Earthquake Engineering Specialist

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Project Overview:

Bechtel and Westinghouse Electric Company have partnered to deliver the first AP1000 nuclear power reactors in Poland for our customer, the Polish Entity Polskie Elektrownie Jadrowe (PEJ). Bechtel will be the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor for the project. As the EPC, our responsibilities will include providing the design for the Turbine Island and Balance of Plant as well as the construction of the entire facility.  This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, and we are looking for the talent that will help expand Poland’s nuclear base and build a strong and long-lasting energy future for generations to come. This position is subject to U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) regulations at 10 CFR Part 810 (Part 810), which govern the transfer of hardware, materials, and technology to support the construction and operation of commercial nuclear power plants overseas.

Job Summary:

As the Earthquake Engineering Specialist, you will be responsible for evaluating, modeling, and mitigating seismic hazards affecting critical infrastructure and facilities. You will perform background research, prepare earthquake engineering reports, and participate in new business efforts involving specialized earthquake applications. Your role will also involve seismic hazard analysis, ground motion characterization, soil–structure interaction, and seismic design or assessment in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements. The position supports safe, resilient, and compliant design and operation of structures in seismically active regions.

This position is designated as part-time telework according to our global teleworking policy and will require at least three days of in-person attendance per week at the assigned office or project. Weekly in-person schedules will be determined by the individual and their supervisor, in consultation with functional or project leadership. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Prepare conceptual studies, designs, reports, or proposals detailing the seismic hazard on project and understanding the risk associated with that hazard on the facility.
• Lead or assist research on the behavior of the local fault systems, site response, and structural system and component behavior.
• Coordinate and interface as directed with the day-to-day technical work of personnel.
• Communicate complex technical issues and recommends solutions to upper management.
• Prepare or oversee the preparation of discipline estimates and work plan in accordance with project scope, schedule and budget, and supports implementation and assists with performance reporting.
• Interpret new or special regulations, codes, standards, criteria, and performance data.  Coordinate with client representatives, as directed, to obtain their approval of earthquake aspects of the work.
• Develop and evaluate site-specific response spectra, time histories, and seismic input parameters.
• Conduct soil–structure interaction (SSI) analyses and seismic response modeling of foundations, earthworks, and structures.
• Support seismic design and qualification of structures, systems, and components (SSCs) for new and existing facilities.
• Review and interpret geotechnical and seismological data (faulting, site response, shear-wave velocity, liquefaction, slope stability).
• Apply relevant codes, standards, and regulatory guidance (e.g., US NRC, ASCE, Eurocodes, IAEA, local regulations).
• Prepare technical reports, calculations, and design documentation suitable for regulatory review and independent verification.
• Interface with multidisciplinary teams, including geotechnical, structural, civil, and mechanical engineers.
• Support regulatory interactions, audits, and technical reviews related to seismic safety.
• Provide technical guidance during peer reviews, design reviews, and hazard assessments.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires bachelor's degree (or international equivalent) and 8-10 years of professional experience in seismic or earthquake engineering.
• Prefer master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Earthquake Engineering, or Geotechnical Engineering from an accredited institution.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong understanding of seismology, seismic wave propagation, site response, and earthquake ground motions.
• Experience with seismic analysis tools and modeling software (e.g., SHAKE, DEEPSOIL, OpenSees, ABAQUS, ANSYS, SAP2000, SIMQKE, or equivalent).
• Familiarity with PSHA/DSHA methodologies and uncertainty treatment.
• Proven ability to produce clear, defensible technical documentation.
• Excellent communication skills for technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Prefer PhD in Earthquake Engineering, Seismology, or Geotechnical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Prefer experience on critical infrastructure projects (e.g., nuclear, dams, bridges, offshore facilities).
• Prefer knowledge of nuclear seismic standards and regulatory frameworks (e.g., IAEA Safety Guides, 10 CFR or NRC Regulatory Guides, Eurocode 8).
• Prefer Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility.
• Prefer experience supporting regulatory licensing or safety case development.

Total Rewards/Benefits:

For decades, Bechtel has worked to inspire the next generation of employees and beyond! Because our teams face some of the world's toughest challenges, we offer robust benefits to ensure our people thrive.  Whether it is advancing careers, delivering programs to enhance our culture, or providing time to recharge, Bechtel has the benefits to build a legacy of sustainable growth. Learn more at Bechtel Total Rewards

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