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Retaining Wall Engineer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Senior Structural Engineer

Newport, RI · On-site +1

$100K - $160K/yr

Analyze and design other facilities as needed, including foundations, retaining walls, temporary ... Professional Engineer licensure or the ability to obtain licensure within one year of hire.

Senior Structural Engineer

Newport, RI · On-site

$101K - $137K/yr

Analyze and design other facilities as needed, including foundations, retaining walls, temporary ... Professional Engineer licensure or the ability to obtain licensure within one year of hire.

Retaining Wall Engineer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$7

$29

$57

How much do retaining wall engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for retaining wall engineer in Rhode Island is $29.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.05 and $40.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do I need an engineer for a retaining wall?

A retaining wall engineer is typically required to design and oversee the construction of retaining walls, ensuring they are structurally sound and meet safety standards. They assess soil conditions, load requirements, and use engineering tools and certifications to create effective solutions. Hiring a qualified engineer helps prevent failure and long-term maintenance issues.

What are some common challenges retaining wall engineers face during project execution, and how can they be addressed?

Retaining Wall Engineers often encounter challenges such as unexpected soil conditions, water drainage issues, and site accessibility constraints. Successfully addressing these challenges requires close collaboration with geotechnical engineers, regular site inspections, and proactive communication with construction teams. Utilizing advanced modeling software and thorough site investigations before construction begins can help mitigate risks. Staying up-to-date on local regulations and best practices also ensures compliant and durable designs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a retaining wall engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Retaining Wall Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering, a relevant engineering degree, and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and structural analysis tools, along with knowledge of construction codes and standards, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and construction teams. These competencies ensure the safe, cost-effective, and durable design and construction of retaining wall structures.

What is the difference between Retaining Wall Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectRetaining Wall EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsEngineering degree, specialized training in retaining structuresEngineering degree, broad civil engineering certification
Work EnvironmentDesigning and analyzing retaining walls, site-specific projectsWide range of infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and buildings
Industry UsageSpecific to geotechnical and structural projects involving retaining wallsGeneral industry usage across various civil engineering sectors

Retaining Wall Engineers focus specifically on designing and analyzing retaining structures, requiring specialized knowledge in geotechnical engineering. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working on diverse infrastructure projects. While both roles require an engineering degree, Retaining Wall Engineers possess targeted expertise in retaining structures, making them more specialized for projects involving retaining walls.

What does a retaining wall engineer do?

A Retaining Wall Engineer is a specialized civil engineer who designs, analyzes, and oversees the construction of retaining walls, which are structures built to hold back soil or rock from a building, structure, or area. Their responsibilities include conducting site assessments, selecting appropriate materials, ensuring structural stability, and complying with local building codes. They work closely with contractors, architects, and geotechnical engineers to create safe and cost-effective retaining wall solutions. Their expertise is essential in preventing soil erosion, managing sloped landscapes, and protecting properties from landslides or flooding.

What are popular job titles related to Retaining Wall Engineer jobs in Rhode Island?

For Retaining Wall Engineer jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Retaining Wall Engineer jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Retaining Wall Engineer jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Retaining Wall Engineer jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Retaining Wall Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Retaining Wall Engineer job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,957 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Senior Structural Engineer

Apex Clearing Corporation

Providence, RI • On-site

$110 - $145/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Are you highly motivated, hard-working, and seeking to join a growth-focused consulting & engineering firm? Are you looking for a company that will invest in your development and grow your professional skills? If so, consider a career with Apex!

Powered by record sales, extraordinary client retention, strategic acquisitions, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Apex Companies is one of the fastest growing engineering and environmental consulting firms in the US. We were recently recognized by the Zweig Group as one of the fastest growing firms in the AEC industry. We take pride in providing our clients with exceptional service and have earned numerous awards for project excellence. We continue to grow, we want you to grow with us.

Our Northeast Division is a well-respected and award-winning group where career development, training, and mentoring co-exist with diverse civil, environmental, water resources, and traffic/transportation projects in a fast-paced and challenging work environment.

We are looking to hire an experienced Senior Structural Engineer to support our dynamic infrastructure team in New England. This position can be based in any of our New England offices and can work a hybrid schedule. This position will be responsible for the structural design of facilities relating to water/wastewater/stormwater.

NOTE: This role is focused on civil infrastructure and is not intended for structural engineers specializing in buildings, bridges, or roadway design.

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Serve as an in-house Structural Engineer to support the planning, engineering, and construction phase services for a variety of public infrastructure projects throughout New England
  • Perform design of buildings and non-building structures for a variety of public and private clients
  • Work with in-house civil and environmental engineers and landscape architects to support primarily municipal and industrial projects
  • Provide structural analysis and design
  • Perform structural calculations using a variety of software tools
  • Mentor junior engineers and technical staff
  • Project types include, but are not limited to:
    • Building design
    • Non-building industrial or utility structures such as access platforms, vaults, and pump stations
    • Building and non-building structure condition assessments
    • Park structures and pedestrian structures
    • Marine structures
    • Retaining structure design
    • Foundation design for tanks and other pre-engineered structures
    • Engineering services during construction
    • Support for building demolition or partial demolition
What we’re looking for:
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license is required. Must be a PE in the State of Massachusetts, or have ability to obtain this license by comity within 6 months of hire
  • 5+ years of relevant structural design experience in the types of structures listed below
  • Experience with the design of building structures including, but not limited to, foundations, water storage tanks/basins, exterior/interior walls, and framing systems
  • Experience with the design of non-building structures including, but not limited, to equipment pads, retaining walls, equipment vaults, and site appurtenances
  • Proficiency with structural analysis and design software
  • In-depth knowledge of the International Building Code, ASCE 7, and related codes
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
Desirable Qualifications:
  • Master’s Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • PE license in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and/or Rhode Island or the ability to obtain license reciprocity within 12 months of hire
  • Experience designing water and wastewater treatment facilities and/or pump stations
Why you’ll love working for us:
  • Company-subsidized medical and dental.
  • Company-paid life, short, and long-term disability.
  • 401k match, tuition assistance, and more.
  • Cross-training and the ability to work on a variety of projects.
  • Performance-based bonuses or other incentives.
  • Working with the best and brightest in the industry.
  • 2,000+ employee national firm with 70+ locations across the US.

Annual Expected Pay Range

$110,000—$145,000 USD

We believe in equality for all and celebrate the diversity and differences of our employees, customers, and communities. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Apex aims to make apexcos.com accessible to all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact Talent@apexcos.com or (301) 417-0200. Likewise, feel free to reach out to us if you would like to view or discuss Apex policy related to equal employment opportunity or have any related concerns. EO/AA/VEV/Disabled Employer

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