Geotechnical Seismic Hazard Engineer

Job Description

Geotechnical Seismic Hazard Engineer | Shannon & Wilson

The Tone:
Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned consulting firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington, committed to technical excellence and high-quality service. We deliver integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental, and natural resource services worldwide. This role is crucial for assessing seismic risks, supporting the design of safe and resilient infrastructure and project planning. You will collaborate with engineering and planning teams to translate complex seismic data into practical recommendations, ultimately contributing to improved communities and environmental preservation.

The TL;DR
• Role: Geotechnical Seismic Hazard Engineer
• Mission: Own the assessment of seismic risks to ensure safe, resilient infrastructure and project planning.
• Tech Stack: Open-source, commercial, or in-house seismic software, Python, MS Office

What You’ll Actually Do
• Perform comprehensive geotechnical seismic hazards analyses, site-response assessments, and ground-motion development for various infrastructure projects.
• Lead the development of site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) models, which involves collecting regional seismicity data, researching tectonic structures, establishing magnitude-frequency relationships, and evaluating ground motion models.
• Execute detailed geotechnical engineering analyses, studies, and calculations, preparing thorough engineering and technical reports based on findings.
• Select, scale, spectrally match, baseline correct, and manipulate ground motion time histories to ensure accurate project specifications.
• Support business development and marketing by preparing cost proposals and delivering presentations to existing and prospective clients, while also reviewing technical work from junior engineers.

The Must-Haves
• Background: MS or PhD Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Seismology, with a strong academic background and research specifically relevant to probabilistic seismic hazard analyses, ground motion time histories, or site response analyses, complemented by expertise in probability and statistical methods.
• Experience: Between 0 to 6 years as a Geotechnical Engineer, demonstrating practical experience in performing PSHAs and/or site response analyses. This role also requires supervisory experience, including leading and mentoring technical teams.
• Skills: Proficiency in Python and MS Office; strong analytical skills and critical thinking capabilities for complex problem-solving; excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with technical and non-technical audiences, clients, and staff at all levels; strong organizational skills for managing multiple clients, contracts, and projects concurrently; a deep understanding of ground motion and site response aspects referenced in major building and bridge standards such as AASHTO, ASCE 7, ASCE 61, ASCE 41, and CSA S6.
• Bonus: Possessing or actively working towards an Engineer-in-Training Certificate, on track to obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) License, demonstrating a willingness and ability to travel to support other offices, and holding a valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record.