Structural Engineer - Waterfront Focus - Entry to Junior Level
About the role
Moffatt & Nichol is seeking a civil engineer with structural engineering coursework to join our Houston, TX office. In this role, you will collaborate with our local and global teams on waterfront and marine projects, including ports, Navy facilities, cruise destinations, marinas, and more. This position offers the opportunity to grow within the engineering profession by participating in the structural design of large-scale, highly complex waterfront structures that support cruise and cargo ships, submarines, aircraft carriers, superyachts, recreational boats, and ferries. Work will be completed under the guidance of a talented team of marine structural engineers.
About Moffatt & Nichol
Moffatt & Nichol is a leading U.S.-based global infrastructure advisor specializing in the planning and design of facilities that shape and serve our coastlines, harbors, and rivers, as well as an innovator in transportation. The firm is ranked #1 in Engineering News-Record for Marine & Port Facilities in the U.S. for the 5th consecutive year and consistently ranks in the Top 100 Pure Designers in the U.S. and the Top 50 Designers in International Markets. Our professional staff includes engineers, planners, scientists, and architects serving a global client base from offices across Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. The firm provides customized service in several primary practice areas: ports and harbors; coastal, environmental, and water resources; urban waterfronts and marinas; transportation, bridges, and rail; inspection and rehabilitation; and energy.
Responsibilities
- Participate in the conceptual development and design of waterfront structural projects across industries such as container shipping, defense, bulk material handling, oil and gas, and marinas.
- Perform structural analysis, design, and detailing of concrete, steel, and timber structures.
- Analyze static and dynamic loading on laterally performing structures, including the impact of soil-structure interaction.
- Develop finite element models of marine structures using software such as SAP2000 or similar.
- Prepare calculations and document information for completed designs.
- Coordinate and develop structural drawings with engineers and drafters.
- Perform site visits and inspections of existing structures to evaluate conditions and prepare condition assessment reports.
- Assist with construction administration, including periodic site visits and review of shop drawings, RFIs, and submittals.
- Support quantity takeoffs for construction cost estimating.
- Attend and participate in meetings and conference calls with clients and project team members.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with structural coursework or a similar degree; required.
- Master’s degree in Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis or similar; strongly preferred.
- Entry-level to 2+ years of experience.
- Previous experience or internship/cooperative education in heavy civil, structural, or marine/waterfront design; strongly preferred.
- Engineer In Training (EIT) certification; preferred.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD or a comparable drafting platform.
- Proficiency with structural analysis software such as SAP2000 or a comparable equivalent.
- All new hires will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment (post-offer) background check in compliance with NIST 800-171.
- Employment is contingent upon the legal ability to work in the U.S. and presenting required documentation at hire.
Physical Requirements
Majority of work is office-based. Some site visits may be required, which may necessitate navigating unpaved or natural terrain while carrying equipment.
Benefits
- Comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package with low employee contributions.
- Family coverage and low-deductible plan options available.
- Generous HSA match to help manage healthcare expenses.
- Wellness Program with financial incentives, including:
- Monthly one-on-one sessions with nutritionists.
- Access to a Healthwise Pharmacist.
- Mindfulness apps like Calm and BetterHelp.
- Free and confidential Employee Assistance Programs for counseling and support.
- Generous paid time off (15 to 25 days based on experience level), 7 paid holidays, and a floating holiday.
- 401(k) match to help reach financial goals.
- Excellent life insurance coverage, fully paid by the company.
- Tuition Reimbursement Program for further education.
- Training opportunities, Leadership Development Program, formal Mentoring program, and an active Young Professionals group.
- Pet Insurance to cover furry family members.