Hydraulic System Engineers
What You Should Know About Becoming A Hydraulic System Engineer
If you’re in a country or region where it is as simple as opening a tap to enjoy the benefits of fresh, clean drinking water then you may not know that there are approximately one billion people in the world who are denied this privilege.
Problems creates solutions
The problem is unfortunately not getting any better, in fact there are those political scientists and environmental experts who are on record as saying that our next global conflict will not be fought over oil but the most precious natural resource of all – fresh water.
Hydraulic engineers jobs are set increase
Given that fresh water is under tremendous threat from pollution and a changing climate which is cause an increase in natural disasters such as flooding it has become abundantly clear that a career as a hydraulic system engineer is one that can not only be tremendously interesting but may also be extremely lucrative. In fact the research and studies show that demand for these types of engineers is set to grow globally by about around 20% as we move forward to 2022.
A hydraulic system engineer is actively involved in optimising the design of structures such as bridges, man made canals and dams.
A qualified hydraulic system engineer is at the forefront of planning the management of water resources for anything from flood control mechanisms to planning just how today’s megacities can best meet the needs of an ever more urbanised population.
The importance of this job is readily apparent when one thinks back to the major global disasters like hurricane Katrina in the USA when over 50 levees failed in the New Orleans, Louisiana area causing billions worth of damage and the loss of countless lives.
So what sort of qualifications are required to become a hydraulic systems engineer?
Firstly you’ll have to be extremely good at maths and possess above average skills as far as decision making and leadership are concerned. If you have those skill sets then you should be ready to take your first step towards becoming a hydraulic systems engineer. This first step is a Bachelor’s Degree in Hydraulic Engineering.
Most universities will offer this as part of a degree track towards a undergraduate qualification in civil engineering or a general engineering qualification. During the coursework the prospective hydraulic systems engineer will learn about concepts such a:-
- fluid dynamics and mechanics
- storm water and flood management
- hydraulic systems design
- hydrology
- and the ever increasingly important field of water quality control.
With this undergarduate degree you will then be able to move forward with ever increasingly demanding post graduate qualifications such as a Masters in Hydraulic Engineering.
At this stage of study more specialised classroom coursework will usually be combined with research which may take place off campus. In order to qualify most students will be required to submit a thesis on their chosen area of specilisation.
After this the student may move forward to Docterate level.
Getting a qualification as a hydraulic systems engineering will no doubt be challenging – however it has the potential to be tremendously rewarding, and something that is urgently required to protect one of the planet’s most valuable resources – fresh water.
