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Structural FEA Specialist
**Company Description**
**Work with Us. Change the World.**
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**Job Description**
**AECOM** is seeking a candidate to work as part of our East Region Dams Practice located in our Germantown, Maryland office as a **_Structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Specialist_** in our Dam and Hydraulic Structures Team. This position will support a variety Dam and Hydraulic Structures Engineering projects across the East Region. The successful candidate will join the **ENR consistently ranked #1 Dams and Reservoirs firm** and have access to exciting career advancement opportunities.
We are seeking a Structural Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Specialist with experience in dams and hydraulic structures to support the evaluation, design, and rehabilitation of critical water infrastructure. This role focuses on advanced numerical modeling of concrete, embankment, and foundation systems under complex loading conditions including hydrostatic, uplift, thermal, and seismic effects.
The ideal candidate brings strong analytical capabilities, practical dam engineering experience, and the ability to translate complex analysis results into clear, defensible engineering decisions.
**Responsibilities:**
+ Develop and maintain 2D and 3D finite element models for dams, spillways, outlet works, and associated structures.
+ Perform linear and nonlinear analyses including Hydrostatic and uplift loading, Thermal loading and mass concrete behavior, Seismic loading (including response spectrum and time-history) and Soil-structure and fluid-structure interaction (as applicable)
+ Evaluate structural response including cracking, stress distribution, deformation, sliding stability, and foundation behavior.
+ Interpret material data and instrumentation trends to inform modeling assumptions and validate results.
+ ·Perform sensitivity studies on key parameters (mesh size, uplift assumptions, drainage effectiveness, foundation stiffness, etc.).
+ Communicate with multi-disciplinary teams on various projects related to dams and other hydraulic structures.
+ Prepare technical memoranda, design calculations and reports suitable for regulatory and client review.
+ Support dam safety inspections, risk assessments, and forensic evaluations
+ Perform detail checks and quality reviews of other Engineer's work.
+ Lead and mentor junior staff.
**Qualifications**
**Minimum Requirements:**
+ BA/BS in Civil Engineering with emphasis in Structural Engineering + 4 years of related experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
+ Experience with dam or hydraulic structures projects.
+ Strong understanding of concrete behavior, uplift, stability of concrete hydraulic structures.
+ Strong understanding of FEA including modeling techniques that include linear and nonlinear properties, boundary conditions, etc.
+ Proficiency in FEA software (e.g., ABAQUS, ANSYS, LS-DYNA or Similar). Ability to use experience and quickly learn ANSYS.
+ Experience with soil-structure interaction modeling.
+ Ability to critically evaluate and validate modeling assumptions and results (not just run software)
+ Strong written and verbal communication skills
+ Valid U.S. Driver’s License and as a condition of employment, must be able to pass AECOM’s Motor Vehicle Records review.
+ Due to the nature of work, U.S. Citizenship is required.
**Preferred Qualifications:**
+ Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain
+ Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering.
+ Experience with dam safety programs or regulatory agencies (e.g., FERC, USACE, USBR)
+ Experience interpreting instrumentation data (piezometers, uplift pressures, joint meters)
+ Programming/scripting skills (Python, MATLAB) for model automation or post-processing
+ Experience with probabilistic or risk-informed analysis approaches
+ Demonstrate proactive problem-solving skills.
+ Resourceful, highly organized professional with attention to detail.
+ Effective time-management and interpersonal skills.
+ Ability to work independently and in a multidisciplinary team environment.
+ Strong desire to learn along with professional drive.
**Additional Information**
+ Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.
+ Relocation is not available for this position.
Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $115000 to $150000.
**About AECOM**
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
**What makes AECOM a great place to work**
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
**ReqID:** J10149397
**Business Line:** Water
**Business Group:** DCS
**Strategic Business Unit:** East
**Career Area:** Engineering
**Work Location Model:** Hybrid
**Compensation:** USD 115000 - USD 150000 - yearly
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