Structural Staff Associate

ECS is offering an exciting opportunity for a Structural Staff Associate to join our Mid-Atlantic Building Science + Infrastructure team in Chantilly, VA.  In this role, you'll gain hands-on experience in field investigations, testing, reporting, and project support while working closely with senior staff.  You’ll collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality consulting solutions to a diverse range of facilities and clients.

Responsibilities 

Technical & Field Work

• Learn how to perform building science & infrastructure related testing and consulting services.
• Demonstrate an understanding of sample collection techniques, testing methods, and applicable federal, state, and local codes related to structural work.
• Under the direction of senior staff, perform field testing projects (such as anchor bolt testing, bond testing, GPR, coring, chipping, sample extraction, sounding, and other field testing), structural assessments, structural designs, and construction administration services (including RFI responses, shop drawing review, budget updates, and owner meetings).
• Basic understanding of sample collection (concrete, masonry, steel, wood) techniques, minimum sizes, handling and preparation.
• Basic understanding of testing techniques (anchor pull test, carbon fiber, bond test, GPR, sounding, half-cell, etc.).
• Basic knowledge of federal, state and local codes, laws and guidelines for structural work. Begin to understand their implications on findings and conclusions in studies.
• Supervise field testing projects such as anchor bolt testing, bond testing, GPR, coring, chipping, sample extraction, sounding, and other field testing as directed.
• Under the direction of senior staff, perform structural assessments as directed. May begin to supervise junior staff performing structural assessments.

Project Management

• Assist with project budgets, change orders, and invoicing, and proactively communicate testing or budget concerns to your supervisor.
• Promptly communicate changing site conditions to supervisor and discuss their implications on field investigations. Determine the appropriate modifications to investigations, discuss them with your supervisor and implement them in the field.
• Perform or supervise junior staff performing construction administration services (RFI response, shop drawing review, budget updates, owner meetings, etc.) as directed.
• Review drawings, RFI's and other communication before issuance. Consider financial and logistical impact of decisions and provide timely responses.

Client Interaction & Team Collaboration

• Interact and collaborate with staff members on a variety of projects and attend project meetings with senior staff to assist with resolutions to technical and administrative problems.
• Interface with contractors and other site personnel on project sites and promptly communicate changing site conditions to your supervisor.
• Begin to learn marketing and business development with a focus on building your client database and maintaining regular client contacts.

Documentation & Reporting

• Collaborate with senior staff to prepare building science & infrastructure reports and develop an understanding of the relationship between field observations, test results, and report conclusions.
• Possess basic technical writing skills and continue developing report writing under the direction of supervisors and Principal reviewers.
• Property Condition Assessment training recommended. Clearly document site observations for field work performed and submit daily reports.

Additional Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or Architecture (NCARB)
• 0-2 years of related experience required.
• Certifications may be required depending on the type of testing performed. The following certifications would go a long way:
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, walk on uneven terrain, and perform work at heights.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required if driving for or on behalf of an ECS subsidiary.

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education, certification, and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
• • E-5

Why Join ECS?  

• Nationwide Building Science + Infrastructure Consulting practice made up of more than 180 employees with deep technical expertise and opportunities for collaboration across the country
• Opportunity to lead high-profile projects with technical complexity and visibility
• Be part of a growing and innovative team focused on technical excellence and client service
• Supportive work environment that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits
• ECS is an employee-owned company with an Employee Stock Ownership program (ESOP)!
• 401(k) with up to 4% match
• Tuition Assistance Program
• And more!

 ECS Core Values:  Collaborate, Focus & Lead

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.