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Structural Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In the role of Structural Design Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Assist in condition assessments of various hydraulic structures * Perform preliminary and detailed civil / structural analysis ...

In the role of Structural Design Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Assist in condition assessments of various hydraulic structures * Perform preliminary and detailed civil / structural analysis ...

About the Role As a Structural Engineer you will: * Lead and assist in the analysis, design, and review of various building, bridge, waterfront, and other industrial structures, including: * Vehicle ...

About the Role As a Structural Engineer you will: * Lead and assist in the analysis, design, and review of various building, bridge, waterfront, and other industrial structures, including: * Vehicle ...

Perform detailed structural design, analysis, engineering calculations, and assist in the development of construction drawings and specifications for Water/Wastewater projects * Conduct structural ...

About the Role As a Structural Engineer you will: * Lead and assist in the analysis, design, and review of various building, bridge, waterfront, and other industrial structures, including: * Vehicle ...

In the role of Structural Design Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Assist in condition assessments of various hydraulic structures * Perform preliminary and detailed civil / structural analysis ...

Be Seen First

Experience with engineering programs such as ETABS & ADAPT as well as AutoCAD is desirable. * SE or PE licensing Job Duties * Design structural systems for buildings, bridges, and other structures ...

You'll work alongside experienced Structural Engineers, leveraging tools like Revit, Bluebeam Revu, and industry-leading analysis software to design and model a wide range of building systems. This ...

... engineering documentation, design validation, and constructability reviews. Requirements • Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related ...

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Structural Design Engineer information

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$23K

$102.8K

$160K

How much do structural design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural design engineer in the United States is $102,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $132,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

Structural design engineers can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large firms or specialized projects. High salaries are often associated with senior positions, project management, or working in high-cost-of-living areas, but such earnings are not typical for entry-level roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Design Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or structural engineering, proficiency in mathematics and physics, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering along with relevant licensure (such as a PE). Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, SAP2000, ETABS, and Revit, as well as knowledge of building codes and standards, is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with project teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant structural designs that meet project requirements and support public safety.

What are Structural Design Engineers?

Structural Design Engineers are professionals who analyze, design, and plan the structural systems for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure to ensure they are safe, stable, and meet all relevant codes and standards. They use their expertise in materials, physics, and engineering principles to create designs that can withstand loads and environmental factors. Their work often involves collaborating with architects, contractors, and other engineers throughout the construction process.

What do structural design engineers do?

Structural design engineers develop and analyze structural systems for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure to ensure safety and stability. They use engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and materials knowledge to create detailed plans and specifications, often collaborating with architects and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.

How much do structural design engineers make?

Structural design engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills or professional licensure can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying industries or companies. Certifications and leadership positions can also contribute to reaching this compensation level.

What is the difference between Structural Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectStructural Design EngineerCivil Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and analyzing structural systems for buildings, bridges, and infrastructurePlanning, designing, and overseeing construction of various civil projects including roads, water systems, and buildings
CredentialsEngineering degree, often with specialization in structural engineering, PE licenseEngineering degree, PE license, and broader civil engineering credentials
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, construction sites, consulting firmsConstruction sites, urban planning agencies, consulting firms
Industry UsageCommonly employed in structural and architectural firmsUsed across civil infrastructure, transportation, and urban development sectors

While both roles require engineering credentials and often overlap in project collaboration, Structural Design Engineers specialize in creating safe, efficient structural systems, whereas Civil Engineers have a broader scope including infrastructure planning and development.

What are the typical challenges Structural Design Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Structural Design Engineers often collaborate with architects, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers, which can present challenges in aligning design objectives and timelines. Balancing structural integrity with aesthetic and functional requirements requires clear communication and compromise. Additionally, adapting to varying codes, standards, and client expectations across projects adds complexity, making effective project coordination and problem-solving skills essential for success.
More about Structural Design Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Structural Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Structural Design Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Structural Design Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Structural Design Engineer jobs? The top employers for Structural Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Structural Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Structural Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Structural Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,774 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Structural Design Engineer

Structural Design Engineer

HDR

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 356 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 work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the 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.
In the role of Structural Design Engineer, we'll count on you to:
  • Assist in condition assessments of various hydraulic structures
  • Perform preliminary and detailed civil / structural analysis, design, evaluations, and design options and recommendations for concrete and steel hydraulic structures such as spillways, spillway gates, floodwalls, canals, and other water retaining structures
  • Assist in design of various new and/or rehabilitation of hydraulic structures, including dams, spillways, gates, outlet works, diversion structures, retaining walls, cofferdams, floodwalls, water conveyance structures, and foundations
  • Review structural documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines
  • Assist in development of design criteria, report preparation, and quality assurance and control reviews of related designs
  • Write and edit hydraulic structures specifications, select procedures, materials and their respective sizes, and complete necessary calculations
  • Independently coordinate the work of the structural design team through the design development and contract document phases of a project
  • Establish meetings and participate in reviews with various governing agencies for code compliance
  • Conduct design development and contract document work sessions both in the office and at project sites in conjunction with the Project Manager and other disciplines
  • Organize, draft and coordinate production of various reports to ensure technical consistency and inclusion of appropriate documentation
  • Take responsibility for coordinating workload through design development and construction document phases to complete the documents on schedule
  • Supervise and coach other engineering and support staff, including mentoring of junior engineers, and provision of quality assurance review or input where required.
  • During construction, coordinate and assist with affected disciplines, with any addendum, requests for information, change proposal requests and change orders, and incorporate agreed-upon changes into the project documents
  • Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or Ph.D. in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • A minimum of 5 years structural engineer experience
  • Experience with developing construction documents (plans, specifications, and supporting design documentation reports)
  • Demonstrated leadership and communication skills
  • Ability to prepare complete, concise and organized engineering calculations and reports
  • Knowledge of relevant structural design methods, codes and standards
  • Willingness to travel and assist with hydraulic structures inspection
  • Good verbal and written communication skills

*LI-MO1
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • Professional Engineer (PE) 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