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Entry Level Structural Engineer Jobs in Fort Collins, CO

Entry Level Structural Engineer information

See Fort Collins, CO salary details

$49.5K

$98.4K

$150.5K

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

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level structural engineer in Fort Collins, CO is $98,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,200.00 and $111,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of an Entry Level Structural Engineer during their first year on the job?

In their first year, Entry Level Structural Engineers usually support senior engineers with tasks such as drafting structural plans, performing basic calculations, assisting with site inspections, and preparing reports. They often use software like AutoCAD or Revit to create and modify drawings, and may participate in project meetings to gain exposure to project workflows. Collaboration with architects, contractors, and other engineering disciplines is common, allowing new engineers to learn industry standards and communication skills while gradually taking on more responsibility as they gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Structural Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Structural Engineer, you need a solid understanding of structural analysis, engineering principles, and a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis software like SAP2000 or ETABS is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address design challenges. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety, integrity, and successful completion of construction projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Structural Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Structural EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Structural Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificationBachelor's in Civil Engineering, EIT certification
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, construction sites, consulting firmsPublic agencies, construction, consulting, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageSpecializes in structural design and analysisBroader scope including transportation, water resources, and structural work

Entry Level Structural Engineers focus on structural design and analysis, often working closely with civil engineers who handle broader infrastructure projects. While both roles require similar credentials, structural engineers specialize in ensuring the safety and stability of structures, whereas civil engineers may work on a wider range of projects. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within the civil engineering industry.

What does an entry level structural engineer do?

An entry level structural engineer assists in designing, analyzing, and inspecting structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to ensure that structures are safe, stable, and meet all regulatory requirements. Their tasks often include creating drawings and models, performing calculations, preparing reports, and visiting construction sites to observe and document progress. Entry level engineers also collaborate with architects, contractors, and other professionals to solve engineering problems as they arise.

What Does an Entry-Level Structural Engineer Do?

An entry-level structural engineer works under the guidance of senior engineers and on project teams to design residential and commercial buildings. Your responsibilities in this career include creating drawings, preparing cost estimates, and evaluating building codes. Your duties also involve making local field visits to review construction, meeting with clients and contractors, writing proposals, learning standard techniques, and working with 3D models. You assist others while obtaining valuable hands-on experience to move forward in your career as a structural engineer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO? The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO? For Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs in Fort Collins, CO are:
What cities near Fort Collins, CO are hiring for Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs? Cities near Fort Collins, CO with the most Entry Level Structural Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Structural Engineer job openings in Fort Collins, CO as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,391 per year, or $47.3 per hour.

Staff Engineer - Tunnels and Geotech

GEI Consultants

Fort Collins, CO • Hybrid

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


GEI Consultants rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

271st of 439 rated engineering


Job description

Description

Your role at GEI. 

The Grade 1 Staff Engineer - Trenchless, Tunneling, and Geotech (Golden or Fort Collins, Colorado, or Boise, ID) - is a full time entry-level position suited for obtaining experience in the field of practice (civil, geotechnical, geological, and tunnel/trenchless design), learning the fundamentals of field and office tasks, developing professional communication and collaboration protocols, while implementing tasks with significant supervisor mentorship and colleague support. 

Essential Responsibilities & Duties 

  • Perform and document geotechnical investigations including civil geotechnical drilling, well construction, field mapping, communicating with subcontractors, and other field work with the purpose of obtaining geotechnical data (30%).
  • Create design and construction drawings using AutoCAD and other graphic software under the supervision of a Professional-level or above staff (25%).
  • Record project-related activities (primarily tunnel or geotechnical construction inspection) by documenting observed field and office activities using electronic and written means (20%).
  • Perform geotechnical, tunnel, and trenchless design calculations using Mathcad, Excel, and geo-oriented software under the supervision of a Professional Engineer (20%).
  • Provide other tasks to support project engineers and project managers (5%). 

Minimum Qualifications 

  • Qualified to become exam-based Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
  • Microsoft Office Suite, PDF printing and editing
  • AutoCAD LTE
  •  As required by the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination
  • Underground construction and design for civil structures
  • Material sciences (steel and concrete)
  • Applied mathematics
  • Fluid dynamics (pipeline, open channel, and groundwater)
  • Geologic hazards (assessment, mitigation, and design)
  • Geologic site investigation techniques
  • Soils and bedrock identification
  • Soil and rock mechanics
  • Geology (civil applications)
  • Engineering (civil, geotechnical, or structural)
  • Strong attention to detail with excellent collaboration skills, organizational tactics, analytical, judgment and problem-solving capabilities
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Have reliable transportation to access job sites and a valid driver’s license in good standing

We are GEI. 

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.  

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.  

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.

Employee-owned. Employee-focused.  

As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more.  Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.

GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes 

  • Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
  • Pay Range For This Position: $70,000.00 – $85,000.00/year 
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
  • Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
  • GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
  • Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
  • Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
  • Rewards and Recognition
  • GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
  • Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
  • A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • And More…

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

Functional Demands:    

Sedentary

Light

Medium

Other

 

Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row) 

Physical Activity Requirements

Occasional

(0-35% of day)

Frequent

(33-66% of day)

Continuous

(67-100% of day)

Not Applicable

Sitting

Standing

Walking

Climbing

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)

Carrying objects

Push/pull

Twisting

Bending

Reaching forward

Reaching overhead

Squat/kneel/crawl

Wrist position deviation

Pinching/fine motor skills

Keyboard use/repetitive motion

Taste or smell (taste=never)

Talk or hear

Accurate 20/40 

Very Accurate 20/20 

Not Applicable

Near Vision

Far Vision


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