Hydraulic Research Engineer

Location

McLean, VA | United States

Job description

Genex Systems seeks a talented Hydraulic Research Engineer to support the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) contract at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC).

This position focuses on conducting erosion tests of cohesive soils, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical publications. Physical tests may include but are not limited to erosion of field and engineered soils, pier and abutment scour in cohesive soils using small-scaled flumes, and flow field measurement using PIV, ADV, and UDV. CFD simulations and CAD model designs may be included to complement physical tests. Once assigned a research topic, you will complete assignments by defining research requirements and objectives, collecting and reviewing literature, developing proof-of-concept tests, designing physical test matrix, outlining research schedule, conducting physical tests, collecting and analyzing data, preparing the technical publications, and archiving the completed project.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply hydraulics and civil engineering to break down the research into achievable objectives.
• Collect and review literature promptly and develop the physical test matrix.
• Prepare engineered cohesive soils using established procedures or develop new preparation methods.
• Conduct erosion tests of cohesive soils and collect test data using sensors, including but not limited to laser scanners, ADVs, UDVs, and PIV.
• Analyze collected experimental data and develop new or improved hydraulic engineering methods and procedures.
• Prepare technical publications such as FHWA research reports, journals, conference papers, and technical presentation slides.

You may also work on:

• CFD simulations to help understand the research phenomenon.
• Design hydraulic testing equipment using SOLIDWORKS or other CAD software, and fabricate the parts with plexiglass, Item profiles, and other materials.

Minimum Qualifications

• A MS degree in civil engineering (hydraulics) and preferably one (1) year of related research or engineering experience. A Ph.D. degree is preferred.
• Experience in laboratory test design, test setup, data collection, and analysis. Experience with clay erosion testing is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of open channel hydraulics, river mechanics, sediment transport, and basic index testing on cohesive soils.
• Knowledge of hydrology, statistics, and probabilistic analysis.
• Knowledge of HEC-18, HEC-23, and other FHWA Hydraulic Engineering Circular publications.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and a team player.

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