Senior Hydraulics Engineer – High Energy Systems & Hydrodynamic Effects needed at AECOM

• AECOM is seeking a Senior Hydraulics Engineer – High Energy Systems & Hydrodynamic Effects to be based in South Africa’s Enterprise Capabilities office in Centurion . This position will support a team locally based in South Africa and Global Teams. As a part of AECOM’s culture, it offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement which accommodates both office and out-of-office work schedules.
• The Senior Hydraulics Engineer has proven experience in high energy water systems, including spillways, energy dissipation structures, and hydrodynamic impacts on hydraulic infrastructure. This role will involve concept development, advanced numerical and physical modelling, and the design of complex hydraulic systems associated with dams and hydropower projects.

Technical excellence:

• Develop and review designs for high energy hydraulic structures (e.g. spillways, plunge pools, stilling basins)
• Perform advanced hydraulic modelling (2D/3D CFD and/or physical model review)
• Evaluate hydrodynamic loads and pressure effects on structures
• Assess cavitation, air entrainment, flow instabilities, and transient effects
• Collaborate with civil and geotechnical teams on integrated design solutions
• Contribute to technical reports, specifications, and design documentation

Qualifications

Here is what we are looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, or related discipline (Master’s degree preferred)
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in hydraulic design for dams, hydropower, or similar infrastructure
• Strong experience in hydraulic modelling tools (e.g. Flow3D, HEC-RAS, OpenFOAM, or similar)
• Understanding of physical modelling methods and scale effects
• Familiarity with high-energy hydraulic phenomena (e.g. water hammer, cavitation, air entrainment)
• Chartered or working towards Chartership (ICE, Engineers Australia, or equivalent)
• Strong technical reporting and communication skills, with ability to clearly present complex results