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

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.

• Employees receive variable compensation based on personal and company performance, typically resulting in above-market total compensation.

A good faith estimate of the annual starting base salary (gross) is in the following range:

$79,280.00 - $118,920.00

WJE’s industry-leading, total rewards package enables our employees to grow and thrive with comprehensive health and financial benefits, including:

• Robust and affordable health plans for employees and their families, including HSA as well as low and high-deductible PPO options

• Generous 401(k) matching of 110% for the first 6% of eligible pay, vesting immediately

• Time off to care for yourself and others

• Investments in employees’ educational assistance and professional development

Learn more about WJE’s total rewards package here.