Structural Engineer/Associate (Ph.D.)

Exponent Inc. • New York, NY

2d • $117,000 - $145,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Exponent is seeking a Structural Associate/Engineer for its Civil & Structural Engineering Practice. The role supports complex forensic investigations and consulting engagements involving the design, construction, performance, deterioration, and failure of buildings, bridges, and other structural systems. The successful candidate will work on a multidisciplinary team conducting experimental field investigations and diagnostic surveys, modeling how complex structures perform under extreme loads, and preparing technical reports. Positions are listed in Atlanta, Menlo Park, Irvine, Los Angeles, Warrenville, Houston, and New York; the job locations section also lists Bellevue, Washington.

The position combines structural analysis, fieldwork, technical communication, and client service. Consultants investigate structural conditions and failure mechanisms, assess risks and performance, and communicate findings and recommendations to clients and other stakeholders. The workplace is described as in-person in an office except while traveling for client work or other business activities, with flexibility for consultants to balance work and personal schedules.

At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, an annual bonus, and an employer 401(k) contribution of 7% of base salary. The stated base salary range is USD $117,000–$145,000 per year, dependent on experience and capabilities.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a Structural Engineering focus, or a related field.
• P.E. or S.E. license, or ability to become licensed within four years of hire.
• Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing is required.
• Excellent creative problem-solving ability.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and to lead and work in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field investigations and site inspections of buildings, infrastructure, and specialty structures to document conditions, evaluate structural performance, and identify potential contributors to damage, distress, or failure.
• Determine root causes of structural performance issues, construction defects, material degradation, and damage associated with extreme weather, earthquakes, flooding, explosions, fire, or long-term service conditions.
• Model failures using structural engineering calculations, quantitative analyses, and assessments of load paths, capacity, durability, serviceability, code compliance, and risk to buildings and infrastructure.
• Develop and apply analytical tools, models, and engineering frameworks to characterize structural risks and evaluate failure mechanisms.
• Collaborate with structural, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and materials science professionals on multidisciplinary engineering problems.
• Prepare technically rigorous reports, presentations, calculations, and exhibits communicating engineering findings, conclusions, and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Gather, review, and synthesize project information, including drawings, specifications, construction records, inspection data, photographs, test results, codes, standards, and technical literature.
• Support proposals and develop trusted client relationships as part of client service and business development.
• Maintain professional expertise through continued professional development, technical publications, conference participation, and professional licensure.

Benefits

• 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary at the Associate and Senior Associate level.
• Bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts and an annual bonus at the Associate and Senior Associate level.
• A variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being.
• Competitive benefits, compensation, and recognition programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree