Entry-Level (Staff) Dam Engineer

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in over 33 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description: 

Schnabel's new Chattanooga office is seeking an Entry-Level Dam Engineer to join our dam engineering practice. This is an opportunity to join the Chattanooga team early in its growth, help establish our local dam engineering presence, and take on meaningful responsibility as the office grows while working directly with experienced dam engineers and technical specialists throughout Schnabel.

You will develop both field and analytical skills through projects involving embankment and concrete dams, spillways, outlet works, levees, and related water infrastructure. Assignments may include dam safety evaluations, engineering analysis and design, field investigations, rehabilitation, and construction support throughout the Southeast and across the United States.

Job Responsibilities: 

• Support dam safety inspections, field investigations, design, rehabilitation, and construction activities.
• Collect and document field data during dam assessments, subsurface investigations, and construction-related assignments.
• Perform engineering calculations and assist with analyses involving dam performance, geotechnical conditions, hydrology and hydraulics, hydraulic structures, and rehabilitation design.
• Evaluate field, laboratory, and instrumentation data under the guidance of experienced engineers.
• Prepare drawings, figures, calculation packages, technical memoranda, and portions of engineering reports.
• Support preparation of plans, specifications, construction cost opinions, and other construction documents.
• Assist with coordination and oversight of drilling, testing, and other field subcontractors.
• Perform construction observation and documentation for dam rehabilitation and other heavy civil projects.
• Collaborate with engineers, geologists, and technical specialists in Chattanooga and throughout Schnabel's national practice.
• Take increasing ownership of routine engineering and field assignments as your experience and technical judgment develop.

Required Skills/Experience: 

• 0-2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program.
• Strong technical fundamentals and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate clearly, document work carefully, and respond constructively to technical review.
• Interest in developing both field and analytical engineering skills.
• Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel for project assignments.

Preferred Skills/Experience: 

• Internship, co-op, research, or professional experience involving dams, geotechnical engineering, water resources, construction, or heavy civil infrastructure.
• Coursework or experience in dam engineering, geotechnical engineering, water resources, hydraulic structures, or engineering geology.
• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• EIT certification or ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.
• Familiarity with engineering software such as AutoCAD/Civil 3D, ArcGIS Pro, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, GeoStudio, or similar programs.

Other Requirements: 

• Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license as driving is an essential function of the job 
• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check 
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening 

The compensation range for this position is between $68,000 to $95,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.