Independent Contractor Telecom Structural Engineer Jobs in Irvine, CA

This Structural Engineer role focuses on owning and executing projects from start to finish, managing small teams, and serving as a primary point of contact for clients. The position exists to increase project management and execution capacity rather than design throughput, emphasizing project leadership, coordination, and delivery over heavy production or design work. You will work within a collaborative, multi-discipline engineering environment to ensure structural projects are delivered on time, within scope, and to a high standard of quality.

• Manage and execute structural projects from initial design coordination through final delivery.
• Take full ownership of project scope, schedule, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with client expectations and internal standards.
• Coordinate the work of E1/E2 engineers and internal production staff to ensure cohesive and timely project execution.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, including architects, contractors, and owners, providing clear and consistent communication throughout the project lifecycle.
• Interface regularly with clients and project partners to clarify requirements, address issues, and manage expectations.
• Oversee the coordination of structural design performed by internal engineers and production staff, ensuring that design efforts support overall project objectives.
• Support project scheduling by planning tasks, monitoring progress, and adjusting priorities to keep projects on track.
• Use structural analysis tools such as ETABS, RAM, or similar software to support project execution and validate structural solutions as needed.
• Collaborate with multi-discipline project teams to integrate structural design with other engineering disciplines.
• Provide immediate relief to existing project managers by taking ownership of active projects and contributing to on-time, quality delivery.
• Run projects with minimal supervision, demonstrating strong judgment and accountability in day-to-day decision making.
• Coordinate effectively with junior engineers and production staff, providing guidance and direction to support successful project outcomes.
• Communicate confidently with clients and internal stakeholders, presenting technical information in a clear and professional manner.
• Execute work reliably within established timelines, managing multiple priorities while maintaining quality and accuracy.
• Work effectively within the existing team structure, focusing on hands-on project execution rather than seeking immediate leadership or principal-level responsibilities.

• Structural engineering experience focused on building design, particularly commercial and institutional structures.
• Proven experience running structural projects end-to-end, from planning through delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to manage project scope, schedule, and deliverables independently.
• Experience coordinating junior engineers and production staff on structural projects.
• Client-facing experience working with architects, contractors, and owners.
• Experience with structural analysis tools such as ETABS, RAM, or RISA, with emphasis on practical application to project execution.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred; candidates without a PE must have a clearly defined, near-term licensure timeline with an exam scheduled or imminent.
• Approximately 8–10 years of structural engineering experience is ideal; 10–12 years is acceptable if the candidate remains hands-on and execution-focused.
• A four-year degree in Structural Engineering or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Strong project execution and project management capability, including the ability to run projects independently.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
• Experience delivering structural building design projects in a professional engineering environment.

• Registration as a Structural Engineer (SE) is preferred.
• SE license is considered a strong plus.
• Exposure to DSA and HCAI projects is beneficial.
• Experience with multiple structural materials, including steel, concrete, wood, and masonry.
• Experience on commercial and institutional building structures.
• Approximately 8+ years of experience is ideal, with flexibility for candidates who demonstrate strong project execution and project management capabilities.
• Candidates with 10+ years of experience will be considered if they maintain a hands-on, execution-focused approach.
• Proficiency with structural analysis tools such as ETABS, RAM, or similar software; familiarity with 3D structural modeling tools is an advantage.
• Ability to collaborate within multi-discipline project teams, including coordination with other engineering disciplines.
• Proven track record of running projects with minimal supervision while delivering work reliably within established timelines.
• Ability to work effectively within an established team structure without requiring immediate elevation to senior leadership or principal-level roles.

The role is based in an office environment in Newport Beach, CA, within a hybrid work setting, subject to confirmation. You will work in a collaborative design engineering office as part of multi-discipline project teams, engaging with colleagues across various engineering specialties. The organization has a long-standing presence in the industry, with decades of experience, hundreds of employees, and multiple offices across the U.S. and overseas, providing a stable and growth-oriented environment. Structural engineering work is supported by tools such as ETABS, RAM, and other structural analysis and 3D modeling software, with internal production staff handling modeling and drafting. The culture emphasizes hands-on project execution, teamwork, and client-focused delivery, offering opportunities to work on diverse building projects while collaborating closely with engineers, production staff, and external partners.

This is a Permanent position based out of Newport Beach, CA.

The pay range for this position is $95000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Paid overtime at 1.0 times hourly rate Competitive end of year discretionary bonus based on company/team/personal performance Hybrid Work Schedule (subject to change) 401k with maximum of 5% Contribution Matching for 9% Employee Contribution

This is a hybrid position in Newport Beach,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 18, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.