Earthquake Engineering Specialist

Bechtel Corporation; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 123,400 - 178,500; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with matching

Paid time off

Job summary

Bechtel Corporation is seeking an Earthquake Engineering Specialist in Reston, VA, to evaluate, model, and mitigate seismic hazards for critical infrastructure. You will perform earthquake engineering analyses, prepare reports, and participate in business development involving specialized seismic applications.

The role emphasizes seismic hazard analysis, site response, SSI, and regulatory compliance. The position is designated as part-time telework with at least three days per week in-person

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s degree and 8–10 years of professional seismic/earthquake engineering experience.
• Master’s degree preferred in Civil/Structural/Earthquake/Geotechnical Engineering.
• PhD in related field preferred. PE license or eligibility encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual studies, designs, reports detailing seismic hazards for the project.
• Lead or assist research on local fault systems, site response, and structural behavior.
• Coordinate with day-to-day technical work and interface with project teams.
• Communicate complex technical issues and propose solutions to management.
• Prepare discipline estimates and work plans aligned with scope, schedule, and budget.
• Interpret regulations, codes, standards, and performance data; coordinate with client reps for approvals.
• Develop site-specific response spectra, time histories, and seismic input parameters.
• Conduct soil–structure interaction analyses and seismic response modeling of foundations and structures.
• Support seismic design and qualification of structures, SSCs for new/existing facilities.
• Review geotechnical and seismological data; apply NRC/IAEA/Eurocodes guidance as needed.
• Prepare technical reports, calculations, and design docs for regulatory review.
• Interface with geotechnical, structural, civil, and mechanical engineers; support regulatory reviews.
• Provide technical guidance during peer reviews and hazard assessments.

Skills

Seismology

Seismic analysis

Technical writing

Communication skills

Regulatory knowledge

Project collaboration

PE license (preferred)

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

PhD (preferred)

Tools

SHAKE

DEEPSOIL

OpenSees

ABAQUS

ANSYS

SAP2000

SIMQKE

Job description

Salary Range: $123,400 - $178,500 annually (salary range is based on market data; final salary offered is determined by education, experience, and qualifications of the applicant.)

Requisition ID: 293932

Relocation Authorized: None

Telework Type: Part-Time Telework

Work Location: Reston, VA

Project Overview

Bechtel and Westinghouse Electric Company have partnered to deliver the first AP1000 nuclear power reactors in Poland for our customer, the Polish Entity Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe (PEJ). Bechtel will be the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the project. As the EPC, our responsibilities will include providing the design for the Turbine Island and Balance of Plant as well as the construction of the entire facility. This is a one‑of‑a‑kind opportunity, and we are looking for the talent that will help expand Poland’s nuclear base and build a strong and long‑lasting energy future for generations to come. This position is subject to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regulations at 10 CFR Part 810 (Part 810), which govern the transfer of hardware, materials, and technology to support the construction and operation of commercial nuclear power plants overseas.

Job Summary

As the Earthquake Engineering Specialist, you will be responsible for evaluating, modeling, and mitigating seismic hazards affecting critical infrastructure and facilities. You will perform background research, prepare earthquake engineering reports, and participate in new business efforts involving specialized earthquake applications. Your role will also involve seismic hazard analysis, ground motion characterization, soil‑structure interaction, and seismic design or assessment in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements. The position supports safe, resilient, and compliant design and operation of structures in seismically active regions.

NOTE: This position is designated as part‑time telework according to our global teleworking policy and will require at least three days of in‑person attendance per week at the assigned office or project. Weekly in‑person schedules will be determined by the individual and their supervisor, in consultation with functional or project leadership.

Major Responsibilities

• Prepare conceptual studies, designs, reports, or proposals detailing the seismic hazard on project and understanding the risk associated with that hazard on the facility.
• Lead or assist research on the behavior of the local fault systems, site response, and structural system and component behavior.
• Coordinate and interface as directed with the day‑to‑day technical work of personnel.
• Communicate complex technical issues and recommend solutions to upper management.
• Prepare or oversee the preparation of discipline estimates and work plan in accordance with project scope, schedule and budget, and supports implementation and assists with performance reporting.
• Interpret new or special regulations, codes, standards, criteria, and performance data. Coordinate with client representatives, as directed, to obtain their approval of earthquake aspects of the work.
• Develop and evaluate site‑specific response spectra, time histories, and seismic input parameters.
• Conduct soil‑structure interaction (SSI) analyses and seismic response modeling of foundations, earthworks, and structures.
• Support seismic design and qualification of structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for new and existing facilities.
• Review and interpret geotechnical and seismological data (faulting, site response, shear‑wave velocity, liquefaction, slope stability).
• Apply relevant codes, standards, and regulatory guidance (e.g., US NRC, ASCE, Eurocodes, IAEA, local regulations).
• Prepare technical reports, calculations, and design documentation suitable for regulatory review and independent verification.
• Interface with multidisciplinary teams, including geotechnical, structural, civil, and mechanical engineers.
• Support regulatory interactions, audits, and technical reviews related to seismic safety.
• Provide technical guidance during peer reviews, design reviews, and hazard assessments.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Requires bachelor’s degree (or international equivalent) and 8‑10 years of professional experience in seismic or earthquake engineering.
• Preferred: master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, or Geotechnical Engineering from an accredited institution.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of seismology, seismic wave propagation, site response, and earthquake ground motions.
• Experience with seismic analysis tools and modeling software (e.g., SHAKE, DEEPSOIL, OpenSees, ABAQUS, ANSYS, SAP2000, SIMQKE, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with PSHA/DSHA methodologies and uncertainty treatment.
• Proven ability to produce clear, defensible technical documentation.
• Excellent communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Preferred: PhD in Earthquake Engineering, Seismology, or Geotechnical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Preferred: experience on critical infrastructure projects (e.g., nuclear, dams, bridges, offshore facilities).
• Preferred: knowledge of nuclear seismic standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., IAEA Safety Guides, 10 CFR or NRC Regulatory Guides, Eurocode 8).
• Preferred: Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility.
• Preferred: experience supporting regulatory licensing or safety case development.

Total Rewards and Benefits

Bechtel offers a competitive total rewards package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, optional disability and supplemental insurance options, generous paid time off (160 hours annually, accrued 6.16 hours per pay period), nine paid holidays, paid parental leave, discretionary bonuses, and a well‑designed 401(k) plan with matching and profit‑sharing components.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Bechtel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression, age, national origin, disability, citizenship status (except as authorized by law), protected veteran status, genetic information, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Applicants with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process may e‑mail their request to [e-mail].