Structural Engineer – Future Opening

VAA; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 69,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Profit sharing/401(k)

Discretionary bonus program

Paid leave

Job summary

VAA in Minneapolis, MN is seeking an entry-level Structural Engineer who will work with experienced engineers on real projects and begin building the technical and professional skills that will shape your career.

Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027, you will develop structural design solutions, prepare calculations and drawings, learn design codes, gain software experience, collaborate with the project team, and visit construction sites to see your designs come to life.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a Structural Engineering emphasis.
• Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027, or recently graduated.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn.
• Interest in structural design and multidisciplinary projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop structural design solutions using engineering fundamentals and problem-solving skills.
• Prepare calculations, drawings, specifications and other design documents.
• Build your knowledge of structural design codes and industry standards.
• Gain experience with structural design and analysis software.
• Collaborate with engineers, architects, designers and other VAA disciplines.
• Visit construction sites, observe work in the field and prepare reports.
• Take on more complex work and responsibility as your skills grow.

Skills

Problem-solving

Willingness to learn

Structural engineering interest

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a Structural Engineering emphasis

Job description

Location: Minneapolis, MN: candidates interested in New Orleans, LA or Sioux Falls, SD may also be considered.

Ready to Start Building Your Career?

Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027? Bring what you've learned in the classroom to real projects at VAA.

As an Entry-Level Structural Engineer, you'll work alongside experienced engineers, contribute to meaningful projects and start building the technical and professional skills that will shape your career. You'll solve real design challenges and see how structural engineering helps bring complex facilities to life.

Come ready to learn, contribute and grow. Your career is just getting started.

Your Role

Ready to take structural engineering beyond the textbook? VAA's Structural team designs and analyzes structures across a range of buildings, infrastructure and industrial facilities, developing solutions that balance functionality, safety, efficiency and client needs.

Working under the direction of a Project or Senior Engineer, you'll have opportunities to:

• Develop structural design solutions using engineering fundamentals and problem-solving skills
• Prepare calculations, drawings, specifications and other design documents
• Build your knowledge of structural design codes and industry standards
• Gain experience with structural design and analysis software
• Collaborate with engineers, architects, designers and other VAA disciplines
• Visit construction sites, observe work in the field and prepare reports
• Take on more complex work and responsibility as your skills grow

Potential travel: Approximately 5% to construction jobsites.

What Your Career at VAA Could Look Like

• Do meaningful work. Contribute to real client projects from the start.
• Learn from the pros. Get mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.
• Work across disciplines. See how Structural connects with the entire project team.
• Keep growing. Build your technical knowledge and professional skills.
• Get out there. Visit jobsites and see your designs take shape.
• Find your people. Build connections through project teams, mentorship and Employee Resource Groups.
• Build your future. Take on new challenges and grow your responsibilities over time.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a Structural Engineering emphasis
• Graduating in December 2026 or May 2027, or recently graduated
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn
• Interest in structural design and multidisciplinary projects

Starting Annual Salary Range: $69,000–$85,000

Benefits That Grow With You

Health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; profit sharing/401(k); discretionary bonus program; paid leave; and more.

Get to Know VAA

VAA is an Engineering, Planning and Design firm specializing in commercial projects, bulk commodity-handling facilities, and structures for value-added processing, manufacturing and distribution.

Hear first-hand what it's like to work here, the opportunities you can find and the resources that will support you - professionally and personally:

Watch the VAA Careers Video

Let's Get Growing

Your career. Your talents. Your network.

VAA is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Vets/Disability employer