Senior Structural Project Engineer

Company Description

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 65 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 nearly 1,500 professionals across 36 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

About the Role

KPFF is seeking a Senior Structural Engineer with 6 to 9 years of professional experience for our San Francisco team. In this role, you’ll bring strong technical judgment and design leadership to complex structural projects while remaining closely involved in hands-on analysis, modeling, and design.

You’ll help guide structural solutions, support project teams through key design decisions, and mentor developing engineers, all while staying engaged in the technical work. You’ll work alongside experienced peers in a design-focused environment that values thoughtful engineering, knowledge-sharing, and continued professional growth.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and contribute to structural analysis and design for complex building systems, including gravity and lateral systems, foundations, and structural components.
• Serve as a technical resource on project teams, helping guide structural concepts from early design through construction.
• Develop and review engineering calculations, design narratives, and technical documentation to support project deliverables.
• Oversee and coordinate structural drawings produced in Revit and AutoCAD, ensuring consistency with design intent and quality standards.
• Collaborate closely with architects, contractors, and other engineering disciplines to resolve design challenges and integrate structural solutions.
• Participate in site visits and field observations, providing technical input during construction and addressing field questions as they arise.
• Review work prepared by junior and mid-level engineers, providing mentorship, feedback, and technical guidance.
• Support internal quality control efforts and help maintain KPFF’s standards for accuracy, constructability, and performance.
• Work alongside principals and senior leaders to advance project designs while continuing to deepen your own technical expertise.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering (a master’s degree is preferred)
• 6–9 years of professional experience in structural engineering, primarily focused on building design.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; actively pursuing or planning to pursue Structural Engineer (SE) licensure.
• Strong experience with structural analysis and design of building systems in high seismic regions.
• Experience with structural analysis software is expected; proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD preferred.
• Solid understanding of building codes, structural systems, and construction practices.
• Ability to exercise sound engineering judgment and contribute independently while collaborating within a team environment.
• Strong communication skills and interest in mentoring and supporting developing engineers.

Additional Information

Work Environment and Physical Considerations

• Primarily office-based work involving computer use, collaboration with project teams, and participation in meetings.
• Regular interaction with drawings, calculations, and digital design tools.
• Occasional site visits to observe construction activities or existing conditions.
• Site visits may involve navigating uneven surfaces, climbing ladders, or accessing active construction areas.
• Ability to occasionally lift or carry materials or equipment weighing up to approximately 15 pounds.

Compensation

KPFF offers a competitive base salary that reflects your experience, technical skill set, and professional background. For this role, the anticipated salary range is $100,000 to $135,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

In addition to base pay, KPFF recognizes individual and team contributions through performance-based bonuses at the Reporting Center level. More details on compensation, incentives, and benefits will be shared as part of the interview process.

Culture and Benefits

At KPFF, we believe great work happens when people are trusted, supported, and encouraged to grow. Our culture emphasizes autonomy, collaboration, and shared accountability, where ideas are valued, learning is encouraged, and contributions matter more than titles. You’ll be part of a team that takes pride in both the work we do and how we support one another along the way.

KPFF Benefits Overview

• Medical Coverage: Choice of a Traditional PPO or High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with HSA, including preventive care and prescription coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Dental and Vision: Preventive dental care, coverage for major services, and vision benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support and resources for personal, family, or work-related needs.
• Life and AD&D Insurance: Company-provided coverage equal to one year of salary.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of your salary, no employee match required.
• Disability Coverage: Short-term and long-term disability insurance at 60% income replacement, fully covered by KPFF.
• Time Off: Generous paid time off, paid company holidays, and two floating holidays.
• Paid Family Leave: Six weeks at 60% pay, with the option to use accrued PTO to supplement.
• Commuter Benefits: Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program (Commuter Check).
• Work Schedule: Minimum four days per week onsite, with Tuesday through Thursday required in the office and one remote day (Monday or Friday) based on project needs.

Professional Development and Growth

• Forefront Education Program: KPFF’s structured approach to technical excellence, leadership development, and career growth.
• Ongoing Learning: Internal training sessions, lunch-and-learns, and access to professional development resources.
• Licensure Support: Financial support for PE and SE applications, exams, and renewals.
• Mentorship and Collaboration: A team-oriented environment where knowledge-sharing and hands-on learning are part of daily work.
• Career Pathways: Opportunities to grow through diverse project exposure, cross-office collaboration, and long-term career development.

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.