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Seismic Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

GRI

Geotechnical Numerical Modeler

Portland, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong understanding of seismic engineering principles and soil-structure interaction.Ability to interpret site plans, specifications, and communicate technical concepts clearly.For senior candidates ...

GRI

Geotechnical Numerical Modeler

Tigard, OR · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Strong understanding of seismic engineering principles and soil-structure interaction. * Ability to interpret site plans, specifications, and communicate technical concepts clearly. * For senior ...

ISAT Total Support

Jr Engineer Construction

Portland, OR · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Seismic Layouts (Basic) - must have a working knowledge of the ISAT manual and rules for laying out ... custom engineering, particularly the ASCE-7, IBC, UFC, and CBC and how they govern seismic ...

LVI Associates

Structural Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

Perform seismic evaluations, retrofit design, and rehabilitation of existing structures. * Develop ... Mentor junior engineers and contribute to technical excellence initiatives. Qualifications * PE ...

ISAT Total Support

Project Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$22 - $36/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Seismic Bracing Layouts : Assist in creating seismic layouts based on building codes and ... Support engineers in refining technical support procedures and systems. * Load Calculations : Learn ...

Condon-Johnson & Associates

Geotechnical Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER - ENTRY LEVEL - POSITION AVAILABLE Condon-Johnson & Associates (CJA) is a ... You will work on challenging static and seismic designs, and have the opportunity to go to the ...

IMEG

Senior Structural Engineer | Vancouver, WA

Portland, OR

$106K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

For this team, we are especially interested in seismic experience to support commercial work and a ... Professional Engineer (PE) License required * Structural Engineer (SE) License and/or passed the ...

IMEG

Senior Structural Engineer | Vancouver, WA

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$105K - $142K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

For this team, we are especially interested in seismic experience to support commercial work and a ... Professional Engineer (PE) License required * Structural Engineer (SE) License and/or passed the ...

Ingman Company

Structural Engineer

Portland, OR

  • Medical

Requirements: - BS or MS Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering - EIT registration; ability to sit for PE license within a year - 3-5+ years of experience with seismic analysis and seismic ...

Norwest Engineering, Inc.

Sr. Structural Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$106K - $144K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

At least some experience with seismic engineering and design utilizing ASCE 7-16, AISC 341, and ACI 318 in your designs. * Experience in mentoring junior engineers and fostering team growth. * Proven ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsSeismic Engineer JobsSeismic Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Seismic Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$30.5K

$102K

$178.8K

How much do seismic engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for seismic engineer in Portland, OR is $101,966.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,406.00 and $127,335.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a seismic engineer?

Seismic engineers are professionals who specialize in designing and analyzing structures to withstand the effects of earthquakes and other seismic activities. They use principles of civil and structural engineering, combined with knowledge of geology and seismology, to ensure buildings, bridges, and infrastructure are safe and resilient. Their work includes assessing seismic risks, developing earthquake-resistant designs, and implementing safety standards to protect lives and property. Seismic engineers often work closely with architects, construction teams, and government agencies to ensure compliance with building codes and regulations.

What is the difference between Seismic Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectSeismic EngineerStructural Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, seismic design certificationsEngineering degree, structural design certifications
Work EnvironmentFocus on earthquake-resistant design, analysis of seismic risksDesign and analyze various structural systems for buildings and infrastructure
Industry UsageSpecialized in seismic safety, earthquake engineeringBroadly involved in all structural projects

Seismic Engineers specialize in earthquake-resistant design and seismic risk assessment, focusing on structures' safety during earthquakes. Structural Engineers have a broader role, designing various structural elements for buildings and infrastructure. While both roles require engineering credentials, Seismic Engineers focus more on seismic certifications and earthquake-specific analysis, making them a specialized subset within the structural engineering field.

What are some common challenges seismic engineers face when working on projects in high-risk earthquake zones?

Seismic Engineers working in high-risk earthquake zones often encounter challenges such as balancing strict safety regulations with project budgets, dealing with geological uncertainties, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure structural integrity. They must stay updated on the latest seismic codes and incorporate advanced technologies to mitigate risks. Effective communication with architects, contractors, and local authorities is crucial to address site-specific constraints and deliver resilient designs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a seismic engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Seismic Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or structural engineering, with specialized knowledge in earthquake engineering and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with structural analysis software like SAP2000, ETABS, and seismic design codes, as well as professional engineering certification (such as PE or SE), is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and interpreting complex data. These competencies are crucial for designing structures that can withstand seismic events and ensuring public safety.
More about Seismic Engineer jobs

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For Seismic Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Seismic Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Seismic Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Seismic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Seismic Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,966 per year, or $49 per hour.

Structural Project Manager - Historic Preservation & Seismic Retrofit

Holmes

Portland, OR • On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Ready to lead the work that keeps Portland's most iconic buildings standing for another century?
We're looking for an experienced Structural Project Manager to join our Portland team - someone who gets genuinely excited about the intersection of historic preservation, seismic resilience, and the unique challenge of making old buildings perform like new ones. If that's you, keep reading.
Who We Are:
We're Holmes US - a structural engineering firm that's anything but boring! With a growing Portland office and roots in New Zealand, we've built a reputation for tackling the projects other firms find too complex, too technically demanding, or just too interesting to pass up. Portland is one of the most exciting cities in the country for existing building work - a rich stock of historic URMs, non-ductile concrete, and century-old timber frames, set against the backdrop of one of the most seismically active regions in the world. We're right where we want to be.
Your Impact
As a Project Manager on our Portland team, you'll lead the full lifecycle of complex historic and existing building projects - from early assessment and scope development through construction administration - while growing the next generation of structural engineers around you.
  • Lead seismic retrofit and historic preservation projects from kickoff to completion, managing scope, schedule, budget, and client relationships
  • Develop innovative structural solutions for existing buildings across a wide range of systems and materials - URMs, non-ductile concrete, historic timber frames, and everything in between
  • Drive non-linear analysis and performance-based design work, with a focus on ASCE 41 methodologies
  • Serve as a trusted technical resource and peer reviewer on complex assessments and retrofits
  • Mentor and develop rising engineers, building a team culture of technical excellence and curiosity
  • Cultivate and maintain lasting client relationships with architects, owners, developers, and the preservation community
  • Collaborate with Holmes offices across the US and New Zealand on multi-office project delivery

You'll Thrive Here If You Have:
  • 6+ years of structural engineering experience, with a strong focus on existing building assessment and retrofit
  • PE license required, SE licence preferred
  • B.S. or M.S. in Civil/Structural Engineering
  • Deep knowledge of ASCE 41
  • Hands-on experience with non-ductile concrete buildings, historic renovations, and peer reviews
  • Familiarity with Oregon's seismic policy landscape and URM retrofit programmes is a strong plus
  • Proven track record leading or mentoring engineers through project production and delivery
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, including with non-technical stakeholders and preservation clients
  • Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • Advanced proficiency in ETABS, SAP, RISA

Why You'll Love It Here
🌟 Engineering That Excites - Portland is a living laboratory for existing building work - historic URMs in Old Town, mid-century concrete in the Lloyd District, converted industrial warehouses in the Pearl - and the Cascadia Subduction Zone makes resilience more than a buzzword here. You'll lead projects that genuinely matter to the communities that depend on these buildings, backed by the full technical depth of a US and New Zealand network.
💪 Growth & Leadership - This is a role where you shape things. You'll lead project teams, mentor rising engineers, help build client relationships, and have a real voice in how we grow our Portland practice. We invest seriously in professional development and will support you at every step of your career.
🎯 The Good Stuff - Flexible hybrid work, work-life balance we actually take seriously, a collaborative and supportive culture, and a team that will debate ASCE 41 acceptance criteria with the same enthusiasm they bring to planning the next team outing.
Benefits Offered:
Depending on your employment status, benefits may include:
  • Hybrid work model (3 days in office)
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability and other voluntary plans
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical & Childcare
  • Health Savings Account
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Paid Time off - Vacation, Sick, Personal Leave, Family Leave for new parents, and Community Service time
  • Paid Holidays
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Transit
  • 401(k) retirement savings with Company contribution
  • Company sponsored events
  • Diversity / Inclusion programs and initiatives

Our Commitment: At Holmes, we believe in building teams as diverse as the communities we serve. We provide equal support and opportunities for all our people to thrive, grow, and develop. Dream big - we'll help you get there!
Curious about the work? From seismic retrofits of Portland's most beloved historic landmarks to performance-based assessments of iconic structures up and down the West Coast, you can explore our project stories at holmes.us/perspective. We're not just talking about pushing boundaries - we're doing it. 🏛
Ready to lead the work that matters most? Apply now at holmes.us/careers!
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