Entry Level Structural Engineer Jobs in Fairfax, VA

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United States. 

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm. 

Benefit options include: 

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Schnabel Engineering is seeking an entry level Staff Geostructural Engineer to help support our regional and national practice. This position is located in our Rockville, MD office. This field requires an understanding of both soil mechanics and structural behavior to develop effective and innovative solutions for complex engineering challenges. We are looking for a motivated individual with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong team.  

Our Geostructural group provides a broad range of consulting services including development of construction documents (plans and specifications) for owner’s and contractors, detailed design, value engineering, construction-phase engineering, and forensics.  Our services include design of support of excavation (SOE) systems, underpinning of structures, geo-hazards and stabilization of natural and man-made slopes and other earth systems/structures, marine and waterfront structures, steel and concrete design, ground improvement, shallow and deep foundation systems, earth retaining structures, grouting programs, design and oversight of positive cutoff walls, dewatering systems, cofferdams, and numerical analysis. Analytics play a crucial role in geostructural engineering projects by providing insights into soil behavior, structural performance, and overall project feasibility.

Job Responsibilities:

• Conducting geotechnical field investigations, including soil sampling and drilling.
• Soil and rock analysis that determines suitability for construction projects which involves laboratory testing and the interpretation of geotechnical data.
• Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions.
• Preparation of design calculations and drawings (sketches) using AutoCAD and MicroStation and providing design support during construction. 
• Observe geotechnical/geostructural related construction and prepare daily observation reports to ensure adherence to detailed plans and specifications
• Provide support on preparation of reports and proposals.
• Ability to travel and work in the field is required.

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 0-3 years of professional experience.
• EIT certification or the ability to get one within 6 months of hire.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills used to interact with other key stakeholders by preparing technical reports and documenting observations and findings.
• Positive attitude that enhances problem solving, team collaboration, and a growth mindset.
• Strong work ethic and a desire for continual self-improvement with confidence and enthusiasm.
• Effective time management, with the ability to efficiently balance multiple concurrent tasks, responsibilities, and commitments.
• Willingness and ability to perform field work and travel, including assignments that may last several months away from the office.
• Ability to lift 60 pounds and be physically able to negotiate construction sites, enter trenches, climb ladders and work outside.

Desired Skills/Experience:

• A Master’s Degree in structural engineering, geotechnical engineering or a related field.
• Prior internship or professional work in a related field (i.e. geotechnical engineering, construction, civil engineering, etc.).

Other Requirements:

• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

The compensation range for this position is between $57,200 to $86,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.