Hydraulics Engineer

Tetra Tech Inc. is seeking a Hydraulics Engineer to be based in our Englewood, CO, Billings, MT, Casper, WY, or Houston, TX office. This role provides technical hydraulic engineering support for pipelines, pump stations, and terminal/tank projects nationwide as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

About the Role

Join Tetra Tech to contribute design engineering and technical expertise to a team with over 40 years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry. The primary focus includes steady state and transient hydraulic analysis of liquid pipeline systems (oil, refined products, NGL, dense phase CO2, and water) using dedicated software such as Synergi Pipeline Simulator or Applied Flow Technology. Advanced training in these programs will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Perform steady state and transient hydraulic analysis of liquid pipeline systems using Synergi Pipeline Simulator (SPS) or Applied Flow Technology (AFT).
• Organize and review drawings, elevations data, pump curves, fluid properties (vapor pressure, density, viscosity, bulk modulus), valve curves, and closure times.
• Build hydraulic models, program steady state operating scenarios, and tune models with historical operating data.
• Assist with pump sizing, selection, and control philosophy (pressure control valve and/or variable frequency drive).
• Program transient cases (pump startup/shutdown, pump trips, inadvertent valve closures) and analyze results to compile recommendations.
• Assist with relief valve selection and disposal system sizing.
• Participate in internal and external review meetings to present and discuss status, results, and collaborate on solutions.
• Prepare formal reports to document studies.
• Conduct facility hydraulics modeling, including tank booster or transfer pump net positive suction head calculations, truck loading/unloading hydraulic modeling, and meter sizing.
• Conduct field investigations and gather data to support engineering and design for greenfield sites and existing infrastructure upgrades.
• May be required to seal engineering drawings and calculations as the engineer of record.

Requirements

• B.S. in an ABET-accredited Engineering program with 3–8 years of relevant experience.
• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) and willingness to attain PE licensure.
• Pre-employment drug screening in compliance with state regulations.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Strong understanding of engineering standards (ASME B31.4 & B31.3), industry standards (API), and regulations (CFR 195).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• 1–5 years of experience with hydraulic modeling software: Synergi Pipeline Simulator (SPS) or Applied Flow Technology (AFT) Fathom and Impulse.
• Strong understanding of fluid mechanics (steady state and transient), pump and motor sizing, pump control, and process relief systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Midstream Oil & Gas industry.
• Experience with pipeline and facility control methods.
• PE licensure or NCEES record.
• Completion of coursework, certificate, or formal instruction in hydraulic modeling software.
• Gas compression experience.
• Experience with AutoDesk software or other 3D design platforms.

Pay

Target salary range: $90,000 to $120,000. Tetra Tech considers various factors in determining pay, including education, relevant work experience, skills, geographic location, qualifications, certifications, and other competencies.

Schedule

• Full-time, exempt position.
• In-office role based in Englewood, CO, Billings, MT, or Casper, WY.
• Travel: Up to 10%.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, prescription, accidental death & dismemberment, and long & short-term disability insurance.
• Financial benefits: Group term life, optional group term life insurance, business travel accident insurance, health savings account, 401K, and employee stock purchase plan.
• Time off with pay, employee assistance program, adoption assistance, and leaves of absence.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere with learning and development opportunities for professional growth.

Physical Requirements

• Constantly required to sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, bend, and reach with hands and arms.
• Light work involving lifting and/or moving up to 20 pounds, occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent movement to accomplish tasks.
• Specific vision abilities: close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing to communicate effectively in person and by telephone.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple urgent tasks with competence and accuracy.
• Occasional climbing of stairs and ladders at active oil & gas sites.

Work Environment

Primarily an indoor office environment with occasional exposure to extreme temperatures, fumes, variable weather conditions, outdoor work, and noise due to travel and worksite visits.