Mid-Level Water Resources Engineer
Company : Sargent &lundy
Location : Wilmington, DE, 19801
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Description
As a valued member of our dynamic team, you'll collaborate closely with team lead(s) to contribute to the execution of water resources deliverables and site development engineering tasks. Your role will involve participating in project teams alongside fellow engineers, focusing on designing, modifying, and analyzing power plant sites. Responsibilities may encompass:
- Determining flood levels for rainfall events spanning 100-year, 500-year, and 1000-year occurrences.
- Utilizing ArcGIS, StreamStats, and DEM data for watershed delineation.
- Conducting extreme value analysis on stream and rainfall gauges.
- Crafting H&H models with HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS.
- Performing dam failure analysis.
- Estimating IDF curves based on rainfall gauge data.
- Extracting probable maximum precipitation (PMP) data from existing publications.
- Designing storm drains, open channel drainage systems, and stormwater ponds.
- Developing site layout, grading plans, and drainage designs.
- Designing roads and trackwork for optimal functionality.
This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.
Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- Hold an MSCE in Civil Engineering, specializing in Water Resources, from an ABET Engineering program, with a solid academic foundation and relevant coursework.
- Possess 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in hydrologic and hydraulic design and analysis, including expertise in assessing floods and droughts for streams and rivers.
- Strong course work in hydrology and hydraulics.
- Experience in various areas of civil engineering, such as site grading, drainage, and stormwater management systems.
- Experienced in report preparation.
- Experienced in analyzing raw data from existing rainfall gages and stream stations.
- Showcase mastery with multiple design tools, including HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS (1D, 2D), RAS Mapper, QGIS, Global Mapper, TR-55, GIS software, Civil3D, and AutoCAD.
- Have familiarity with programming languages like MATLAB, Python, R, or VBScript.
- Exhibit strong teamwork skills, able to collaborate effectively within a team environment.
- Be prepared for occasional travel as part of the job requirements.
Valued but not required skills and experience:
- PE license.
Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range
$72,690.00 - $106,250.00Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit
The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) specializes in delivering advanced engineering solutions across various sectors, including power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, from new plant design to plant betterment and upgrade services for operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants, yielding over 100,000 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. Our expertise includes numerous recent and ongoing combined cycle projects that leverage the latest advanced machinery, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators from all leading suppliers. EIG is recognized for its commitment to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power. We excel in detailed engineering services for photovoltaic (PV) solar projects and energy storage integration, and lead the industry in carbon capture technologies, managing projects from conceptual studies, pilot demonstrations and through commercial scale implementation for utilities and industrial plants.
Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
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Frequently asked questions
A proficient mid-level water resources engineer typically needs strong skills in HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS for hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. Familiarity with GIS platforms like ArcGIS and QGIS enhances watershed delineation accuracy, critical for power plant site development and flood risk analysis.
In Wilmington, DE, water resources engineers often navigate coastal flood risks and variable rainfall patterns, requiring focused expertise in extreme value analysis and stormwater system design. The local hybrid work culture also blends in-office collaboration with remote tasks three days a week.
Engineers at Sargent & Lundy tackle complex drainage systems including storm drains and open channel designs, emphasizing innovative solutions for power plant sites. Their projects demand precise flood level calculations for extreme events, reflecting the company’s focus on resilience and sustainable infrastructure.
Applicants should emphasize an MSCE in civil engineering with a water resources focus, plus 3-5 years’ experience in hydrologic and hydraulic design. Proficiency in HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, GIS tools, and data analysis from rainfall gauges is crucial, along with demonstrated teamwork and report writing skills.
Wilmington shows a steady demand for engineers skilled in hydrology and stormwater management due to its coastal location. Candidates with local experience and expertise in flood risk modeling often find an edge amid moderate competition, especially within energy and industrial sectors.
Typical compensation for mid-level water resources engineers in Wilmington ranges from approximately $72,690 to $106,250 annually, reflecting experience and specialized skills in hydrologic modeling, flood analysis, and civil site design within the power generation industry.
The role involves hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, including flood level assessment for major rainfall events, stormwater system design, and collaboration on power plant site development. Engineers also engage in dam failure studies and leverage GIS and programming tools to support infrastructure resilience.
The company fosters a supportive environment recognized for excellent compensation and benefits, promoting work-life balance with hybrid schedules and comprehensive wellness programs. This culture aids engineers in focusing on innovative solutions while maintaining personal well-being and career growth.
Engineers can advance by deepening expertise in hydrologic modeling, gaining PE licensure, and leading multidisciplinary projects in renewable energy and decarbonization. The company’s focus on cutting-edge power plant technologies offers pathways into specialized roles in carbon capture and energy storage.
Yes, programming skills in Python, MATLAB, or R enhance data analysis capabilities, enabling engineers to automate workflows and refine hydrologic models. Such technical fluency complements traditional design tools and supports innovative approaches to water resources challenges.