Hydraulics Research Engineer
Bridge scour, the erosion of streambed material around piers and abutments, is the leading cause of bridge failures in the United States, contributing to an estimated 25 to 30 bridge failures every year, with thousands more bridges nationwide currently listed as "scour critical." If you want to tackle that problem directly, using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, and see your research turn into guidance used by transportation engineers across the country, we want to talk to you.
Genex Systems has an immediate opening for a Hydraulics Research Engineer to support the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the J. Sterling Jones Hydraulics Research Laboratory, part of the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC), the nation's premier highway research facility. This lab has driven the research behind FHWA's bridge scour design guidance for more than 35 years, and Genex Systems provides the engineering and operations support that keeps that work moving forward.
About the Lab
You'll work hands-on with the lab's Multifunctional Flume System (MFS), testing scour around piers, abutments, and other bridge components, using advanced instrumentation including laser scanners, Acoustic Doppler Velocimeters (ADVs), Ultrasonic Doppler Velocimetry (UDVs), and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). Physical testing here is paired with numerical modeling conducted in partnership with the Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory, giving you exposure to both cutting-edge physical experimentation and high-performance computational research; not many hydraulics roles offer both in the same job.
What You'll Do
• Apply your hydraulics and civil engineering expertise to break research topics down into clear, achievable project goals
• Conduct literature reviews and design physical test matrices for scour and open-channel hydraulics research
• Prepare physical test environments (including sand bed preparation, pier/abutment model installation, and flow condition setup), supported by CAD-designed test models
• Conduct physical testing and collect experimental data using advanced sensor instrumentation
• Analyze experimental data to develop new or improved hydraulic engineering methods and design tools for practitioners nationwide
• Manage assigned research projects end-to-end: defining requirements, building research plans and schedules, documenting test notes, and archiving completed work
• Prepare technical publications, including FHWA research reports, journal articles, conference papers, and technical presentations
What You'll Need (Required)
• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, plus at least 1 year of related research or engineering experience
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory test design, setup, data collection, and analysis
• Strong working knowledge of open-channel hydraulics, river mechanics, and sediment transport
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate technical findings for different audiences
• Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds, stand for extended periods, and work around water/flume equipment.
Nice to Have (Preferred)
• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, with a focus on hydraulics and water resources
• Experience with laboratory flume scour testing specifically
• Experience with advanced sensor instrumentation (laser scanners, ADVs, UDVs, or PIV)
• A curious, self-directed approach to research, and comfort working both independently and as part of a collaborative team
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $124,000/ year, commensurate with education and experience.
Genex Systems offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid federal holidays
Location & Work Arrangement
McLean, VA: full-time, on-site at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center.
Additional Information
Work Authorization/Citizenship: Company will sponsor work visa for qualified candidates including Cap-Exempt H-1B.
