SCIENTIST OR ENGINEER - WIND ENGINEERING

Job Description

Job Description

About IBHS

The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific research and communications organization supported by property insurers and reinsurers. Severe weather disrupts lives, displaces families, and drives financial loss. At IBHS, we conduct world-class research and translate our findings into practical solutions that help strengthen homes and businesses, reduce avoidable damage, and support more resilient communities.

About the Role

IBHS is seeking a Scientist or Engineer to support wind engineering research focused on improving the resilience of homes and commercial buildings. Based in Richburg, South Carolina, this role will help plan and conduct laboratory and field studies, analyze building performance under wind-related hazards, and translate research findings into practical recommendations.

The successful candidate will collaborate with researchers, engineers, technicians, contractors, and external partners throughout the research lifecycle, from experimental design and specimen preparation through testing, analysis, and communication of results.

Why This Role Matters

Wind research at IBHS helps improve understanding of how buildings and construction materials perform during severe weather. This position will contribute technical evidence that may inform stronger construction practices, test methods, building codes, standards, and risk-reduction strategies.

What You'll Do

•       Plan and execute wind engineering research projects in collaboration with research and technical teams.

•       Develop research plans, test procedures, schedules, instrumentation requirements, data-collection methods, and analysis approaches.

•       Design or support the design of laboratory test specimens, experimental setups, and measurement systems.

•       Coordinate specimen construction, instrumentation, test preparation, and testing activities with technicians, contractors, and other project partners.

•       Operate or support the operation of wind-testing equipment and data-acquisition systems.

•       Analyze experimental and field data using appropriate engineering, statistical, or computational methods.

•       Evaluate the performance of buildings, components, materials, and construction practices under wind and wind-driven rain conditions.

•       Document research methods, findings, limitations, and recommendations in technical reports, presentations, and other publications.

•       Translate complex scientific findings into clear, practical information for technical and nontechnical audiences.

•       Contribute technical findings that may support improvements to construction practices, test standards, building codes, and risk models.

•       Participate in field investigations following significant wind events when needed.

•       Maintain accurate project documentation and follow applicable laboratory and workplace safety procedures.

•       Build collaborative relationships with universities, industry professionals, standards organizations, and other research partners as appropriate.

Requirements

What We're Looking For

•       Master's degree in civil engineering, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, wind engineering, atmospheric science, or a closely related field.

•       Experience conducting engineering or scientific research through laboratory testing, field studies, numerical analysis, or a related setting.

•       Ability to develop test plans, analyze technical data, and draw evidence-based conclusions.

•       Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

•       Ability to manage assigned work across multiple phases of a research project.

•       Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to varied audiences.

•       Ability to work effectively with researchers, engineers, technicians, contractors, and external partners.

•       Willingness and ability to work onsite for experiments, equipment setup, and other activities that cannot be performed remotely.

Preferred Qualifications

•       Doctorate in wind engineering, civil or structural engineering, atmospheric science, or a related discipline.

•       Experience with wind effects on buildings, building aerodynamics, wind-driven rain, structural loading, or building-envelope performance.

•       Experience designing and conducting large-scale or boundary-layer wind experiments using instrumentation, sensors, and data-acquisition systems.

•       Experience with statistical analysis, scientific programming, computational modeling, or visualization tools.

•       Knowledge of building codes, construction or test standards, technical publishing, or Professional Engineer licensure relevant to the selected discipline.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development