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Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist Jobs

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... This is a technical leadership role focused on structural design excellence, engineering ...

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... This is a technical leadership role focused on structural design excellence, engineering ...

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... This is a technical leadership role focused on structural design excellence, engineering ...

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... This is a technical leadership role focused on structural design excellence, engineering ...

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... This is a technical leadership role focused on structural design excellence, engineering ...

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... This is a technical leadership role focused on structural design excellence, engineering ...

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... The Structural Engineering Manager will lead and grow a team of structural engineers supporting ...

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... This is a technical leadership role focused on structural design excellence, engineering ...

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... The Structural Engineering Manager will lead and grow a team of structural engineers supporting ...

... engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other ... This is a technical leadership role focused on structural design excellence, engineering ...

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Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist information

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How much do structural engineering laboratory scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural engineering laboratory scientist in the United States is $25.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist during experimental testing projects?

As a Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist, you will be responsible for designing and setting up experiments to test the strength and behavior of construction materials or structural components. This includes preparing specimens, calibrating and maintaining testing equipment, collecting and analyzing data, and ensuring that all protocols meet safety and quality standards. You will frequently collaborate with research engineers, technicians, and external partners to interpret results and troubleshoot issues. The role also involves documenting findings for reports or publications and participating in meetings to discuss project progress and next steps.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist, you need a solid background in structural engineering principles, materials science, and laboratory testing, typically supported by an engineering degree or related advanced education. Familiarity with testing equipment, data acquisition systems, and analysis software such as MATLAB or LabVIEW is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help in designing experiments and interpreting results. These skills are vital to ensure accurate testing, reliable research outcomes, and collaborative innovation in advancing structural engineering solutions.

What does a Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist do?

A Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist conducts experiments and tests on building materials and structural components to assess their strength, durability, and behavior under various conditions. They design and perform laboratory tests, analyze data, and help develop safer and more efficient construction materials and methods. Their work supports engineers in creating buildings and infrastructure that meet safety standards and regulatory requirements. They often use advanced equipment and modeling software to simulate real-world stresses and understand structural performance.

What is the difference between Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist vs Structural Engineer?

AspectStructural Engineering Laboratory ScientistStructural Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering, lab certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, testing facilities, research settingsConstruction sites, design offices, consulting firms
Primary FocusMaterial testing, laboratory analysis, experimental researchDesign, analysis, and inspection of structures
Industry UsageResearch institutions, testing labs, academiaConstruction, consulting, infrastructure projects

The main difference is that a Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist specializes in testing and research within laboratory settings, focusing on material properties and experimental analysis. In contrast, a Structural Engineer applies engineering principles to design and evaluate structures in real-world projects. Both roles require a strong foundation in structural engineering, but their work environments and primary responsibilities differ.

Infographic showing various Structural Engineering Laboratory Scientist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,516 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Scientist I

$60K - $70K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

528th of 534 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.Position Title:Scientist IJob Category:Academic StaffEmployment Type:Terminal (Fixed Term)Job Profile:Scientist IJob Duties:Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
  • Conducts literature reviews, prepares reports and materials, and disseminates information to appropriate entities
  • Serves as a main point of contact and liaison with internal and external stakeholders providing information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
  • Assists with the identification of research problems and the development of research methodologies and procedures
  • Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
  • Collects and analyzes research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision and limited responsibility
Department:

College of Engineering and Applied Science-Civil Engineering

Employees at UWM in the College of Engineering and Applied Science work in an innovative, collaborative, and casual-work environment with flexible work/life balance schedules. If you are a motivated, results-oriented individual who wants to make a real difference with our team, community, and campus, we encourage you to apply!

The structural Engineering Laboratory (SEL) at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) is a nationally accredited academic testing laboratory for evaluating the strength and durability of materials and structures. The person filling this position would support the safe and effective operation of SEL by conducting, and/or contributing to, the various SEL testing and evaluation projects using the laboratory hardware, test machines, and monitoring systems. This includes setup and conduct of tests as well as collection and analysis of test data.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Conducting testing and research on structural materials and systems andparticipatingin disseminating research via conference and journal papers, etc. (30%)

  • Participating in proposal writing for industry outreach and sponsored research (20%).

  • Monitoring and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students' work in SEL (15%).

  • Helpingmaintainand operate SEL test equipment (15%).

  • Monitoring and enforcing lab safety protocols (10%).

  • Assistingwith community outreach and promotion, including providing lab tours for student recruitment (5%).

  • Assistingsupervisor with SEL national accreditation efforts (5%).

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift a 95pound weight

Work will be performed primarily on-site.

Compensation:

$60,000-$70,000 (Final salary offer will bedeterminedbased on qualifications and experience)

Required Qualifications:
  • A PhD degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on structural engineering
  • At least one year of experience conducting structural engineering research involving laboratory testing, data acquisition, and data analysis

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experienceoperatingand managing electromechanical and servo-hydraulic universal test machines such as MTS, Test Resources, Instron and their software/hardware
  • Evidence of experience using structural analysis and finite element modeling software such as Abaqus, ANSYS, SAP2000, or similar tools for structural engineering applications

  • Evidence of experience performing surface coating tests, such as Xenon, UV, and salt fog testing

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor, supervise, and/or train undergraduate and graduate students in a research lab environment

  • Evidence of participation in proposal development, sponsored research activities, technical reports, conference presentations, and/or peer-reviewed publications

  • Documented experience supporting laboratory operations, including laboratory safety practices, quality control procedures, and/or accreditation activities such as ISO 17025

Education:

PhD degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on structural engineering.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants please apply online and provide both a resume and cover letter for consideration. Please plan to apply no later than June 11, 2026

Contact Information:

Please direct any questions regarding this recruitment to Amy Rehfeldt at rehfelda@uwm.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations
Pursuant to university policy, UWM provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact uwm-jobs@uwm.edu or 414-229-4463. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.
Confidentiality of Applicant Materials
UWMis a State agency and subject to Wisconsin's Open Records Law.UWMwill not, however, reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing except as may be required by Wisconsin's Open Records law. In certain circumstances, the identities of "final candidates" and/or the identity of the appointed applicant must be revealed upon request.
CBCand Reference Check Policy
Employment will require a criminal background check.UWMtakes the prevention of sexual misconduct seriously. As such, you and your references will be required to answer questions regarding any past findings of sexual violence and sexual harassment or any pending allegations of sexual violence or sexual harassment.
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)
For theUWMAnnual Security and Fire Safety Reports (i.e., Clery Report), which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, seehttp://www.cleryact.uwm.edu/, or call UWM's Dean of Students Office, Student Union 345 at (414) 229-4632 for a paper copy.
Employment Authorization
In compliance with federal law, all persons at the time of their start date will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

UW is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other bases protected by applicable federal or State law and UW System policies. We are committed to building a workforce that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills, and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.


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