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Principal Hydrologic, Hydraulic and Drainage Engineer

Stantec

Stantec

Sacramento, CA, USA
USD 141,500-212,200 / year + Equity
Posted on Mar 21, 2026

Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that’s vital to our clients and the communities they serve.

Join a team that’s naturally committed to the environment.

Your Opportunity

Stantec is actively seeking eager, enthusiastic candidates for a full-time Principal Hydrologic, Hydraulic and Drainage Engineer/Modeling position with our Water Resources & Engineering group in Northern California/Northern Nevada (can be based anywhere in the US as we have a diverse team from across the Country concentrating on work in the Western US). We need you to be ready to build on the solid technical skills you learned in life and other career steps. You will perform a variety of tasks which may include leading, preparing and/or quality control/independent technical reviews of design analysis, hydrologic and hydraulic models and calculations, report preparation, community exhibits, client and agency presentations/exhibits, and information/documents to support construction documents. These assignments may be broad, complex, diverse and are expected to help you grow to in confidence and technical ability delivering our local, state, and global transportation, restoration, recreation, and stormwater projects throughout the Western U.S.

Your Key Responsibilities

  • Lead modeling and design teams related to stormwater and drainage improvement projects, and/or the stormwater/drainage components of major infrastructure projects.

  • Oversee and lead designs of a team of hydrologic/hydraulic modelers, engineers and technicians who utilize modeling software and CAD software (Bentley MicroStation Bentley OpenRoads Designer and Autodesk Civil 3D).

  • Oversee and lead a team of hydrologic/hydraulic modelers and technical experts using hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software.

  • Lead in the preparation of client proposals, scopes, estimates and schedules.

  • Attend and present at public meetings, client meetings and interviews.

  • Quality Control reviews calculations, models, reports, designs, etc.

  • Independent technical reviews of reviews calculations, models, reports, designs, etc.

  • Development, updates and calibration of hydrologic and hydraulic models.

  • Use of/working in modeling software for hydrology and hydraulics, including the following software suites:

  • HEC-RAS

  • HEC-HMS

  • SWMM

  • CivilStorm

  • HY-8

  • CulvertMaster

  • FlowMaster

  • Lead in the development and preparation of design reports.

  • Lead in the coordination between hydrologic and hydraulic models and design CAD files and teams.

  • Identify and analyze the principal design features and major design alternatives that satisfy the project’s purpose and the client’s needs.

  • Develop design alternatives to be compared against significant project parameters including site conditions, right-of-way requirements, utility conflicts, design standards, and cost.

  • Develop presentations and exhibits for client and agency meetings.

  • Coordination with interdisciplinary teams, clients and agency staff.

  • Support multi-discipline design teams on a variety of projects.

  • Works on multiple projects concurrently.

Your Capabilities and Credentials

  • Demonstrated experience leading multi-disciplinary teams.

  • Demonstrated experience in stormwater/drainage planning and design.

  • Experience with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.

  • Self-motivated with strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

  • Railway/transportation drainage design and hydrologic/hydraulic analysis experience a plus.

  • Transportation (Caltrans) drainage and modeling experience a plus.

  • Ability to creatively apply technical knowledge.

  • Attention to detail, positive attitude, desire to support team success, and ability to function well in a fast-paced environment.

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Civil Engineering (or related field).

  • Minimum of fifteen years of related work experience in hydrologic/hydraulic modeling (supporting civil engineering design) and with an emphasis on stormwater/drainage projects.

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in State of California is preferred or ability to obtain within 18 months of start date.

This position has the flexibility of working in a hybrid work environment with a mix of remote work and in office work. Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Field work may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.

Stantec is a place where the best and brightest come to build on each other’s talents, do exciting work, and make an impact on the world around us. Join us and redefine your personal best.

#StayInquisitve

Pay Range:

• Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas-$141,500.00 - $212,200.00 Annually

Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.

Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).

Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.

The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements

Primary Location: United States | CA | Sacramento
Organization: 1857 EnvSvcs-US West N California-Sacramento CA
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: Yes
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 20/03/2026 10:03:22
Req ID: 1005026

Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.