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Structural Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Tridentis

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Structural Engineers (Mid-Level, Senior & Technical Lead)

Washington, DC · On-site

$75K - $154K/yr

Navy ship design and engineering programs. Opportunities are available for experienced structural engineers as well as senior technical leaders who can provide engineering oversight, mentor staff ...

Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

In this role, you will take ownership of major structural design deliverables, collaborate deeply with multidisciplinary teams, and help ensure the aircraft's structures meet performance, safety ...

Electra

Senior Airframe Design Engineer

Manassas, VA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

In this role, you will take ownership of major structural design deliverables, collaborate deeply with multidisciplinary teams, and help ensure the aircraft's structures meet performance, safety ...

Ryde Technologies, LLC

Structural Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

We are seeking a motivated Structural Engineer to join our multidisciplinary team. You'll work ... Responsibilities • Design steel, concrete, masonry, wood, and cold-formed steel systems. • ...

Alpha Corporation

Structural Engineer

Sterling, VA

Structural design * To include concrete, masonry, steel, wood, and cold-formed steel construction. Typical components of the gravity system to design include footings, columns, beams, joists and ...

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Structural Design information

See Washington salary details

$26.1K

$116.4K

$181.2K

How much do structural design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural design in Washington is $116,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,800.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by structural design professionals when collaborating with multidisciplinary teams?

Structural design professionals often work closely with architects, civil engineers, and construction teams, which can present challenges such as aligning design intent with practical construction constraints and meeting various stakeholders' requirements. Coordinating schedules, integrating feedback from different disciplines, and ensuring compliance with building codes are also frequent hurdles. Successful collaboration requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving to ensure that all elements of the project are cohesive and safe.

What is structural design?

Structural design is the process of creating safe, stable, and efficient frameworks for buildings, bridges, and other structures. It involves analyzing loads, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring that a structure can withstand environmental forces like wind, earthquakes, and weight. Structural designers use engineering principles and computer-aided design tools to develop plans that meet safety codes and client requirements. This field plays a crucial role in making sure that structures are both functional and durable.

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

Structural engineers, a specialized role within civil engineering, can potentially earn $500,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership positions such as project managers or firm partners. Such high salaries are typically found in senior roles, large firms, or in high-cost-of-living areas, often involving complex projects and specialized skills. Entry-level or mid-career salaries generally range lower, with significant variation based on location, industry, and individual qualifications.

Is structural design a good career?

Structural design is a stable and well-paying engineering field that involves creating safe and efficient structures such as buildings and bridges. It requires strong technical skills, knowledge of materials and codes, and proficiency with design software like AutoCAD or Revit. The profession offers opportunities for advancement and typically requires a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and relevant licensure.

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

To thrive as a Structural Designer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant degree and knowledge of building codes. Proficiency in CAD software, structural analysis tools like SAP2000 or ETABS, and familiarity with BIM systems are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and innovative structural designs that meet project requirements and regulatory standards.

How much do structural designers make in the US?

Structural designers in the US typically earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior professionals or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $110,000 per year.

What can I do as a structural designer?

A structural designer creates and analyzes structural systems for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure, ensuring safety and stability. They use engineering principles, design software, and building codes to develop plans and specifications for construction projects.

What is the difference between Structural Design vs Civil Engineering?

AspectStructural DesignCivil Engineering
CredentialsEngineering degree, structural engineering licenseEngineering degree, civil engineering license
Work EnvironmentDesigning frameworks for buildings, bridges, and infrastructureBroader infrastructure projects, site development, transportation
Industry UsageSpecialized within construction and architecture firmsWider industry including transportation, urban planning

Structural Design focuses specifically on creating safe, efficient frameworks for buildings and structures, requiring specialized engineering credentials. Civil Engineering covers a broader range of infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and water systems. While both roles require engineering licenses and often work within the construction industry, Structural Design is more specialized in structural frameworks, whereas Civil Engineering encompasses a wider scope of infrastructure development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Design jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Structural Design jobs in Washington are:
Structural Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Design job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,401 per year, or $56 per hour.
Structural Engineers (Mid-Level, Senior & Technical Lead)

Structural Engineers (Mid-Level, Senior & Technical Lead)

Tridentis

Washington, DC • On-site

$75K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Multiple Openings – Bethesda, MD & Alexandria, VA


Job Brief

As a rapidly growing small business and SECAF Government Contractor of the Year, we are seeking Mid-Level and Senior Structural Engineers to support critical U.S. Navy ship design and engineering programs. Opportunities are available for experienced structural engineers as well as senior technical leaders who can provide engineering oversight, mentor staff, and serve as trusted advisors to our government customers.

Whether your expertise is FEA, ship structural design, foundations, ship modifications, or leading the structural design of an entire vessel, we'd like to meet you.

Responsibilities

  • Perform structural analyses of shipboard structures and systems using closed-form calculations and finite element analysis.
  • Evaluate existing ship structures and develop practical engineering solutions for new construction, modernization, and repair.
  • Review engineering drawings, calculations, specifications, and technical deliverables for quality and technical accuracy.
  • Develop engineering documentation and AutoCAD drawings supporting Navy, MSC, and USCG programs.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams supporting mechanical, electrical, and naval architecture efforts.
  • Interface directly with Navy customers, shipyards, and program offices.
  • Support proposal development, business development activities, and customer relationships.
  • Travel approximately 10% as required.

Mid-Level Structural Engineer Requirements

  • BS or MS in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
  • Experience performing structural analysis of marine or heavy industrial structures.
  • Experience with FEA using tools such as FEMAP, Nastran, ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar.
  • Ability to perform structural calcs, drawing reviews, failure assessments, & engineering evaluations.
  • Experience evaluating plates, beams, shells, weldments, & structural foundations.
  • Familiarity with naval structures, shipbuilding, subs, or marine systems is highly desirable.

Senior / Technical Lead Requirements

In addition to the above, we're interested in engineers who have successfully led structural engineering efforts on complex naval or commercial shipbuilding programs.

Ideal candidates will have experience:

  • Leading structural design activities from concept through detail design.
  • Developing & adefending structural design approaches with NAVSEA, MSC, USCG, ABS, or shipyard customers.
  • Providing technical leadership across an entire ship or major ship system.
  • Leading design reviews and mentoring junior engineers.
  • Integrating structural design with production, manufacturing, and lifecycle considerations.
  • Supporting proposal efforts & serving as a trusted technical advisor to customers.

Preferred Experience

  • Surface combatants, auxiliaries, amphibious ships, or other large naval vessels.
  • Ship construction, modernization, or major conversion programs.
  • Linear and nonlinear finite element analysis.
  • Ship structures, materials, welding, foundations, shock, vibration, or fatigue analysis.
  • AutoCAD and FEMAP proficiency.
  • Existing Secret Clearance or ability to obtain one.

Company Description

Tridentis is a privately held small business focused on providing naval architecture, marine engineering, program management and logistics services to the U.S. Navy, USCG and Military Sealift Command (MSC) in addition to other federal agencies. Tridentis is headquartered in Washington DC and has offices in Norfolk VA, Bremerton WA and Kona HI.
In addition to providing engineering services to the federal government, Tridentis has a spin off company, Advanced Marine Vehicles https://www.advancedmarinevehicles.com/ that is entirely focused on designing, developing and building autonomous marine vehicles. Tridentis is committed to maintaining an agile company, with a flat organizational structure while achieving long term consistent growth.