The Dam Instrumentation Engineer is responsible for the design, installation, monitoring, and maintenance of instrumentation systems used to assess the structural and operational integrity of dams and related hydraulic structures.
Key Responsibilities
Design and specify instrumentation systems (piezometers, inclinometers, strain gauges, data loggers, etc.) for dam safety monitoring.
Oversee installation, calibration, and testing of instruments on embankment, concrete, and composite dams.
Develop and maintain SCADA systems and remote monitoring tools for data acquisition.
Analyze instrumentation data and provide technical reports on dam performance and potential safety concerns.
Troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade existing instrumentation systems.
Work with geotechnical and structural engineers to interpret monitoring data and evaluate dam stability.
Ensure instrumentation systems meet national and international dam safety guidelines (e.g., FERC, ICOLD, USACE).
Assist with emergency preparedness by setting up early warning and alert systems.
Conduct site visits and inspections to verify instrumentation performance and data accuracy.
Maintain documentation and asset records for all instrumentation systems.
Provide technical input in dam safety reviews, assessments, and audits.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.
3–10 years of relevant experience in dam instrumentation, hydropower, or geotechnical monitoring.
Familiarity with instrumentation tools such as VWP piezometers, vibrating wire sensors, extensometers, tiltmeters, etc.
Experience with data logging systems, telemetry, and SCADA integration.
Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
Knowledge of dam safety regulatory frameworks and instrumentation standards.
Proficiency in software tools like MATLAB, Excel, GeoStudio, or instrumentation vendor software.
Willingness to travel to remote dam locations and work in challenging environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a related engineering field.
Experience with fiber optic monitoring systems or IoT-based solutions.
Certification in dam safety, instrumentation, or geotechnical engineering.