Geotechnical Seismic Hazard Engineer

Job Description

Geotechnical Seismic Hazard Engineer | Shannon & Wilson

The Tone:
This is an early career role at Shannon & Wilson, located in Seattle, WA. Shannon & Wilson is an employee-owned firm providing integrated geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, environmental, and natural resource services for clients globally. This role is crucial for assessing seismic risks, developing robust hazard models, and translating complex seismic assessments into practical recommendations, ensuring safe and resilient infrastructure and project planning.

The TL;DR
• Role: Early Career
• Location: Seattle, WA (In-person)
• Pay: $72800–$115000 yearly
• Mission: Assess seismic risks and support safe, resilient infrastructure and project planning.
• Tech Stack: open-source software, commercial software, in-house software, Python, MS Office

What You’ll Actually Do
• Analyze Seismic Data: Perform comprehensive geotechnical seismic hazards analyses, including site-response, and ground-motion development for a variety of projects.
• Model Development: Support the creation of site-specific probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) models, which involves collecting and analyzing regional historical seismicity data, researching regional tectonics, developing magnitude-frequency relationships for seismic source zones and faults, developing smooth and background seismicity models, and evaluating ground motion models for applicability.
• Hazard Assessment: Execute probabilistic seismic hazard analyses efficiently using open-source, commercial, or in-house software as applicable for specific project needs.
• Ground Motion Processing: Select, scale, spectrally match, baseline correct, and manipulate ground motion time histories to ensure accuracy and suitability for engineering applications.
• Project & Team Support: Prepare and write detailed engineering and other reports, perform geotechnical engineering analyses and calculations, review technical reports and calculations prepared by entry-level engineers, and assist with field explorations, sample collection, and geologic reconnaissance.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Requires an MS or PhD Degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Seismology, with research specifically relevant to probabilistic seismic hazard analyses, ground motion time histories, or site response analyses. The role is open to candidates with 0 to 6 years of experience.
• Experience: Professional experience as a Geotechnical Engineer performing PSHAs and/or site response analyses, coupled with supervisory experience in leading and mentoring teams.
• Skills: Strong analytical capabilities, solid knowledge and practical experience in probability and statistical methods, and familiarity with ground motion and site response aspects referenced in key building and bridge standards (including AASHTO, ASCE 7, ASCE 61, ASCE 41, and CSA S6). Required computer skills include MS Office and Python.
• Bonus: Possession of, or actively working towards, an Engineer-in-Training Certificate and a Professional Engineering (PE) License. Candidates should also demonstrate strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, the ability to work independently, and a willingness to travel with a valid driver’s license.