FEMA - Engineering Specialist

CDM Smith; United States; On-site; USD 37,195 - 64,747; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a field-oriented engineer to conduct site inspections, document damage, and develop scopes of work and cost estimates for FEMA PA projects.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering, 5 years in the field or 2 years with registration, and domestic travel. A valid driver’s license and US citizenship are mandatory, with strong communication and organizational skills essential for success.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain a FEMA badge.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; in‑field experience preferred.
• Domestic travel is required for the role.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site inspections to document damage and prepare scopes of work and cost estimates.
• Review engineering reports, designs, and as‑built plans.
• Advise on claim eligibility and hazard mitigation proposals; engage with applicants.
• Provide updates and participate in status meetings with FEMA and project teams.
• Coordinate basic to moderate inspections to support FEMA PA delivery.

Skills

US Citizenship

Design applications

Construction materials knowledge

Organizational skills

Detail oriented

Written and verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Description

• Conducts site inspections to validate and record infrastructure damage to include: taking photographs, making site sketches, and writing detailed damage descriptions. Develops and reviews scopes of work and cost estimates, including code and standard requirements.
• Reviews and analyzes engineering reports, designs, and as‑built plans.
• Makes recommendations regarding claim eligibility. Develops or evaluates hazard mitigation proposals and benefit‑cost analyses. Works with applicants to prioritize their projects, facilitates applicant meetings throughout the program delivery and recovery stages, and communicates the final determination to the applicants.
• Provides analyses and updates reports, participates in status update meetings with FEMA, and identifies the need for technical specialists.
• May coordinate and complete basic to moderately complex site inspections to validate and record damage to assist in the FEMA Public Assistance grant delivery process.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• 5 years of in‑field experience or 2 years of in‑field expertise with a professional registration.
• Domestic travel is required.

Driving Requirements

An appropriate and valid driver’s license is required.

Skills & Abilities

• Must be a U.S. Citizen and be able to obtain a FEMA Badge, which includes a background investigation for a Public Trust position.
• Working knowledge of design applications and technical knowledge.
• Knowledge of technologies and methodologies in the use of construction materials. Good organizational skills to balance and prioritize work.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to change quickly and remain flexible.

Amount of Travel Required

100%

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Pay Range

Minimum: USD $26.54
Maximum: USD $46.97

Visa Sponsorship Availability

No – we will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e., H‑1B or TN Visas for this position.