Senior Structural Project Engineer

KPFF Consulting Engineers; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Plan Options

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Professional licensing support

Paths to ownership

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

KPFF Consulting Engineers in Austin, Texas is seeking a Senior Structural Project Engineer to lead complex building design projects and deepen client relationships. You will mentor a team of engineers and collaborate with architects, developers, and contractors to deliver high-quality structural solutions.

This hybrid role requires in-office presence three days per week and offers pathways to ownership, strong benefits, and opportunities across Central Texas and neighboring markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in structural/civil engineering with emphasis.
• PE license is required.
• 8+ years of structural engineering experience in building design.
• Experience coordinating multi-discipline teams and consultants.
• Proficiency with IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, ACI, NDS, and TMS specifications.
• Knowledge of ETABS, RAM, RISA, SAFE; familiarity with drafting tools.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring of staff engineers.
• Strong client-facing communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work in the Austin office at least three days per week.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary technical and client-facing lead on structural projects.
• Lead project execution from schematic design through construction administration.
• Oversee structural analysis and design for steel, concrete, wood, and masonry.
• Direct preparation of construction documents and design narratives.
• Coordinate with architects, MEP, contractors, fabricators, and reviewers.
• Collaborate with teams in Austin and San Diego on projects across markets.
• Navigate Texas code approvals and jurisdictional processes.
• Provide construction-phase support including RFIs and site observations.
• Support business development through proposals and client relationships.
• Mentor engineers and designers; represent KPFF in professional groups.

Skills

PE license

Leadership

Client-facing

Mentoring

Project management

Communication

Team coordination

Structural analysis knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Structural/Civil Engineering with structural emphasis

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

ETABS

RAM

RISA

SAFE

Job description

AtKPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just anengineering design firm. For 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves toinnovative, sustainable engineeringthat shapes thebuilt environmentand tacklescomplex infrastructure challenges. Ourteam cultureemphasizesbalance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey withflexibility, generous benefits,and acollaborative approachto work-life integration.

With nearly1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’sdecentralized structureallows each office theflexibility to pursue projectsaligned with theirregional strengths. Learn more atwww.kpff.com .

Job Description

We’re hiring a Senior Structural Project Engineer to support and grow our Austin, Texas team. This senior-level role is ideal for a licensed structural engineer ready to lead complex building design projects, deepen client relationships, and contribute to the continued expansion of KPFF’s presence across Central Texas and surrounding markets.

At KPFF, you’ll manage vertical structure projects from concept through construction administration, mentor a talented group of engineers, and actively support business development initiatives. You’ll collaborate closely with architects, developers, owners, and contractors to deliver high-quality structural designs for commercial, residential, mixed-use, education, healthcare, and institutional projects.

As you grow with us, you’ll also have opportunities to pursue pathways to ownership, reflecting KPFF’s commitment to recognizing leadership, technical excellence, and long-term contributions.

This is a hybrid role, with an expectation of being in the Austin office three days per week for collaboration, mentoring, and client meetings. While we support flexible work arrangements, this role is not fully remote. In-person presence is especially important for leadership engagement, technical mentorship, and client interaction.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Serve as the primary technical and client-facing lead on structural projects, ensuring strong relationships and successful delivery.
• Lead project execution from schematic design through construction administration, managing schedules, budgets, quality standards, and team performance.
• Oversee and review structural analysis and design for steel, concrete, wood, and masonry building systems.
• Direct preparation of construction documents including calculations, drawings, specifications, and design narratives.
• Coordinate closely with architects, MEP consultants, contractors, fabricators, and specialty structural reviewers.
• Collaborate with teams in both Austin and San Diego, supporting projects across markets as part of our integrated reporting center structure.
• Navigate Texas jurisdictional approval processes and building code compliance, including:
  • International Building Code (IBC) and local amendments
  • City of Austin Development Services Department
  • Special inspections and threshold building coordination
• Provide construction-phase support including shop drawing review, RFIs, site observations, and field coordination.
• Support business development efforts including proposals, interviews, and cultivating relationships with local clients and design partners.
• Mentor and develop engineers and designers, fostering both technical excellence and leadership growth.
• Represent KPFF in industry organizations and local professional groups, contributing to the visibility and reputation of the Austin team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering or Civil Engineering with structural emphasis (Master’s preferred).
• PE license required.
• 8+ years of structural engineering experience, primarily focused on building design.
• Proven experience managing multi-discipline building projects and coordinating consultant teams.
• Strong working knowledge of steel, concrete, wood, and masonry design.
• Experience applying national codes and standards including IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, ACI, NDS, and TMS specifications.
• Proficiency with structural analysis and design tools such as ETABS, RAM, RISA, SAFE, and project coordination platforms, with working familiarity drafting tools used by production teams.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with experience mentoring staff engineers.
• Effective communicator with strong organizational and client-facing skills.
• Ability to work in the Austin office at least three days per week under the hybrid work model.

Additional Information

Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed in a standard office setting with long periods of work at a computer.
• Occasional lifting of items up to 15 pounds.
• Visits to construction sites may involve walking, standing, climbing stairs or ladders, navigating uneven surfaces, or exposure to weather.
• Local travel may be required for project meetings, observations, or client visits.

Compensation

The expected salary range for this position is $100,000 - $140,000 with candidates who have at least 8 years of experience, proven project management skills, and business development success. Final compensation will also consider education, licensure, and overall skills. We also provide performance-based bonuses to recognize outstanding contributions.

For those who demonstrate long‑term impact and leadership, KPFF offers pathways to ownership, creating opportunities to directly share in the firm’s growth and success. During the interview process, we’ll review the full compensation package and answer any questions you may have.

Culture and Benefits

At KPFF, your career growth and well‑being matter. We offer a supportive environment that values autonomy, innovation, and teamwork. Here, your contributions are celebrated, your ideas are welcomed, and your career has room to grow.

• Mentorship & Growth: Through KPFF’s Forefront Education Program, you’ll have access to continuous learning, leadership development, and opportunities to advance your career while helping others do the same.
• Strong Connections: We believe in trust, collaboration, and long‑term relationships, both with our clients and within our teams. Open communication and teamwork are at the heart of how we operate.
• Supportive Culture: Your well‑being matters. We encourage balance, provide resources for a healthy lifestyle, and create opportunities to connect through social activities and community events.

Comprehensive Benefits
We’re proud to offer flexible and competitive benefits, including:

• Medical Plan Options: PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax‑advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Dental & Vision: Full preventive care plus coverage for major services.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for personal, family, and work challenges.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Company‑provided life insurance equal to one year’s salary.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match required.
• Disability Insurance: Short‑ and long‑term coverage at 60% income, fully covered by KPFF.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, two floating holidays, and paid company holidays.
• Paid Family Leave: Six weeks at 60% pay, with options to use PTO for full income.
• Engineering License Support: Fee renewals, plus financial assistance for PE license applications and exams.

Work Authorization:This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or transfer. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer-sponsored visa support now or in the future.

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KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.