STRUCTUAL ENGINEER WITH EMPHASIS ON CONSTRUCTION BLAST DESIGN
REMOTE
POSITION SUMMARY
Candidate must possess significant experience in the blast-resistant design and documentation of complex medium to large building structures for governmental, industrial, educational, or aviation projects and have shown progressive growth in the business and management areas of engineering. The Senior Blast Engineer works closely with our Façade Design Team and provides subject matter expertise in developing blast solutions and leading projects. The successful candidate demonstrates strong proficiency in structural dynamics, structural forensics, and finite element analysis. They are comfortable dealing with clients, communicating with contractors and working on active construction sites.
A commitment to providing first-rate client service and technical excellence to deliver practical, creative solutions is essential. The ideal candidate, a hard worker who readily and quickly assumes responsibility and a team player who has the ability to work independently with minimum direction are traits that are required to be successful in this role. The ideal candidate brings proven experience in generating pressure-impulse analyses, developing retrofit strategies, and guiding clients through protective design processes.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
· Collaborate with project teams and clients throughout the various phases of the project on developing optimal blast resistant design solutions.
· Perform nonlinear blast response analysis, detailed structural design, concept development, and design specification preparation.
· Develop and review structural drawings; check, audit, and validate complex numerical calculations.
· Lead and oversee large-scale or high-risk blast-related projects, ensuring safety, efficiency, and full regulatory compliance.
· Coordinate efforts across cross-functional teams, including geology, operations, architectural, and environmental disciplines.
· Design and analyze blast-loaded structures, retrofit existing buildings for blast resistance, and conduct dynamic nonlinear structural and numerical analyses using both simplified and high-fidelity models.
· Conduct and lead hazard vulnerability assessments, blast risk analyses, and structural response evaluations for critical infrastructure and high-security facilities.
· Supervise protective design consulting for government and industrial clients, ensuring integration of blast-resistant design features.
· Direct comprehensive Facility Site Studies, including quantitative risk assessments, standoff distance optimization, and consequence modeling.
· Lead feasibility studies on control room upgrades or relocation projects with focus on survivability, emergency response access, and engineering controls.
· Interface with architects, structural engineers, and client stakeholders to deliver integrated, blast-informed infrastructure designs.
· Lead risk-based investigations for blast-loaded structures including concrete cells, ammunition magazines, and vulnerable building elements.
· Develop and supervise comprehensive risk assessments based on Design Basis Threats (DBTs) and client-specific scenarios.
· Design and validate conceptual and detailed retrofit solutions, including progressive collapse resistance and load redistribution.
· Create and interpret P-I (Pressure-Impulse) diagrams, dynamic structural response curves, and blast load time histories.
· Perform assessments using nonlinear dynamic analysis, finite element analysis (FEA), and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) investigation.
· Research and participate in investigations resulting from explosions, fire incidents, and other accidents as needed, collect evidence, and perform analyses to postulate scenarios.
· Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions where necessary.
· Prepare proposals and technical reports, develop presentations, and participate in the development of other technical content in conformance with established quality and professional standards and policies.
· Extensive knowledge of advanced structural engineering principles and techniques commonly employed in the nonlinear design of classical construction materials including steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, wood, etc.
· Manage and mentor a team of engineers, overseeing project execution, quality control, and engineering deliverables—including stamping project documents and calculations.
· Prepare and customize structural specifications from master templates; identify the need for project-specific technical specifications.
· Coordinates or oversees structural design with architectural and other engineering disciplines.
· Ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of all structural engineering components within established budgets and schedules.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)
Educational, Experience, and Licensing Requirements
· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a focus on blast engineering and dynamic analysis; a Ph.D. is considered an asset.
· Academic coursework in structural analysis and design (steel, concrete, masonry) using both simplified and advanced methods.
· Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Engineering (P.Eng.) designation is required; Structural Engineer (SE) licensure is considered an asset.
· Possession of valid Secret Security Clearance issued by the U.S. or Canadian government is considered an asset.
· Experience working with military, defense, or petrochemical clients.
· Membership in the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists (RSES) is considered an asset.
· 7+ years’ previous experience in related blast engineering fields.
· Experience in construction and consulting firm environment considered an asset.
· Experience in Finite Element analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) investigations is a plus.
· Proficient in FEA software such as LS-DYNA, ANSYS, or ABAQUS.
· In-depth understanding of regulatory codes and safety standards governing blast-resistant design and blast operations.
· Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
· Familiarity with explosive safety quantity-distance (QD) criteria, ATF, and other regulatory frameworks.
· Willingness to travel and work in demanding or remote field conditions.
· Possession of a valid blasting license and/or certification is preferred.
Skills
· Strong background in structural and blast engineering, including Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) analysis and use of industry-standard commercial software.
· Analysis and design of blast loaded building structures.
· Development of blast-resistant building upgrades.
· Dynamic nonlinear structural analysis.
· Numerical analysis using simple and high-fidelity models.
· Extensive knowledge of blast resistant design, blast assessment and consequence analysis, and structural and glazing response analysis to high impulse loads.
· Experience applying economic principles and conducting life-cycle cost analysis is an asset.
· Ability to work effectively in a team environment, in person or remotely, as a part of a national building performance group.
· Experience developing retrofit designs, analyzing concrete and steel structures under dynamic loads.
· Strong understanding of UFC 3-340-02, GSA Interagency Security Committee (ISC) criteria, and DoD protective design protocols.
· Excellent ability to communicate with clients and peers, both verbally and in written format.
· Ability to build collaborative relationships with clients, staff, and consultants.
· Excellent attention to detail and organization skills.
· Proficiency in tools such as SBEDS, LS-DYNA, BlastX, ConWep, or ATBlast.
· Proficiency in structural design standards (e.g., ASCE, ACI, ASTM, CSA, UFC).
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced skills in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
· Proven ability to shift focus between changing priorities in a fast-paced work environment.