Entry Level Structural Engineering Jobs in Austin, TX

WSP is currently initiating a search for a High Voltage Substation Inspector.  This position may be up to 100% travel. WSP will provide mobilization to and from the project. Work will be conducted in the Austin, Texas area and surrounding states. Be involved in projects with our Power Constructors Inc Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

WSP brings global expertise in power delivery, power generation, and program management-anchored by the acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. TRC Companies have now joined WSP, deepening our power practice and expanding our energy advisory and intelligent grid services. We're partnering with clients to shape how energy systems evolve around the world-and we need your help.

Provides inspection support to engineers and project managers to ensure construction compliance with plans, specifications, contract documents, and codified requirements.  Responsibilities involve performing field inspections on various assigned construction projects of moderate scale, scope, and/or complexity. Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, functionality, and sustainability.

• Collect, compile, and analyze data from the physical work site, surveys, structural plans, blueprints, schematics, data, technical drawings, flow diagrams, material sampling, computer-generated reports, and other matrices for single, multi-phase, or multi-site field inspection activities.    
• Use survey instruments, metering devices, and test equipment to perform inspections on projects of moderate complexity and/or scope, including proposed and existing site conditions, equipment, construction, materials, controls, resources, layout, alignment, and elevation to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, codes, and construction or operating permits.
• Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team to execute inspection work; occasionally leading tasks and inspection staff for technical or field assignments on project work.
• Attend pre-construction meetings and answer questions from contractors and other attendees.
• Assist technical staff, project managers, and contractors with risk identification and assessment, offering input, analysis, escalation, or resolution with construction, mitigation, and improvement activities for more intricate and involved construction or engineering problems.
• Assist with inspection plan preparation and coordination of any field/site work, reviewing staffing, and equipment utilization data and time/cost estimates.
• Provide guidance and training to entry-level inspection staff.
• Engage in contact with client and contractor personnel to schedule and coordinate project inspection.
• This job may require you to work up to 12-hour days, 5 to 6 days a week if project requires.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Verify load calculations, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and specifications; resolving differences in interpretation of plans and specifications.
• Monitor project phasing plans and contractors' work to ensure quality control and contract compliance; documenting work progress and issues arising throughout scope of project.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• Write technical reports summarizing inspection findings and conclusions; generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using photographs, sketches, calculations, software, spreadsheets, technical drawings, flow diagrams, 2D/3D illustrations, and reports.
• Assist technical staff, project managers, and contractors with risk identification and assessment, offering input, analysis, escalation, or resolution with construction, mitigation, and improvement activities for more intricate and involved construction or engineering problems.
• Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of any field/site work, reviewing staffing, and equipment utilization data and time/cost estimates.
• Provide guidance and training to entry-level inspection staff.
• Engage in contact with client and contractor personnel to schedule and coordinate project inspection.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Travel requirement is based on project location.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 9 years of relevant post education experience in discipline with prior construction inspection experience.
• The successful candidate will have 5+ years of active field experience, computer skills (to properly fill out daily and weekly reports) and also be capable of photo documentation with working knowledge of Word and Excel.
• Valid state driver's license.
• Well-defined knowledge of construction inspection principles, field inspection practices, process, methods and techniques.
• Well-defined knowledge of relevant construction codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, and comply with company policies.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Competent critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from inspection and testing results, data collation, load calculations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• Ability to direct others in the field such as subcontractors and junior-level staff to consistently complete tasks safely, efficiently, and accurately according to specifications.
• Able and willing to travel and stay for a minimum of 6 weeks at a time for a project.
• Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions for up to 12 hours a day
• Must be able to wear company-provided PPE for the entire shift while onsite
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs or more at any given time throughout the day
• Must be able to walk on average 3 to 5 miles per day across rough terrain and/or unlevel surfaces
• Ability to step in and out of a 3/4-ton pickup truck several times a day
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in closely related discipline is preferred.
• Knowledge of transmission line work, foundations and stringing of conductors, and transmission substations and facilities.