A distributed simulation scheduler with a NAS-based state machine, cross-node task queues, monitoring and shared-storage synchronisation for team modelling workflows.
Technical documentation → AECOM · PRINCIPAL WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER
Dr. Hao Wu.
Principal Engineer · Hydraulic Modelling · Digital Engineering
I am a Principal Water Resources Engineer at AECOM, bringing 21+ years of scientific research and engineering practice to complex water and infrastructure projects. With a PhD in Coastal and Offshore Engineering, I combine research depth with technical leadership: defining modelling strategy, scrutinising assumptions and guiding engineering decisions through uncertainty. My work connects advanced numerical modelling, practical infrastructure design and software development to deliver rigorous analysis and clear, actionable recommendations.
Auckland, New Zealand
MEngNZ · progressing toward CPEng
Flood risk · water infrastructure · digital delivery
21+ yearsWater, coastal and civil engineering
50+ projectsMajor coastal and maritime infrastructure
150+ projectsNew Zealand land-development delivery
PhD · MEngNZResearch depth and professional practice
Selected work
Engineering tools & case studies.
Software and automation designed to shorten the path from spatial data to trusted engineering insight.
An open-source Python toolkit for streamlined TUFLOW workflows, terrain processing and GIS automation.
Explore on GitHub →Purpose-built tools include a TP108-aligned peak-flow calculator and a Civil 3D Dynamo drainage SOQ automator for quantities, trench volumes and depth classification.
View Dynamo case study →Core capabilities
Engineering insight, from catchment to coast.
Hydraulic modelling, infrastructure design and coastal engineering, supported by spatial data and automation.
Flood & Catchment Modelling
Catchment-scale TUFLOW, HEC-RAS 2D and InfoWorks ICM modelling, integrating terrain, pipe networks, rivers and overland flow to assess flood risk.
Stormwater & Civil Design
Practical stormwater systems, overland-flow paths and Three Waters design that balance consent requirements, constructability and long-term performance.
Coastal & Water Infrastructure
Advanced numerical and physical modelling for coastal processes, ports, protection works and critical water infrastructure.
How I work
I start with the decision a project needs to support, then prepare the data, test meaningful scenarios and check the results. Each assessment connects model findings with practical design and planning recommendations.
Modelling & delivery tools
Experience & credentials
Water-resources leadership for growth and resilience.
Current New Zealand delivery is underpinned by two decades of modelling, design and research across major infrastructure.
New Zealand growth & approvals
Led catchment-scale hydraulic modelling and stormwater strategy for nationally significant residential, industrial and regional-growth projects.
- Developed and defended TUFLOW models through rigorous independent peer review.
- Tested terrain, storage, discharge and future-climate scenarios to support resilient design and regulatory approvals.
- Integrated floodplain, overland-flow and Three Waters considerations into practical development strategies.
Subdivision & Three Waters
Delivered civil infrastructure design across 150+ New Zealand residential and land-development projects, including stormwater, rainfall analysis and consent support.
HEC-RAS 2D delivery
Led 2D hydraulic assessments for major residential developments, integrating terrain refinement, structures, 1D/2D networks and sensitivity testing.
Coastal & maritime infrastructure
Directed numerical and physical modelling across 50+ major coastal and maritime projects, including deepwater platforms, ports, tunnels and coastal restoration.
Recognition & research
Technical depth with an independent record.
Research, software development and recognised contributions that strengthen practical engineering judgement.
Qualifications & professional standing
PhD in Coastal and Offshore Engineering, with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in engineering.
- Progressing toward Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)
- Member of Engineering New Zealand (MEngNZ)
- Principal Water Resources Engineer, AECOM
Awards, research & software
Recipient of First Prize awards in Ocean Engineering Science & Technology and Surveying & Mapping Science & Technology, and a Second Prize in Natural Resources Science & Technology Progress.
- Peer-reviewed journal and conference publications
- Patented experimental methodologies
- Multiple engineering and geospatial software copyrights
Get in touch
Let’s talk water, modelling & automation.
Connect with Hao about water-resources engineering, hydraulic modelling and digital workflows.
Based in Auckland, New Zealand.