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Engineering Seismology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an accredited university. 3 - 7 years of seismic engineering experience, including: o 3+ years of seismic design and analysis of buildings o ...

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an accredited university. 3 - 7 years of seismic engineering experience, including: o 3+ years of seismic design and analysis of buildings o ...

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Engineering Analysis & Certification * Perform engineering analyses of sheet metal and structural steel components of non-structural equipment to evaluate resistance to specified seismic and wind ...

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an accredited university. 3 - 7 years of seismic engineering experience, including: o 3+ years of seismic design and analysis of buildings o ...

Seismologist

Boston, MA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

In this position, you will work closely with other scientists and engineers to build out our global ... PhD in Seismology or Geophysics with research relevant to seismic source modeling * Knowledge of ...

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Engineering Seismology information

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$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do engineering seismology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering seismology in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineering Seismologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Seismologist, you need a strong background in geology, physics, mathematics, and structural engineering, often supported by an advanced degree in geophysics or a related field. Proficiency in seismic data analysis software, GIS systems, and programming languages like MATLAB or Python, along with relevant certifications, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills to interpret data and collaborate with engineering teams. These skills ensure accurate seismic risk assessments, inform safe infrastructure design, and support disaster mitigation efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in engineering seismology, and how can they be addressed?

Engineering seismologists often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex seismic data, working under tight project deadlines, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Dealing with uncertainty in seismic hazard assessments and effectively communicating findings to non-technical stakeholders are also common hurdles. Addressing these challenges typically involves continuous learning, leveraging advanced software tools, and developing strong communication skills. Collaboration with civil engineers, geologists, and urban planners is crucial to ensure that seismic risk assessments are both accurate and actionable.

What is engineering seismology?

Engineering seismology is the study and application of seismology to assess and mitigate earthquake risks for engineered structures, such as buildings, bridges, and dams. It involves analyzing ground motions caused by earthquakes, predicting their effects, and providing data for earthquake-resistant design. Engineering seismologists use seismic hazard assessments and ground motion models to help engineers design safer structures and inform building codes. Their work is essential in regions prone to earthquakes to minimize damage and protect public safety.

What is the difference between Engineering Seismology vs Geotechnical Engineering?

AspectEngineering SeismologyGeotechnical Engineering
Required credentialsBachelor's or master's in geophysics, seismology, or related fields; often certifications in seismic analysisBachelor's or master's in civil or geotechnical engineering; PE license often required
Work environmentResearch labs, seismic monitoring stations, consulting firmsConstruction sites, laboratories, consulting firms
Industry usageSeismic hazard assessment, earthquake risk analysisFoundation design, soil stability, site investigation

Engineering Seismology focuses on understanding seismic activity and assessing earthquake hazards, while Geotechnical Engineering deals with soil and rock behavior to support construction. Both fields often collaborate but serve different primary purposes within the industry.

More about Engineering Seismology jobs
Infographic showing various Engineering Seismology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 81% In-person, and 19% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.
Seismology Postdoctoral Fellow

Seismology Postdoctoral Fellow

University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

$70K/yr

Other

Posted 20 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

152nd of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Seismology Postdoctoral Fellow

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Hiring Department:

Bureau of Economic Geology

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Aug 01, 2024

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Location:

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

This position is located at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus in North Austin.

Purpose

Analysis of Geophysical and Geomechanical data to provide models that can be calibrated and verified from available data, to identify processes for earthquake risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

  • Provide novel research on geomechanical and pore pressure models linking human operations to the evolving seismicity rates. The goal is to be able to construct models that explain the nucleation and evolution of seismicity. Model-inputs might include earthquake and hydrogeological data, stress-change models, etc. In addition, you will contribute to collaborative research modeling stress changes in the subsurface due to geo-energy related operations, validating potential identification of causal factors. The results could be integrated in a regional time-dependent seismic hazard model estimating approaches for risk mitigation.
  • Present in meetings and conferences.
  • Publish in peer review journals.
Required Qualifications

PhD in engineering, seismology or geophysics. Prior research experience with geophysical/geomechanical modeling, hypothesis testing, earthquake catalogs, and stress evolution processes. Good knowledge in software programming (e.g. Matlab, Python). PhD must have been received within 3 years from date of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of subsurface pore-pressure modeling, earthquake nucleation processes, fault rupture propagation, and seismic hazard modeling.

Salary Range

$70,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions
  • May work around standard office conditions

  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

  • Occasional weekend, overtime, and evening work to meet deadlines

  • Occasional travel intrastate, interstate, international

  • Occasional fieldwork as necessary

Required Materials
  • Resume/CV

  • 3 work references with their contact information
  • Letter of interest

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Please make sure you meet all the required qualifications and you can perform all of the essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length. This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) instead of TRS, subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin 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.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

  • E-Verify Poster (English) [PDF]
  • E-Verify Poster (Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right To Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right To Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.


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