather can be used to aid in the design of civil engineering projects. Hydraulic engineers assist in the design of dams and bridges, the analysis of waste water flow in the ground, and the research of the effects of the ocean on the shoreline and offshore structures such as oil platforms. In flood-prone areas, they can also help with human development and disaster planning. Working with other engineers and scientists, as well as public officials, is a common part of hydraulic engineer duties, which are often aided by powerful computer programs.
A hydraulic engineer must have a broad understanding of the physical nature of the environment. Water flow and the forces that accompany it are frequently studied in order to design structures that are appropriate. Bridge supports, as well as a dam’s capacity to support the weight of water in a reservoir, are typically designed with an engineer’s ingenuity. Irrigation systems driven by gravity, pumps, or valves in agriculture are typically designed using water engineering principles.
Jobs as a hydraulic engineer can also be found in industrial settings. Turbines, pipes, and pumps are examples of industrial machines that rely on water flow. The flow of gasoline is typically analyzed in the design of car engines. Engineers examine sewage runoff in urban areas and the operation of hydraulic systems in water treatment plants from time to time. Because a hydraulic engineer’s knowledge of how to manage water resources is usually required to operate such systems, he or she may work as part of the plant’s staff.
The hydraulic engineer’s job description frequently includes the requirement for computer skills as part of the general workday. In many cases, software that specializes in data analysis and hydrologic modeling is used. Business meetings, both with teams and with external customers, are sometimes necessary. Engineers who specialize in hydraulics may be required to have aerodynamics experience if they work for an aerospace company. They frequently require information on how hydraulic power components and actuators interact with other systems.
A bachelor’s degree in civil or agricultural engineering is required for many hydraulic engineer jobs. It may also be necessary to take courses in concepts related to a specialized field, such as oceanography, geophysics, or meteorology. Computer-aided design (CAD) software or geographic information system (GIS) programs are sometimes required as well.