Associate Structural Engineer Jobs in California

Company Background: Founded in 1940 and headquartered in San Francisco, Degenkolb Engineers has more than eight decades of commitment to innovation, client service, and life-long learning. We deliver customized structural solutions in a variety of practice areas such as healthcare, education, science and technology, forensics, construction engineering, and federal buildings. We address every project need—whether meeting stringent codes, staying on budget, adhering to tight schedules, or creating landmark structural systems. We’re hiring at the Associate / Associate Principal level in our LA and Orange locations.

If you are interested in joining our team and do not see your desired position on our "Job Openings" page, please send an email with a targeted cover letter expressing interest to: humanresources@degenkolb.com

Position Description: Lead the design and delivery of structural systems for new and existing buildings, from concept through construction. This role blends technical depth with project leadership, guiding teams and making key decisions to deliver high-quality, resilient solutions.

Ideal Candidate: A licensed structural engineer with strong seismic design experience and the judgment to lead complex projects with confidence. They’re a collaborative leader and thoughtful mentor who builds client trust and contributes to both project success and team growth.

Compensation and Benefits: The pay rate for this position generally ranges between $153,000 to $188,000 annually. This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to pay transparency laws. Actual pay rates will be based on various factors, including location, company geographic differentials, education level, and candidate qualifications.

Benefits include health and life insurance, commuter benefits, paid parental leave, 401(k) with company Profit Sharing contribution, employee ownership in a privately held stock plan, financial support for professional activities, company holidays, and a generous paid time off program.

Culture: We offer a flexible hybrid work schedule and a fun office environment! Our firm is highly collaborative and filled with experts united by a passion for industry involvement, pride in company ownership, and respect for personal lives. You will benefit from focused professional development within a supportive and transparent team environment, as well as opportunities for committee participation and leadership, variety in work assignments, and a pay scale set at the 75th market percentile. To learn more about the company, please visit: https://degenkolb.com/culture/

Job Summary: Facilitate the design and engineering of structural systems for building structures and facilities from pre-schematic phase through construction closeout.
Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate, schedule and organize detailed phases of structural engineering projects to include seismic evaluations and upgrades of existing buildings using standards such as ASCE 41.
• Perform and review complex structural calculations and analysis for new building design to California building codes based on advanced theoretical knowledge of civil and structural engineering principles and concepts.
• Manage multiple projects of moderate size or portions of major projects with minimal supervision from senior technical staff.
• Oversee work of junior engineers, designers and/or BIM drafters in production of structural construction documents including drawings, specifications, bidding, and construction administration for projects.
• Determine project design decisions based on client and project requirements, such as load requirements, governing codes, architectural constraints, operational constraints, fabrication and erection requirements.
• Develop technical skills of junior staff with empathy and a genuine interest in the career progression of colleagues.
• Perform complex structural calculations by applying appropriate system concepts and layouts.
• Review RFI’s, submittals, and other construction related documents.
• Prepare client proposals including scope, budgets, and schedules for assignments.
• Maintain close relationship with client during project development, execution, and completion.
• Lead or participate in client and design team meetings as well as plan review and approval processes.
• Pursue business development efforts.

Minimum Requirements:

• Master's Degree in Structural Engineering and 10 - 15+ years relevant experience with a stable history.
• California Professional Civil or Structural Engineering license.
• Experience in the seismic design, seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings in regions of high seismicity.
• Ability to perform complex structural calculations such as linear and nonlinear analysis with minimal direction.
• Demonstrated design skills with steel, concrete, masonry, and wood structures.
• Knowledge of some or all modeling applications: ETABS, RISA, RAM, Revit, MathCAD, SAP2000, AutoCAD, and Tekla
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications:

• California Structural Engineer License.
• Active participation in professional activities related to structural or earthquake engineering.
• Proficiency with one or more of the following software programs: Python, Rhino, or Grasshopper.
• Participation in project teams for delivering complex HCAI projects.
• Experience supervision, coordinating, or mentoring junior staff.

Application Process: Click the Apply Now button. Please submit your resume and a targeted cover letter describing the alignment of your background with this position.