Entry-Level Architect/Architectural Engineer (Washington, D.C.)

Location: Washington, D.C. (Falls Church, VA)

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is seeking an entry-level Associate with a degree in architecture, architectural engineering, or building science to join our Washington, D.C. office.

WJE is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients around the world turn to us to solve the most significant, complex, and challenging problems in the built environment. With experience from more than 175,000 projects and unmatched laboratory and testing capabilities, WJE is recognized as a leader in delivering innovative, yet practical, solutions.

Working at WJE is a collaborative team experience, grounded in trust and personal responsibility. We foster an environment of open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, and hands-on mentoring. Our culture thrives on free-flowing collaboration and knowledge sharing across disciplines.

We seek highly motivated and dedicated individuals who want to be challenged, engage directly in project work, and learn from the industry’s most accomplished experts. We value people who demonstrate outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our mission and culture, deepening Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on forensic investigations, condition assessments, and construction observations of building enclosure and materials related issues, which may include documenting distress and collecting test samples

Conduct field testing and gather data using a variety of technologies including digital instrumentation and imaging tools

Research building materials, enclosure systems, manufacturers’ technical information, building codes, industry standards, and design guidelines to support design recommendations and problem-solving

Assist with peer reviews of new design and evaluation of building enclosure systems for new construction, including exterior walls, roofing, waterproofing, fenestration, and below-grade systems

Interface with project teams, clients, contractors, and other architectural and engineering disciplines

Assume responsibility for key aspects of projects and complete assignments with limited oversight, under the guidance of licensed professionals

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or better in architecture, architectural engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering or building science from an NAAB or ABET accredited program

Solid foundation in architectural and structural engineering principles with demonstrated interest in the investigation, evaluation, construction, and design of various modern and historic structures, building systems, and construction materials

Relevant internship and/or research experience

Effective technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills

Proactive team player willing to take on various responsibilities and work independently

Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing demands while maintaining a high standard of excellence, integrity, and attention to detail

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This position requires visual acuity and listening ability. Individuals must have the dexterity to be able to operate office and field equipment such as computers, printers, fax, copier, telephone, voice mail system, and other office and field equipment. Requirements may also include:

Ability to attend meetings at various office, field, and construction sites

Ability to perform inspections of buildings and other structures, both visually and with instruments

Ability to lift and carry materials and equipment up to 50 lbs.

Ability to perform work in the temperature extremes presented by work in the outdoors

Ability to read construction drawings, diagrams, printed materials, and computer screens

Ability to record data clearly and write passages for reports, letters, etc.

Ability to travel

Ability to safely work at heights

Ability to safely use and/or operate ladders, scaffolds, lifts, and other access equipment

Ability to understand and appreciate safety training specific to numerous workplace and construction hazards

Ability to safely work in a variety of occupationally hazardous locations

Medically fit to utilize respiratory protection devices and other forms of Personal Protective Equipment

Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle

Culture, Compensation, and Benefits

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) is a global firm of engineers, architects, and materials scientists. Clients worldwide seek our expertise to solve the most significant, interesting, and challenging problems in the built world. Our applied experience from more than 200,000 projects combined with unparalleled laboratory and testing capabilities have made WJE a leader in providing innovative yet practical solutions to the clients we serve.

Working at WJE is a team endeavor characterized by a culture of trust and personal responsibility. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, innovative thinking, ongoing mentoring, and free-flowing collaboration. We seek highly talented and hard-working individuals who want to be challenged, who want hands-on work, who want to set a higher standard, and who want to be mentored by the industry’s most accomplished experts. People with outstanding Character, unwavering Commitment to our core and culture, strong Expertise, and genuine Enthusiasm for their work.

Learn more about the Extraordinary People we hire at WJE at www.wje.com/careers

WJE offers a robust, total compensation structure composed of base salary, incentive pay, and industry-leading benefits:

Base salary is determined through consideration of a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies, and proficiency for the role while remaining mindful of our commitment to internal equity.

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