Associate Hydraulic Engineer

About Us

At HDR, we specialise in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. Our global team of more than 15,000 employees is united by our values and strengthened by our employee-owned culture. We collaborate across disciplines, leverage global expertise, and empower our people to create solutions that make a lasting impact.

The Role

We're seeking an Associate Hydraulic Engineer to join our National Building Engineering Services team, supporting the delivery of complex building services projects across Australia and the broader region.

Based in Sydney, this is an opportunity for an experienced consulting engineer who enjoys combining technical excellence with project delivery, client engagement and team development.

If you're looking to lead hydraulic design outcomes, mentor emerging engineers, contribute to multidisciplinary project delivery, and play a key role in the growth of a nationally connected hydraulic engineering practice, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

As a senior member of our Hydraulic Engineering team, you will:

• Lead the design and delivery of hydraulic building services projects across all stages of the project lifecycle, from concept design through to construction and project completion.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor, providing design oversight, technical assurance and quality leadership.
• Undertake and review hydraulic engineering calculations, system design development and technical documentation.
• Design and deliver hydraulic services systems including potable water, sanitary drainage, trade waste, stormwater drainage, rainwater harvesting, recycled water, hot water services, gas services and sewer infrastructure.
• Drive successful project outcomes through effective multidisciplinary collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Resolve complex technical challenges while ensuring compliance with applicable codes, standards and authority requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, water authorities and regulatory agencies.
• Support project delivery activities including authority approvals, design reviews, site inspections, testing, commissioning and construction phase services.
• Contribute to business development activities, client engagement and pursuit opportunities.
• Mentor and develop engineers, contributing to capability building and the continued growth of the hydraulic engineering team.
• Support Project Leader responsibilities, including project coordination, programme management, resource planning and delivery performance.

What Makes This Role Different?

This is more than a traditional design role.

You'll have the opportunity to work on technically challenging projects with a focus on data centre and mission critical environments.

You'll be backed by HDR's multidisciplinary network of technical specialists while helping shape the future of our Building Engineering Services practice. You'll have the opportunity to influence project outcomes, foster client relationships and support the development of the next generation of engineers.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for someone who is:

• A technical leader within building services consulting who enjoys guiding teams and influencing outcomes.
• Passionate about delivering high-quality engineering solutions.
• A confident communicator who builds trusted relationships with clients, colleagues and project stakeholders.
• Commercially aware and accountable for project delivery outcomes.
• Collaborative and able to bring multidisciplinary teams together.
• Committed to mentoring and developing others.
• Detail-oriented, with a strong focus on quality, compliance and coordination.
• Curious, growth-oriented and continuously looking for better ways to deliver value.

Ideally, You'll Have

• A degree qualification in Mechanical, Civil, Hydraulic or Building Services Engineering.
• Chartered Engineer (CPEng) status or progress towards chartership.
• Significant experience in hydraulic building services consulting.
• Demonstrated experience delivering complete hydraulic design packages with minimal supervision.
• A strong track record delivering complex building services projects across sectors such as commercial, industrial, health, defence, education, sports and aquatic, mixed-use developments or data centres.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic engineering principles, Australian codes, standards and industry best practices.
• Sound understanding of the National Construction Code (NCC), Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA), AS/NZS 3500, WSAA Codes and relevant authority requirements.
• Experience preparing technical reports, specifications, engineering calculations and coordinated design documentation.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary projects and engaging with clients and stakeholders.
• Proficiency using AutoCAD, Revit and hydraulic modelling/calculation software.
• Strong understanding of construction processes, site inspections, testing, commissioning and project delivery requirements.
• Data centre and mission critical project experience will be highly regarded.
• Demonstrated success in client relationship management and project delivery.

Why Join HDR?

• Employee ownership model – share in the success you help create.
• Major project exposure – work on complex and diverse projects that shape communities and critical infrastructure.
• Career growth – take on leadership responsibilities, shape project outcomes and influence the growth of the hydraulic practice.
• Collaborative culture – work alongside highly experienced technical leaders in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Global expertise – collaborate with HDR's internationally recognised engineering teams across a broad range of markets and sectors.
• Technical leadership opportunities – help develop people, improve technical standards and contribute to engineering excellence across the business. #LI-CG3