Structural Engineering Consultant (Fairfax County)

Position Title: Structural Engineering Consultant

Location: Fairfax, VA

Employment Status: Full-Time

Schedule: Monday to Friday average of 45-50 hours per week

Reports to: VP of Project Execution

Expected Compensation Range: $90,000 to $110,000/year (commensurate with experience)

Travel: As required

Position Overview:

FEA is seeking an experienced Structural Engineering Consultant to investigate existing buildings, develop repair and restoration solutions, and support facility condition assessments for a broad range of clients and project types.

Typical engagements include repair and restoration engineering, facility and building envelope assessments, collection of system and/or asset data, identification of deficiencies and cost to remedy, and evaluation of project scope for future implementation, repair, or replacement. The consultant will also support investigation, design, and construction administration efforts from initial fieldwork through scope development and technical documentation.

To effectively execute these projects, responsibilities include preparing proposals, reports, and other deliverables such as construction documents; performing condition assessments and building system evaluations; supporting capital expenditure forecasting; and interacting with clients in a variety of operational and executive settings. The role also requires maintaining awareness of scope, schedule, level of effort, and project costs to support project profitability and successful delivery.

Essential Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To:

• Perform independent on-site evaluations of existing facilities, including building envelope and structural components, to support investigations, repair and restoration projects, and facility condition assessments.
• Document observed deficiencies, deterioration mechanisms, and probable causes of distress using field notes, sketches, and photographs consistent with FEA documentation standards.
• Collect and document building system and asset data to support condition assessments, repair scope development, and capital planning activities.
• Develop repair recommendations and scopes of work based on field observations and engineering judgment.
• Prepare draft technical reports and narratives using FEA report formats and incorporate feedback from internal reviews.
• Support preparation of proposals, including scope definition, deliverables, assumptions, and level-of-effort estimates.
• Develop construction documents and technical details for repair or restoration projects when required.
• Provide construction administration services, when applicable, including review of submittals, RFIs, pay applications, and field observations.
• Develop preliminary opinions of probable cost for recommended repairs or restoration work.
• Track progress against scope, schedule, and level of effort, identifying potential risks early to maintain project delivery targets.
• Coordinate with client personnel to arrange site access, escorts, safety requirements, and field logistics.

Desired Competencies:

• Strong understanding of how building envelope, structural, and architectural systems perform, deteriorate, and typically fail in existing facilities.
• Clear and concise technical writing skills, with the ability to translate technical observations into understandable conclusions and recommendations.
• Professional verbal communication skills when interacting with facility managers, maintenance personnel, and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to relate well with clients and senior executives such as CEOs, administrators, and directors.
• Strong organization and attention to detail while managing multiple project sites and assignments simultaneously.
• Sound judgment in field environments, including safety awareness and the ability to adapt to unexpected site conditions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, and other Microsoft Office tools for organizing data and preparing technical deliverables.
• Ability to function independently as well as within a collaborative team environment.
• Willingness to travel as required.

Desired Skills:

• Experience with repair and restoration engineering, forensic investigations, or building envelope assessments.
• Experience preparing or reviewing construction documents and repair details.
• Familiarity with computer-aided drafting (CAD) tools for preparing or reviewing repair details.
• Familiarity with facility condition assessment methodologies and classification frameworks such as ASTM UniFormat II.
• Experience evaluating facilities such as maintenance shops, laboratories, government buildings, campuses, and industrial facilities.
• Ability to prepare client-ready deliverables with minimal revision.

Required Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Civil, Structural, or Architectural preferred)
• Five or more years of experience in architectural/engineering consulting, repair/restoration engineering, forensic investigation, or construction management
• Working knowledge of construction materials, building components, material deterioration mechanisms, and repair/restoration methods
• Demonstrated experience preparing professional technical reports or construction deliverables
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred but not required

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Medical insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

You can apply here directly: Engineering Consultant - FEA

About FEA:

Since 1992, FEA has been helping organizations achieve performance excellence through asset management, strategic planning, and prioritizing financial planning to plan and provide efficient, effective, and enduring environments.