Earthquake Engineering Specialist

AISES; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

AISES is seeking an Earthquake Engineering Specialist (part-time telework) to evaluate seismic hazards affecting critical infrastructure. The role involves modeling, reporting, and supporting seismic design and qualification in accordance with applicable codes.

In-person attendance is required at least three days per week, with a flexible telework schedule within the project framework. The candidate will conduct SSI analyses, develop site response and input parameters, and coordinate with

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree and 8–10 years of seismic or earthquake engineering experience.
• Preferred master’s in related civil/earthquake/geotechnical field.
• PhD and PE license are advantageous.
• Professional engineer (PE) license or eligibility is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate seismic hazards for critical infrastructure and facilities.
• Model and mitigate seismic risks through site response and SSI analyses.
• Prepare engineering reports and participate in business development for seismic applications.
• Coordinate with geotechnical, structural, and regulatory teams and clients.
• Ensure compliance with codes and regulatory guidance (e.g., NRC, ASCE, Eurocodes).
• Lead or support design/assessment of SSCs for facilities with seismic concerns.
• Develop site-specific response spectra and seismic input parameters.
• Review geotechnical/seismological data and interpret for regulatory submissions.

Skills

Seismology

Site response

Hazard analysis

Technical reporting

Regulatory interfaces

Communication

Peer reviews

Seismic design/assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural/Geotechnical/Earthquake Engineering

Master's degree in Civil/Structural/Earthquake/Geotechnical Engineering

PhD in Earthquake Engineering/Seismology/Geotechnical Engineering (preferred)

Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility (preferred)

Tools

SHAKE

DEEPSOIL

OpenSees

ABAQUS

ANSYS

SAP2000

SIMQKE

Job description

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.

This position is designated as part-time telework per our global telework 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 recommends 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 & 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.
• Prefer 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 nontechnical audiences.
• Prefer PhD in Earthquake Engineering, Seismology, or Geotechnical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Prefer experience on critical infrastructure projects (e.g., nuclear, dams, bridges, offshore facilities).
• Prefer knowledge of nuclear seismic standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., IAEA Safety Guides, 10 CFR or NRC Regulatory Guides, Eurocode 8).
• Prefer Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility.
• Prefer experience supporting regulatory licensing or safety case development.