Job Description

Company Description
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.
About Enterprise Capabilities
Fundamental to our Think and Act Globally strategy and digital adoption, Enterprise Capabilities (EC) is AECOM's primary vehicle for workshare. Operating across geographic boundaries and time-zones, EC partners with regional and Global Business Line project teams to provide technical expertise, accelerate delivery and keep AECOM competitive in the industry.
With a team of over 3000 technical professionals located across nine countries and remote technical anchors, EC teams are trusted to deliver high-quality, specialist services that help to fill capability gaps, resourcing needs and technical constraints on projects of all scopes and sizes.
Start here. Grow here.

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

• 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

Additional Information
At AECOM, you will have freedom to grow in a world of opportunity
At AECOM, our Freedom to Grow philosophy supports flexibility and balance to help our people thrive. As part of this approach, we ask all hybrid employees to work from an AECOM office at least three days per week.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.