Lead Structural Engineer

City of Bellevue; Bellevue (WA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bellevue is seeking a Lead Structural Engineer to review complex structural plans and provide expert guidance on code interpretations and policy development. You will lead the structural review of high-rise buildings, mentor staff, collaborate with Building Official and other departments, and help ensure compliance with local, state, and national codes while advancing city policies.

This full-time role requires residency within Washington and offers a hybrid work arrangement after an

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of building codes, structural design standards, and construction practices.
• Experience reviewing complex structural plans and high-rise projects.
• Ability to interpret codes and develop policy interpretations with the Building Official.
• Ability to lead projects and train staff in structural design and review.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate structural building designs for compliance with codes and standards.
• Draft interpretations and procedures related to structural design and review.
• Provide technical leadership to the Building Division and collaborate with multiple departments.
• Identify and resolve structural code problems using engineering judgment.
• Lead external consultants and staff when assigned, and mentor junior engineers.
• Coordinate pre-application conferences and permit processes for complex projects.

Skills

Structural design principles

Building codes knowledge

Code interpretations

Seismic design expertise

Mentoring and training

Technical leadership

communication skills

Public and interdepartmental liaison

Problem solving

Education

ABET-accredited B.S. in Civil Engineering

WA Structural Engineering license

ICC Building Plans Examiner certification

Valid Washington State driver license

Job description

The City of Bellevue is currently seeking a Lead Structural Engineer who has experience reviewing complex structural plans, has an understanding of Bellevue’s structural policies, and has collaboration and problem-solving skills. Development Services is a multi-department line of business that offers one-stop shopping for general information and the permits needed for development activity in Bellevue. We are code compliance officers, engineers, finance analysts, inspectors, planners, plans examiners, permit technicians, and support staff from the Development Services, Fire, Transportation, and Utilities departments. As a Lead Structural Engineer, you will review and evaluate structural building designs to ensure the proposed construction complies with local, state and national codes, work with the Building Official to draft policies and code interpretations relating to structural code, and provide technical structural engineering leadership within the building division.

• Provide code interpretations regarding the structural requirements of the codes, in conjunction with the Building Official.
• Draft interpretations and procedures related to structural design and review, in conjunction with the Building Official.

• Identifies and provides training and mentoring to other engineering staff, review, or inspection team members. Provides feedback to supervisor on performance and training needs.
• Review a full range of construction documents for the most complex high-rise buildings and other complex engineering and structural systems to assess conformance with engineering principles, applicable city and state building codes, and technical standards.
• Provide technical expertise and advice to the building official, supervisors, and staff.
• Identify and resolve technical building code problems, using considerable engineering judgment to interpret and apply a variety of rules, codes, and regulations; may include assessment of any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed in the codes and technical standards
• Assists in the development of city policies and ordinances related to building codes and structural standards. In conjunction with the Building Official, acts as the technical expert and has decision making authority relating to structural review policy.
• Research and respond to a wide range of public inquiries, problems, or complaints including those regarding difficult aspects of construction and related codes
• Provide project management for the most complex projects, including participation in pre-application conferences, collaboration with the applicant through the predevelopment services phase, and coordination throughout permit processes; may include coordination and participation in peer review processes
• Maintain awareness of new trends and developments in building materials, structural components and systems, and complex technical developments. Incorporate new developments into City policies as appropriate.
• May act as a representative of the Building Division in public forums, presenting technical information and advocating for the Division's interests.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Works under general supervision
• May lead external consultants and staff as assigned.
• May serve as acting supervisor in their absence.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of building codes, structural design standards, and construction practices
• Comprehensive knowledge of structural engineering principles and their application to building design, construction, and inspections
• Knowledge and experience in seismic design of buildings and structures in high seismic risk categories
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative and independent judgment, problem-solving and decision making within the scope of assigned authority.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners, and the general public
• Ability to train and assist other staff in the consistent application and interpretation of codes, standards, and policies
• Ability to work effectively in team environments and act as a liaison to other departments
• Ability to review challenging engineering calculations, plans, designs, and specifications
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to prioritize assignments and work on numerous projects simultaneously
• Ability to listen, respectfully express differences of opinion, and resolve conflicts
• Ability to communicate technical matters to non-technical individuals

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, or related field from an ABET accredited college or university.
• Eight or more years of experience in the field of structural engineering
• Three or more years of experience in structural plan review or structural code enforcement with a government agency.
• OR any combination of education, experience, and training that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Washington State Structural Engineering license
• ICC Building Plans Examiner certification
• Valid Washington State driver's license

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves moving, communicating, operating objects, tools, or controls and reaching.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office or moderately loud when in the field.
• Work may periodically require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
• The employee may be required to work in outside weather conditions, in wet and/or humid conditions, in high, precarious places, near moving mechanical parts, near fumes, airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals, or near risk of electrical shock and/or vibration.

Flexible/Hybrid Working:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

This is a full-time, union position represented by Teamsters Local 763: 206-441-0763.