Structural Engineer

Are you a graduating engineer or recent graduate ready to build a high-impact career that goes far beyond routine office calculations?

At the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC), our Explosion Effects and Consequences (EE&C) division is seeking an ambitious, analytical Structural Engineer to join our elite team.

In this role, you will apply fundamental structural mechanics and advanced engineering concepts to a vital national security mission: safeguarding warfighters, defense personnel, and critical national infrastructure against extreme blast and explosive threats. If you want your degree to directly contribute to mission-critical innovation, NAVFAC EXWC is where your work will truly matter.

What you'll do: 

You won't be stuck doing repetitive data entry. From day one, you’ll step into a high-impact, multidimensional technical environment spanning research, advanced computational modeling, and practical problem-solving:

Advanced Computational Analysis: Utilize high-fidelity, physics-based numerical methods (including finite element analysis - FEA) to design, evaluate, and harden structures against extreme explosive and impact loads.

R&D & Defensive Innovation: Participate in applied research to develop cutting-edge protective materials, blast-mitigation technologies, and expeditionary infrastructure systems.

End-to-End Project Leadership: Take genuine ownership of engineering deliverables, coordinate schedules, and interface with key partners across defense and inter-agency partner organizations.

Testing & Evaluation: Bridge theoretical modeling with real-world empirical data to validate structural integrity under high-strain dynamic events.

Who We’re Looking For:

We are seeking creative problem-solvers who possess a strong technical core in structural mechanics, materials behavior, and dynamics:

Education: Bachelor of Science (BS) in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited university (graduating within the current academic year or graduated within the last 2 years).

Stand-Out Candidates: Candidates holding or completing an M.S. or Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Applied Mechanics are strongly encouraged to apply!

Core Competencies:

Solid grasp of solid mechanics, structural dynamics, and non-linear material behavior.

Familiarity with or eagerness to master finite element analysis (FEA) software and numerical simulation tools.

Strong written and verbal communication skills to present findings to technical leads and stakeholders.

Eligibility Requirement: Must be a U.S. Citizen (required for civilian security clearance and federal civilian employment).