Structural Engineer

Overview

Gigantes Group has been retained by a leading nationwide engineering consulting firm to identify an ambitious Structural Engineer to join their specialized Engineering Mechanics and Infrastructure division in California.

Our client is a nationally recognized firm of over 800 employees, renowned for delivering holistic advice on some of the world's most complex structural, dynamic, and extreme-event challenges. Within the team, you will solve high-stakes engineering problems for nuclear and non-nuclear power generation facilities, national defense installations, pipelines, precision structures, and critical infrastructure across the U.S. and internationally.

This position is ideal for a recent advanced-degree graduate who is passionate about finite element modeling, structural dynamics, and performance-based design or someone with up to 5 years of real life experience. You will work alongside industry-leading technical experts in an inspiring environment that prioritizes lifelong learning, professional development, and fast-track career advancement.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Finite Element Analysis: Build complex 2D/3D finite element models of structures using commercial software to perform linear and non-linear structural analyses for extreme hazards (earthquakes, wind, impact loads, and explosions).


• Seismic & Dynamic Assessments: Perform structural dynamics, seismic evaluations, aircraft impact analyses, and seismic soil-structure interaction (SSI) modeling for high-consequence facilities.


• Field Walk downs & Inspections: Participate in field inspections and walk down assessments of industrial, power generation, petrochemical, and defense installations.


• Engineering Reports & Design: Prepare detailed technical calculations, reports, and documentation supporting new structural designs and retrofit solutions.


• Project Support: Assist project leaders with proposal preparation, budgeting, scheduling, client communications, and reviewing drawings and analyst work packages.

Requirements

• Experience: 0 to 5 years of professional experience in structural engineering (open to candidates with up to 7 or 8 years of experience).


• Education: M.S., M.Eng., or Ph.D. in Structural or Civil Engineering (or B.S. candidates currently on track to complete a Master's degree). Coursework must emphasize structural dynamics, seismic engineering, concrete/steel design, and finite element modeling.

Non-Negotiable Technical Core:

• Demonstrated background in Structural Dynamics.


• Hands-on experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, LS-DYNA, GT STRUDL, or SAP2000).


• Direct exposure to Seismic Engineering concepts and performance-based design.


• Computational Skills: Proficiency with engineering scripting tools such as Python, MATLAB, Mathcad, or VBA.


• Licensure Trajectory: Ability to obtain Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) registration within 5 years.


• Clearance & Mobility: Valid driver's license and willingness to travel for field inspections. Candidates must be able to pass security clearance checks for defense and nuclear project assignments.

Why This Opportunity

• Work on World-Class Projects: Solve the industry's toughest, most unconventional problems across nuclear energy, national security, and critical infrastructure.


• Culture of Lifelong Learning: Thrive in a supportive, research-driven community that encourages technical exploration, mentoring, and professional growth.


• Clear Pathway to Advancement: Enjoy merit-based promotion opportunities and early exposure to complex technical challenges under the guidance of industry-renowned Principals.


• Comprehensive Compensation Package: Highly competitive salary paired with a rich benefits suite designed to support long-term personal and financial prosperity.

Are you ready to push the boundaries of structural dynamics and seismic engineering? Apply through Gigantes Group today.