Structural Engineer

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC); Port Hueneme (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Federal benefits

Job summary

NAVFAC EXWC in Port Hueneme, California seeks a Structural Engineer to join the Explosion Effects and Consequences division, applying structural mechanics, dynamics, and advanced numerical methods to assess blast environments and harden critical facilities for national security.

Entry-level candidates are encouraged; you will perform core duties with mentorship, including FEM/CFD simulations, blast-resistant design, and collaboration with DoD partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with strong foundation in structural mechanics, dynamics, and material behavior.
• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) or extensive expertise in blast effects and numerical analysis.
• Hands-on experience with high-fidelity physics solvers, structural dynamics modeling, or explosives safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead advanced simulations of blast environments using FEM and CFD.
• Design blast-resistant systems and provide SME oversight for external design efforts.
• Drive R&D initiatives by testing and analyzing blast data.
• Collaborate with NAVFAC, Navy, and DoD partners on mission-critical efforts.

Skills

Structural mechanics

Dynamics

Material behavior

Blast effects expertise

SME collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Advanced degree (M.S./Ph.D.)

Tools

FEM

CFD

High-fidelity physics solvers

Job description

Are you a Structural Engineer passionate about national security and advanced research? Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) has an exciting opportunity for a Structural Engineer to join our team in the Explosion Effects and Consequences (EE&C) division.

This is your chance to apply your expertise to vital missions within the Navy and Department of War (DoW), directly contributing to national security by designing structures that protect our nation's personnel and critical infrastructure.

As a key member of our team, your full-performance duties will include:

• Leading Advanced Simulations: Simulating blast environments and analyzing structural systems using high-fidelity physics-based numerical methods like the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD).
• Designing Blast-Resistant Systems: Performing complex engineering analysis and design to harden structures, and acting as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) providing technical oversight for external design efforts.
• Driving R&D Initiatives: Conducting research on blast effects to develop new technologies, including designing tests to collect, measure, and analyze blast phenomenon data.
• Collaborating across DoW: Partnering with multidisciplinary teams, NAVFAC, Navy, and DoD organizations (such as the Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board) to coordinate critical mission efforts.

(Early-career or entry-level professionals are also highly encouraged to apply! Entry-level engineers will perform these same core duties with scaled complexity, receiving direct mentorship, targeted training, and close supervision from senior SMEs as they build their skills. Salary range will be adjusted for your education and experience level)

Qualifications:

• Must-Have: A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, or Structural) coupled with a strong foundation in structural mechanics, dynamics, and material behavior.
• Ideal Candidate: You’ll stand out if you have an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) or demonstrate extensive, independent expertise in blast effects on structures and advanced numerical analysis.
• Highly Desirable: Hands-on experience with high-fidelity physics solvers, structural dynamics modeling, or explosives safety standards.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Compensation: Salary commensurate with your degree, experience, and market rates.
• Relocation Assistance: A recruitment or relocation incentive may be authorized for qualified candidates.
• Exceptional Federal Benefits: Robust health insurance and retirement plans designated for Federal Civilian positions. For more info: The benefits and retirement plans for Federal Civilian position. For more info: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/flyers/insurance-overview.pdf

Important: This position requires U.S. Citizenship.