Structural Project Engineer - 5-8 Years Experience

KPFF Consulting Engineers; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

KPFF Consulting Engineers in Irvine is seeking a Structural Engineer to contribute to a broad range of projects, including civic, healthcare, residential, and research facilities. You will perform structural analysis, seismic design, and develop construction documents, with collaboration across disciplines and opportunities for leadership.

The role emphasizes strong coordination, mentoring, and a hands-on approach to project delivery, with a hybrid work schedule after training and a base pay

Qualifications

• Five years of full-time experience in a structural engineering firm.
• BS in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structures.
• PE license (California preferred).
• Experience with seismic design and relevant codes (ASCE 7, CBC, ACI 318).
• Strong communication and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design gravity, lateral, and foundation systems for new and retrofit projects in high seismic zones.
• Perform structural analysis and seismic design using ETABS, RISA, SAFE, and RAM Steel.
• Develop construction documents and calculation packages for permit and construction.
• Coordinate with BIM, project managers, architects, and other disciplines.
• Support construction administration including submittals, RFIs, and drawing development.
• Provide technical guidance and supervision to junior engineers.

Skills

Structural analysis

Seismic design

FEA software

Project coordination

Leadership/mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (Structures)

Tools

ETABS

RISA

SAFE

RAM Steel

Enercalc

spCol

Job description

Company Description

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 60 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,400 professionals across 27 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com.

Job Description

We are seeking a Structural Engineer to join our team and contribute to a wide range of projects, including civic and institutional buildings, healthcare facilities, residential construction, and research laboratory structures. The Structural Engineer will be responsible for performing structural analysis and seismic design, developing construction documents, and supporting projects through all phases from planning and permitting to construction. The role involves both technical design and collaboration across disciplines, with opportunities for leadership and mentorship.

What You Will Be Doing

• Designing gravity, lateral, and foundation systems (shallow and deep foundations) for new buildings and retrofit projects in high seismic hazard zones.
• Performing structural analysis and seismic design using finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ETABS, RISA, SAFE, and RAM Steel.
• Designing main building systems—including columns, beams, footings, diaphragms—and secondary systems such as anchorage, bracing, partitions, and retaining walls.
• Analyzing and designing structural members in concrete, steel, and masonry using hand calculations and software (Enercalc, spCol) in compliance with ACI 318, AISC 360, and TMS 402/602 standards.
• Designing new concrete, steel, and masonry structures in accordance with ASCE 7 and the California Building Code (CBC), and developing retrofit schemes for existing buildings in accordance with ASCE 41 and the California Existing Building Code (CEBC).
• Producing comprehensive calculation packages, structural drawings, and details for permit and construction.
• Supporting Construction Administration activities, including submittal review, RFI coordination, and drawing development.
• Collaborating with the BIM department to maintain organizational standards for drawing production.
• Coordinating with project managers, architects, and other engineering disciplines to ensure integrated project delivery.
• Providing technical guidance and oversight to junior engineers to ensure conformance with project design requirements.
• Supervising design engineers in construction administration tasks and ensuring quality control of construction documents.

Salary

Pay Range $105,000-$120,000 salary depending on education, licensure, and applicable experience.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Five years of full-time work experience as an engineer in a structural consulting organization.
• BS in Civil Engineering (with an emphasis in Structures)
• At least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in Undergraduate coursework
• Transcripts showing completed courses in:
• Structural Analysis
• Mechanics of Materials
• Concrete
• Steel or Wood Design
• Professional Engineer (PE) license

Preferred Qualifications

• Eight years of full-time workexperience as an engineer in a structural consulting organization.
• Five years of experience training and supervising junior engineers.
• Master’s degree in Structural Engineering or in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structures.
• At least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in Graduate coursework
• Transcripts showing completed graduate level courses in:
• Structural Design
• Steel or Wood Design
• Concrete
• Seismic
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in California
• Structural Engineer (SE) License in California.
• Highly qualified candidates have full-time work experience as an engineer in a structural consulting organization.
• Proficiency in FEA and structural design software, including ETABS, RISA, SAFE, RAM Steel, Enercalc, and spCol.
• Strong knowledge of relevant codes and standards, including ACI 318, AISC 360, TMS 402/602, ASCE 7, ASCE 41, CBC, and CEBC.
• Ability to design multiple structural materials (concrete, steel, CMU, wood).
• Experience with HCAI/OSHPD projects and/or DSA projects.
• Experience developing retrofit schemes for existing structures.
• Experience designing healthcare, laboratory, or other highly regulated facilities.
• Solid understanding of seismic design principles and experience working in high seismic hazard zones.
• Skilled in preparing technical documents, structural drawings, and calculation packages.
• Strong coordination and communication skills for cross-team collaboration.
• Ability to supervise and mentor design engineers, and provide quality control oversight.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities to balance multiple projects.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Duties are performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a desk or computer table.
• Duties require the ability to actively engage with a computer for several hours per day.
• May occasionally need to lift items up to 15 lbs.
• Duties require in-person attendance, Monday through Friday, during our business hours of 8 AM to 5 PM at our office in Irvine for the training period.
• Following a satisfactory training period a hybrid schedule of 2 days per week in the office may be accommodated.

Our Office Locations

Our Greater Los Angeles Structural office has two locations at the Bloc in Downtown Los Angeles and at the Irvine Towers in Irvine. A warm and friendly environment, we are dedicated to growing with our employees and allowing people to pursue their passions.

Our Employees

Are valued and empowered, collaborative and team oriented, innovative in their approach and passionate about their work. They are reliable, trustworthy, and open with a high level of integrity. They value diversity, are inclusive and are committed to critically thinking through problems and finding solutions.

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.