Structural FEA Specialist

AECOM•Germantown, MD

1d•$115,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

AECOM is seeking a candidate to work as part of our East Region Dams Practice located in our Germantown, Maryland office as a Structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Specialist in our Dam and Hydraulic Structures Team. This position will support a variety Dam and Hydraulic Structures Engineering projects across the East Region. The successful candidate will join the ENR consistently ranked #1 Dams and Reservoirs firm and have access to exciting career advancement opportunities. We are seeking a Structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Specialist with experience in dams and hydraulic structures to support the evaluation, design, and rehabilitation of critical water infrastructure. This role focuses on advanced numerical modeling of concrete, embankment, and foundation systems under complex loading conditions including hydrostatic, uplift, thermal, and seismic effects. The ideal candidate brings strong analytical capabilities, practical dam engineering experience, and the ability to translate complex analysis results into clear, defensible engineering decisions.

Requirements

BA/BS in Civil Engineering with emphasis in Structural Engineering + 4 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
Experience with dam or hydraulic structures projects.
Strong understanding of concrete behavior, uplift, stability of concrete hydraulic structures.
Strong understanding of FEA including modeling techniques that include linear and nonlinear properties, boundary conditions, etc.
Proficiency in FEA software (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS, LS-DYNA or Similar). Ability to use experience and quickly learn ANSYS.
Experience with soil-structure interaction modeling.
Ability to critically evaluate and validate modeling assumptions and results (not just run software)
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Valid U.S. Driver’s License and as a condition of employment, must be able to pass AECOM’s Motor Vehicle Records review.
Due to the nature of work, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain
Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering.
Experience with dam safety programs or regulatory agencies (e.g., FERC, USACE, USBR)
Experience interpreting instrumentation data (piezometers, uplift pressures, joint meters)
Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB) for model automation or post-processing
Experience with probabilistic or risk-informed analysis approaches
Demonstrate proactive problem-solving skills.
Resourceful, highly organized professional with attention to detail.
Effective time-management and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Strong desire to learn along with professional drive.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain 2D and 3D finite element models for dams, spillways, outlet works, and associated structures.
Perform linear and nonlinear analyses including Hydrostatic and uplift loading, Thermal loading and mass concrete behavior, Seismic loading (including response spectrum and time-history) and Soil-structure and fluid-structure interaction (as applicable)
Evaluate structural response including cracking, stress distribution, deformation, sliding stability, and foundation behavior.
Interpret material data and instrumentation trends to inform modeling assumptions and validate results.
Perform sensitivity studies on key parameters (mesh size, uplift assumptions, drainage effectiveness, foundation stiffness, etc.).
Communicate with multi-disciplinary teams on various projects related to dams and other hydraulic structures.
Prepare technical memoranda, design calculations and reports suitable for regulatory and client review.
Support dam safety inspections, risk assessments, and forensic evaluations
Perform detail checks and quality reviews of other Engineer's work.
Lead and mentor junior staff.

Benefits

AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

Stand Out From the Crowd

Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.

Upload and Match Resume