Structural Project Associate

Responsibilities

ECS is seeking a Structural Project Associate to join our Mid-Atlantic Building Science + Infrastructure team in Chantilly, VA. In this role, you will support structural engineering and consulting projects through a combination of field investigations, structural assessments, testing, technical analysis, and report preparation. You will collaborate with experienced engineers and multidisciplinary project teams to evaluate existing structures, investigate performance concerns, support repair and rehabilitation projects, and deliver practical solutions for clients across a variety of facility types. This position offers strong opportunities for hands-on field experience, technical growth, and mentorship within a collaborative consulting environment.

Responsibilities

Technical & Field Work

• Perform structural engineering, assessment, testing, and consulting services.
• Conduct field investigations, structural assessments, and condition evaluations of existing structures.
• Direct and oversee field testing activities including anchor pull testing, bond testing, GPR, coring, chipping, sample extraction, sounding, half-cell testing, and other investigative procedures.
• Interpret drawings, specifications, calculations, and field data to evaluate structural performance and identify deficiencies.
• Review testing results, develop findings, and recommend corrective actions and repair solutions.
• Assist with and perform structural design, repair design, and rehabilitation projects.
• Review calculations, drawings, specifications, and submittals to ensure compliance with applicable standards and ECS quality requirements.
• Maintain familiarity with federal, state, and local building codes, regulations, and industry standards applicable to structural engineering and consulting.

Project Management

• Manage multiple structural engineering and consulting projects simultaneously with limited supervision.
• Coordinate field activities and maintain communication with staff, subcontractors, clients, and senior leadership.
• Prepare proposals, change orders, project budgets, invoices, and assist with collection efforts.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and scope; proactively communicate potential impacts and concerns to project leadership.
• Ensure project work is completed in accordance with the approved scope and identify potential scope changes when necessary.

Client Interaction & Team Collaboration

• Interface with clients regularly and participate in project meetings and discussions.
• Develop and maintain client relationships while supporting business development efforts.
• Communicate project milestones, findings, recommendations, and schedule updates to clients.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and actively mentor and support the development of junior staff.
• Provide technical guidance to field staff and support personnel throughout project execution.

Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare clear technical reports summarizing field observations, testing results, analyses, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Review deliverables prepared by junior staff prior to submission for senior and principal review.
• Ensure reports, calculations, and documentation meet professional standards for technical accuracy, quality, and clarity.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architectural Engineering.
• 3+ years of related experience.

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred; Professional Engineer (PE) licensure a plus.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of building science, building enclosure systems, and construction practices.
• Familiarity with building codes, materials, and structural or architectural systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively with clients and team members.
• Dependable, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with strong organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, walk on uneven terrain, and perform work at heights.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required if driving for or on behalf of an ECS subsidiary.

Why Join ECS?  

• Nationwide Building Science + Infrastructure Consulting practice made up of more than 180 employees with deep technical expertise and opportunities for collaboration across the country
• Opportunity to lead high-profile projects with technical complexity and visibility
• Be part of a growing and innovative team focused on technical excellence and client service
• Supportive work environment that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits
• ECS is an employee-owned company with an Employee Stock Ownership program (ESOP)!
• 401(k) with up to 4% match
• Tuition Assistance Program
• And more!

ECS Core Values:  Collaborate, Focus & Lead

The expected pay range for this role and location is $80,000 - $100,000/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.