Entry Level Structural Engineer - Structural Designer

Holmes US; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Comprehensive benefits (including pet

Pet Insurance

Genuine work-life balance

Collaborative, supportive culture

Regular team events and activities

Job summary

Holmes US is a Portland, OR–based structural engineering firm seeking a Structural Designer early in their career. You will design and analyze concrete, steel, timber, and masonry systems across diverse project types and work closely with senior engineers and project managers.

You’ll gain hands-on experience from site visits to design development, with mentorship through Holmes University and a clear career path. Hybrid work, strong benefits, and a collaborative culture await.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Structural Engineering (M.S. preferred).
• 1+ years of experience (internships count!).
• Eagerness to learn and grow.
• Strong communication skills.
• Technical curiosity and creativity.
• Team player mindset.
• Proficiency in or genuine interest in ETABS, SAP2000, and RISA.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyse structural systems across concrete, steel, timber, and masonry on projects that genuinely challenge you.
• Work across project types: seismic retrofits, high-density residential, custom homes, civic and commercial projects.
• Apply seismic design principles in one of the most structurally demanding urban environments in the world.
• Visit sites and engage with the full lifecycle of a project, not just the desk work.
• Work directly alongside senior engineers and project managers who are invested in your development.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Learning mindset

Curiosity

Education

B.S. in Structural Engineering

M.S. in Structural Engineering (preferred)

Tools

ETABS

SAP2000

RISA

Job description

Are you a recent graduate or new professional ready to make your mark in structural engineering? We're seeking passionate Structural Designers to join our innovative team and start an exciting journey in shaping the built environment!

Who We Are

Holmes US is an international structural engineering firm with offices up and down the West Coast and roots going back over 65 years to New Zealand. We're part of the Holmes Group - 500+ people worldwide - which means you get the technical depth of a global firm alongside the culture of a West Coast practice where people actually know each other.

What You’ll Actually Do

• Design and analyse structural systems across concrete, steel, timber, and masonry on projects that genuinely challenge you
• Work across project types: seismic retrofits, high-density residential, custom homes, civic and commercial projects
• Apply seismic design principles in one of the most structurally demanding urban environments in the world
• Visit sites and engage with the full lifecycle of a project, not just the desk work
• Work directly alongside senior engineers and project managers who are invested in your development

The project variety is intentional. We don't silo early-career engineers into one project type, and we hear consistently that this is one of the things our people value most about working here.

You’ll Thrive Here If You Have:

• B.S. in Structural Engineering (M.S. preferred)
• 1+ years of experience (internships count!)
• Eagerness to learn and grow
• Strong communication skills
• Technical curiosity and creativity
• Team player mindset
• Proficiency in or genuine interest in ETABS, SAP2000, and RISA.

Why You’ll Love It Here:

Learning & Growth

• Personalized mentorship program
• Interactive technical training via Holmes University
• Access to specialized material committees
• Global knowledge sharing opportunities
• Clear career progression path

Real World Impact

• Work on exciting, diverse projects
• Learn from industry leaders
• Contribute to sustainable design
• Make a difference in your community

The Good Stuff

• Flexible hybrid work environment
• Comprehensive benefits (including pet insurance!)
• Genuine work-life balance
• Collaborative, supportive culture
• Regular team events and activities

Benefits Offered:

Depending on your employment status, benefits may include:

• Hybrid work model (3 days in office)
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term Disability and other voluntary plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical & Childcare
• Health Savings Account
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time off - Vacation, Sick, Personal Leave, Family Leave for new parents, and Community Service time
• Paid Holidays
• Pre-Tax Commuter Transit
• 401(k) retirement savings with Company contribution
• Company sponsored events
• Diversity / Inclusion programs and initiatives

Compensation

Estimated at $70,000 - $81,000 + biannual profit share bonus potential. Salary will be commensurate with experience / skills and location.

Our Commitment

At Holmes, we believe in building teams as diverse as the communities we serve. We provide equal support and opportunities for all our people to thrive, grow, and develop. Dream big - we'll help you get there.