Structural Staff Associate

What You'll Do

ECS is seeking a Structural Staff Associate to join our Mid-Atlantic Building Science + Infrastructure team in Chantilly, VA. In this role, you will support structural engineering and consulting projects while developing skills in field investigations, structural assessments, testing, technical analysis, and report preparation. You will work closely with experienced engineers and multidisciplinary project teams to evaluate existing structures, investigate performance concerns, support repair and rehabilitation projects, and assist with construction quality across a variety of facility types. This position provides hands-on field experience and technical training while building a strong foundation in structural engineering and consulting within a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities 

Technical & Field Work

• Learn how to perform building science & infrastructure related testing and consulting services.
• Demonstrate an understanding of sample collection techniques, testing methods, and applicable federal, state, and local codes related to structural work.
• Under the direction of senior staff, perform field testing projects (such as anchor bolt testing, bond testing, GPR, coring, chipping, sample extraction, sounding, and other field testing), structural assessments, structural designs, and construction administration services (including RFI responses, shop drawing review, budget updates, and owner meetings).
• Basic understanding of sample collection (concrete, masonry, steel, wood) techniques, minimum sizes, handling and preparation.
• Basic understanding of testing techniques (anchor pull test, carbon fiber, bond test, GPR, sounding, half-cell, etc.).
• Basic knowledge of federal, state and local codes, laws and guidelines for structural work. Begin to understand their implications on findings and conclusions in studies.
• Supervise field testing projects such as anchor bolt testing, bond testing, GPR, coring, chipping, sample extraction, sounding, and other field testing as directed.
• Under the direction of senior staff, perform structural assessments as directed. May begin to supervise junior staff performing structural assessments.

Project Management

• Assist with project budgets, change orders, and invoicing, and proactively communicate testing or budget concerns to your supervisor.
• Promptly communicate changing site conditions to supervisor and discuss their implications on field investigations. Determine the appropriate modifications to investigations, discuss them with your supervisor and implement them in the field.
• Perform or supervise junior staff performing construction administration services (RFI response, shop drawing review, budget updates, owner meetings, etc.) as directed.
• Review drawings, RFI's and other communication before issuance. Consider financial and logistical impact of decisions and provide timely responses.

Client Interaction & Team Collaboration

• Interact and collaborate with staff members on a variety of projects and attend project meetings with senior staff to assist with resolutions to technical and administrative problems.
• Interface with contractors and other site personnel on project sites and promptly communicate changing site conditions to your supervisor.
• Begin to learn marketing and business development with a focus on building your client database and maintaining regular client contacts.

Documentation & Reporting

• Collaborate with senior staff to prepare building science & infrastructure reports and develop an understanding of the relationship between field observations, test results, and report conclusions.
• Possess basic technical writing skills and continue developing report writing under the direction of supervisors and Principal reviewers.
• Property Condition Assessment training recommended. Clearly document site observations for field work performed and submit daily reports.

Additional Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

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What We're Looking For

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architectural Engineering.
• 1 - 2 years of related experience required.
• Certifications may be required depending on the type of testing performed. The following certifications would go a long way:
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT)

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 $60k - $75k/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

Who We Are

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.