Entry-Level Materials / Structural Engineering Associate - Northbrook, IL (Global HQ)

Job Description

  Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an exceptional entry-level Materials / Structural Engineering Associate to join our Janney Technical Center (JTC) in Northbrook, Illinois.With offices across the country, a growing international presence, and unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities, WJE is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists committed to helping solve, repair, and avoid problems in the built world.Our JTC’s Materials Engineering Group works at the intersection of materials and structural engineering – solving challenging materials engineering problems that impact the performance of structures.A career at WJE will give you the opportunity to learn from and grow alongside industry-leading experts as you develop your technical expertise, your hands-on capabilities, and your project management skills, primed to make a meaningful impact in your field.If you are enthusiastic about solving problems, curious about how things work, and not afraid to get your hands dirty – we want to hear from you!Responsibilities: 

• Perform hands-on forensic investigations, condition assessments, and construction observations, which may include surveying, documenting distress, field testing and instrumentation, collecting data and materials samples, laboratory testing, and preparing site visit reports 
• Analyze field data and perform research and review of modern and historic materials, construction documents, governing codes, and design guidelines to facilitate analysis, problem solving, and repair design
• Complete analyses using a combination of hand calculations and analysis software
• Participate in the development and implementation of specialized laboratory or field-testing programs associated with existing construction, materials performance evaluation, applied research, and new product development
• Assist with drafting and preparation of conceptual, preliminary, and final client deliverables, including structural and architectural construction documents, specifications, and written reports
• Interface with project teams, clients, contractors, and other engineering disciplines
• Assume responsibility for key aspects of projects and complete assignments with limited oversight, under the guidance of licensed professionals

Qualifications:

• Master's degree or better in civil, structural, or materials engineering with an emphasis on construction materials or structural engineering, from an accredited program
• Solid foundation in materials and structural engineering principles with demonstrated interest in the design, construction, investigation, and rehabilitation of various modern and historic structures, building systems, and construction materials
• Experience and/or interest in working in both materials and structural engineering
• Experience and/or interest in field and laboratory materials testing
• Experience and/or interest in corrosion and durability assessment of reinforced concrete
• Effective technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills
• Proactive, team player mindset with willingness to take on various responsibilities, tackle new challenges, and learn new skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands, while maintaining a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail

Learn more about the Janney Technical CenterPhysical Requirements:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment such as computer, printer, copier, telephone, voice mail system, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:

• Ability to attend meetings at the various office, field, and construction sites
• Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments
• Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors
• Ability to read construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials, and computer screens
• Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.
• Ability to travel
• Ability to safely work at heights
• Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts and other access equipment
• Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and construction hazards
• Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations
• Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment
• Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

Annual starting base salary (gross): $70,500 - $96,900. Actual salaries will vary and will be based on several factors including consideration for a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role. Base salary is one component of our total compensation package for employees. WJE offers an industry-leading total rewards package that enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits including robust and affordable health plans, generous 401(k) matching and bonus programs, time off to care for yourself and others, and investments in employees’ professional development, to name a few. More information on WJE’s total rewards package can be found here.WJE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants to apply including individuals with disabilities, minorities, women, and protected veterans (VEVRAA federal contractor).WJE will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of Fair Chance Ordinances.#MaterialsLabEqual Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThe contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)