Research Engineer - Wind

Company Description

We enable the world to envision new prospects and inspire transformations for improved futures. Our analytic solutions form a bridge between content, data, and analytics to help businesses, individuals, and societies become stronger, more resilient, and sustainable.

Job Description

Extreme Event Solutions at Verisk (formerly AIR Worldwide) is a scientific leader and esteemed provider of risk modeling software and consulting services. Established in 1987, Extreme Event Solutions at Verisk laid the groundwork for the catastrophe modeling industry and currently models the risk from natural disasters, terrorism, and pandemics in 90 countries. Verisk provides the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies, international clientele, and hundreds of the most inventive and skilled minds in the industry. Join our Atmospheric Perils Vulnerability team and contribute to our expanding Research and Modeling department in our Boston office. Utilize your knowledge of civil engineering and statistics to develop models of extreme catastrophic events (for instance, hurricanes, tornadoes, storm surges, floods, etc.) and evaluate building performance in such extreme conditions.

The responsibility of this research engineer position is to develop and support the engineering sectors of Verisk's wind vulnerability models that span various regions and perils, including straight-line wind, tornadoes, hail, snow, and freezing temperatures. Our key responsibility includes identifying the impact these perils can have on structures, causing physical damage that can result in monetary losses to buildings/infrastructure, contents, and utilization (downtime). In this role, you will collaborate closely with a team of structural engineers and atmospheric scientists to conduct probabilistic risk evaluations for structures and present and elaborate on results to internal shareholders and external clients.

The evolving nature of research at Verisk poses unique and challenging problems that fuel innovation and growth, offering opportunities to its employees. Successful candidates should have a desire to use problem-solving skills to apply solid engineering principles in solving unique and challenging problems in civil/structural engineering and risk assessment fields. It is expected that candidates will be highly motivated, detail-oriented, well-organized, able to conduct high-quality independent research, possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills, and have a team-oriented mindset.

About the Daily Responsibilities of the Role

As a member of our Atmospheric Perils Vulnerability Team, your everyday duties will include the following:

• Collection and analysis of data to understand building inventory and its vulnerability to atmospheric hazards in different worldwide regions
• Analytical analyses and research directed towards the development of vulnerability functions and monetary loss curves for structural and non-structural components of buildings and infrastructure subjected to hazards such as wind, tornadoes, hail, and snow across varied regions of interest worldwide
• Application of research into AIR’s portfolio risk analysis models, including programming loss simulation codes and analysis tools, and probabilistic assessment validation
• Using GIS tools for data visualization and analysis
• Real-time and virtual building damage assessments due to natural disasters during and after significant events
• Preparation and presentation of work at internal staff and client external meetings, as well as technical writing for internal and external publications and client-oriented documentation

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Qualifications

About You and How You Can Excel in This Role

• Ph.D. in Wind Engineering, Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or other relevant fields
• Experience in performance-based design, probabilistic and stochastic risk assessment and modeling, and reliability theory with applications to the field of structural engineering
• Proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB, R, and/or FORTRAN
• Demonstrated data mining skills (SQL and/or statistical analysis)
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and excellent documentation abilities
• Knowledge of energy and infrastructure asset design and vulnerability is a plus
• Familiarity with GIS applications (for instance, ArcView) and SQL server is a plus

Additional Information

At the core of our work is helping clients manage risk. Verisk (Nasdaq: VRSK) provides data and insights to our customers in the insurance, energy, and financial service markets so they can make quicker and more informed decisions. 

Our global team leverages AI, machine learning, automation, and other emerging technologies to collect and analyze billions of records. We provide advanced decision-support to prevent credit, lending, and cybersecurity risks. In addition, we monitor and advise companies on complex global issues, such as climate change, disasters, and geopolitical matters. 

But our motivation extends beyond what we do. We are driven by a commitment to making the world better, safer, and stronger. 

It’s why Verisk is part of the UN Global Compact sustainability initiative. It’s why we have committed to offsetting 100 percent of our carbon emissions. It’s the aim of our “returnship” program for experienced professionals rejoining the workforce after a hiatus. And, it’s what propels our annual Innovation Day, where we identify our next groundbreaking innovations to solve our customers' problems.

At its heart, Verisk uses data to minimize risk and maximize value. But our motivation extends far beyond what we do.

At Verisk, you can build an exciting career with meaningful work; create a positive, lasting impact on business; and receive the support, coaching, and training you need to advance your career. We have earned the Great Place to Work® Certification for seven consecutive years. We’ve been recognized by Forbes as a World’s Best Employer and a Best Employer for Women, a testament to our culture of engagement and the importance we place on an inclusive and diverse workforce. Verisk’s Statement on Racial Equity and Diversity underlines our commitment to these values and affecting positive and lasting change in the communities where we live and work.

Verisk Analytics is an equal opportunity employer.

All members of the Verisk Analytics family of companies are equal opportunity employers. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, veteran’s status, age, or disability.

Unsolicited resumes sent to Verisk, including void resumes sent to a Verisk business mailing address, fax machine, or email address, or directly to Verisk employees, will be deemed Verisk property. Verisk will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.