Plan Review Engineer (Structural Plan Engineer)

Department: Enterprise Risk Management

Classification: GMU Worker

Job Category: Part-Time / Hourly Wage

Job Type: Part-Time

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Remote Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Position:

This Licensed Professional Structural Engineer performs interdisciplinary reviews of plans and documents for large multifaceted structures at a nationally recognized research university. Performs complex engineering and constructability analysis related to work covered by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and its referenced standards, ASCE 7 and other related structural design standards, other referenced standards, Virginia Statewide Fire Code, and George Mason Design Standards for new construction, renovations, and repairs of educational, commercial, industrial, one and two family dwellings, and other structures to assure compliance with code and related regulations prior to permit issuance. Conducts interdisciplinary inspections throughout all phases of construction to verify compliance with codes and related regulations during construction. Evaluates proposed alternative designs to determine whether equivalent measures are provided. Level and nature of analyses and decisions require engineering and constructability expertise, as they affect life safety. The work is performed in a complex and fast-paced setting requiring professional expertise, attention to detail, and client assistance. Other related duties as required may be performed under the supervision of the University Building Official.

Responsibilities:

• Review plans of new construction, renovation, and repairs of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings and other structures at various design stages beginning no later than the preliminary design phase and provide code analysis of compliance. The review shall include written comments provided to Project Managers and others for resolution or response. Evaluate alternative designs using accepted engineering practices. The review shall verify compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and its referenced standards, ASCE 7 and other structural standards related to seismic design, live loads, and other structural related referenced standards, the Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and George Mason University Design Standards;
• Perform interdisciplinary inspections of new construction, renovation, and repair of buildings and other structures to verify materials, footing, foundations, framing, insulation, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, accessibility, and final inspections. Ensure compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Codes. Ensure construction is in compliance with the approved construction documents and drawings. Inspections include a report to Project Managers and responsible parties for information or action as necessary.
• Perform review of special inspection reports and alternative construction product submissions for acceptance and record.
• Assist in training new staff and other university personnel in code related issues. Coordinate with other staff and agencies to ensure reviews and inspections are done efficiency, correctly, and timely to maintain costs and schedules.
• Process building permits by providing oversight on assigned projects to ensure permits are properly issued, reviews are completed, and inspections are conducted to result in a certificate of occupancy.
• Provide updates for the University Design Information Manual and develop technical requirements for structural systems design. Serve on university committees for developing university design and construction standards, process improvements, etc. Assist in training and development of other staff members in code related matters. Assist in the development and training of inspection standards and methods to help ensure top quality inspection services.
• Participate in substantial and final completion inspections. Provide recommendations to resolve deficiencies and help identify solutions arising from conflicting code interpretations.
• Coordinate and direct inspections program using software and scheduling tools.
• Assist with other related duties and services as requested or assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• ABET accredited Bachelor of Engineering degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Significant experience in complex calculations and evaluations of structural systems, engineering/architectural principles, and practices of design, construction, and inspection processes for large and small projects;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of inspections program development and administration;
• Knowledge of the means and methods of commercial and industrial construction;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Special Inspections requirements;
• Knowledge of life safety codes and building codes affecting building inspection;
• Working knowledge of seismic and energy considerations in design and construction of buildings and structures;
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to zoning, building construction, and structural/foundation work;
• Substantial knowledge and experience with all structural standards referenced by the VUSBC;
• Skill in the use of computer-based applications, including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and Bluebeam Revu;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills when interacting with a myriad of personalities;
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables;
• Ability to resolve issues in an amicable manner and promote a team approach to problem solving;
• Balance the ability to listen and solicit input with the capacity to make analytical and objective decisions in conformance with adopted codes and regulations;
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, including those requiring expedited review and action;
• Ability to work independently and prioritize project work appropriately;
• Progressive, resourceful, and flexible; able to effectively navigate in a setting that involves numerous parties, internal and external stakeholders with differing perspectives, interests, and goals;
• Ability to exhibit leadership and fortitude to uphold findings that may not always be popular; and
• Ability to navigate construction sites and commercial/residential properties in a safe and effective manner in small spaces, and perform work tasks on uneven surfaces to perform inspections.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Virginia-Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required. Professional Engineers licensed in another state must have the ability to become licensed in Virginia within one year;
• Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development certification as commercial and residential building inspector and building plans examiner required or must become certified within one year of employment; and
• Any license, certification, or registration required for this position shall be maintained (i.e. active and in good standing) at all times during employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's of Engineering degree with an emphasis on building systems or structural engineering; and
• CAD and GIS experience.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Plan Review Engineer (Structural Plan Engineer) at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date:  December 8, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  December 19, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes