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Entry Level Residential Structural Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

HDR is looking for a Structural PE (entry-level) to support our growing Building Engineering Services team in Oregon and SW Washington. The successful candidate would be seated in either the ...

HDR is looking for a Structural PE (entry-level) to support our growing Building Engineering Services team in Oregon and SW Washington. The successful candidate would be seated in either the ...

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Entry Level Structural Engineer for our Lake Oswego, Oregon office. Be involved in projects with our Pacific Civil/Structural Substation team and be a part ...

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Entry Level Structural Engineer for our Lake Oswego, Oregon office. Be involved in projects with our Pacific Civil/Structural Substation team and be a part ...

WDY is an established Portland Structural and Civil consulting firm with a friendly, team-oriented ... and AutoCAD/Civil 3D, as well as knowledge of residential and commercial construction.

WDY is an established Portland Structural and Civil consulting firm with a friendly, team-oriented ... and AutoCAD/Civil 3D, as well as knowledge of residential and commercial construction.

WDY is an established Portland Structural and Civil consulting firm with a friendly, team-oriented ... and AutoCAD/Civil 3D, as well as knowledge of residential and commercial construction.

... entry level designers. The incumbent has experience in the subject area and a working knowledge of ... Depending on project need, assists with engineering calculations under the guidance of a project ...

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Entry Level Residential Structural Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$53K

$105.4K

$161.2K

How much do entry level residential structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level residential structural engineer in Portland, OR is $105,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $119,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Residential Structural Engineer vs Entry Level Commercial Structural Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Residential Structural EngineerEntry Level Commercial Structural Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Structural Engineering, EIT/FE examBachelor's in Civil or Structural Engineering, EIT/FE exam
Work EnvironmentResidential buildings, small-scale projectsCommercial buildings, larger-scale projects
Industry UsageHomeowners, residential construction firmsDevelopers, commercial construction companies

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. The main difference lies in the project focus: residential structural engineers work on homes and small buildings, while commercial structural engineers handle larger commercial structures. The work environments and client bases also differ, with residential roles focusing on individual homeowners and commercial roles serving larger organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level residential structural engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Residential Structural Engineer, you need a solid understanding of structural engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics, and a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, structural analysis programs like SAP2000 or ETABS, and knowledge of relevant building codes are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with team members and clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing safe, code-compliant structures and ensuring successful project completion.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level residential structural engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level residential structural engineers often encounter challenges such as managing multiple projects simultaneously, interpreting building codes, and coordinating with architects and contractors. To address these, it's helpful to develop strong organizational skills, regularly consult with more experienced engineers, and actively participate in team meetings. Familiarity with structural analysis software and continuous learning about code updates can also ease the transition into the role and help ensure successful project outcomes.

What does an entry level residential structural engineer do?

An Entry Level Residential Structural Engineer assists in designing and analyzing the structural components of homes and small residential buildings. They work with senior engineers to ensure that structures are safe, stable, and compliant with local building codes. Their responsibilities may include creating drawings, performing calculations, conducting site visits, and collaborating with architects and contractors. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to gain practical experience in the residential construction industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Residential Structural Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Residential Structural Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Residential Structural Engineer jobs in Portland, OR? For Entry Level Residential Structural Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Residential Structural Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Residential Structural Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Residential Structural Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,414 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Structural Engineer

HDR

Vancouver, WA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 441 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
HDR is looking for a Structural PE (entry-level) to support our growing Building Engineering Services team in Oregon and SW Washington. The successful candidate would be seated in either the Vancouver, WA or Portland, OR office, with opportunities to work with a wider team across the region. HDR's Building Engineering Services Group (BES) provides mechanical, electrical, plumbing, site civil, structural and specialty design services for a wide variety of building and non-building (e.g. substation, industrial, water treatment) structures that include public, municipal, private and Federal project types across the region and globally to both internal and external clients.
In this position, you'll gain exposure to a wide variety of projects including, but not limited to industrial facilities, substations, waterfront facilities, water treatment plants, fish hatcheries and hydroelectric projects. You'll work with a wide variety of structural materials, including steel, reinforced concrete and reinforced masonry. Projects range in size and scope from small structure repair and maintenance projects, to complete ground up designs of new facilities.
In the role of Structural PE, we'll count on you to:
  • Work independently on medium to large size projects, coordinating across disciplines. Independently monitor assigned scope and budget.
  • Review work performed by junior staff
  • Give direction to clerical and technical personnel as needed
  • Provide guidance to junior staff on review of shop drawings and other technical submittals
  • Answer contractor RFIs
  • Perform condition assessments on existing structures or other site visits to field verify existing information.
  • Perform site visits during project scoping, including direct interaction with client representatives.
  • Assist more senior staff in developing scopes, schedules and budgets.
  • Perform structural observations during construction and provide on site engineering support during construction when required.
  • Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or BS degree in Architectural Engineering; Structural emphasis
  • A minimum of 3 years structural engineer experience

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Previous structural engineer experience
  • Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917