1

Structural Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Structural Engineer I Role Overview & Purpose Kelaca is seeking a Structural Engineer I for a client partner in Scottsdale, Arizona. This early-career role provides dependable structural engineering ...

We are seeking a junior structural engineer for our Tempe office who will work with a competent multi-discipline team of peers with a wide range of experience levels. This is an exciting opportunity ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Structural Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$46.6K

$92.6K

$141.6K

How much do structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural engineer in Arizona is $92,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,600.00 and $105,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior structural engineers working in specialized industries or on large-scale projects can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. Such compensation typically requires extensive expertise, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in major infrastructure or construction firms.

Can you make 300k a year as an engineer?

Structural engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, typically at senior levels or in specialized roles such as consulting or project management, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-cost areas. Achieving this income often requires a combination of expertise, leadership skills, and a strong professional reputation. Entry-level or mid-career salaries are generally lower, but top earners in the field can reach or exceed this threshold.

What is the difference between Structural Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectStructural EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in structural or civil engineering, PE licenseRequires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, PE license
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing and analyzing building structures, often in office and construction sitesWorks on infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems, in offices and field sites
Industry UsageSpecialized within construction, architecture, and structural design firmsBroader industry scope including transportation, environmental, and urban planning

Structural engineers primarily focus on designing and analyzing building frameworks to ensure safety and stability, while civil engineers work on a wider range of infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often collaborate, but their core responsibilities and project types differ.

What are some common challenges Structural Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Structural Engineers often collaborate with architects, mechanical, and electrical engineers to deliver integrated building designs. One common challenge is balancing aesthetic or functional requirements from architects with structural safety and code compliance. Effective communication and coordination are essential to resolve conflicts, manage project timelines, and ensure that structural solutions align with the broader vision of the project. Structural Engineers should be proactive in attending coordination meetings and using collaborative design tools to streamline teamwork.

What are structural engineers?

Structural engineers are specialized professionals who design, analyze, and ensure the safety of structures such as buildings, bridges, and tunnels. They work to make sure these structures can withstand various forces, such as gravity, wind, and earthquakes, while remaining safe and functional. Structural engineers use mathematics, physics, and material science to select appropriate construction materials and methods. Their expertise is essential in the planning and construction phases, as well as in inspecting existing structures for safety and compliance.

What kind of work do structural engineers do?

Structural engineers design, analyze, and oversee the construction of buildings, bridges, and other structures to ensure they are safe and stable. They use engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) tools, and materials knowledge to develop plans, perform stress tests, and collaborate with architects and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.

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

To thrive as a Structural Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering principles, a relevant engineering degree, and often a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with structural analysis software such as SAP2000, ETABS, or AutoCAD is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help set top performers apart. These competencies ensure the safety, stability, and efficiency of building projects while facilitating collaboration with architects, contractors, and clients.

What Do Structural Engineers Do?

Structural engineering is a branch of civil engineering that involves the design, construction, and repair of many different types of structures. The job of a structural engineer is to act as a consultant to architects and contractors throughout the construction project, offering expert advice on technical problems. Structural engineers are typically contracted on projects involving sports arenas, bridges, large buildings, or any other weight-bearing structure. On a day-to-day basis, a structural engineer may assist the head architect with initial layout and design of a structure, including plans for maintenance or overall remodels. They calculate loads, such as wind, snow, and earthquake forces, to determine which structural system is safest. Some structural engineers specialize in demolition and are responsible for ensuring projects are carried out safely and without damage to surrounding structures. Others specialize in oil drilling machinery, aircraft and shipbuilding vehicle design, or temporary structure builds.

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

Structural engineers can potentially earn $500,000 annually, but such high salaries are typically achieved through senior positions, specialized expertise, or working in high-cost areas with significant experience and advanced certifications. Most civil and structural engineers earn lower base salaries, with top earners often supplementing income through consulting or leadership roles.
What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineer jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Structural Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Structural Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Structural Engineer job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,630 per year, or $44.5 per hour.
Structural Engineer I

Structural Engineer I

Kelaca

Scottsdale, AZ

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Structural Engineer I

Role Overview & Purpose

Kelaca is seeking a Structural Engineer I for a client partner in Scottsdale, Arizona. This early-career role provides dependable structural engineering support on building-related projects under direct supervision.

The Structural Engineer I applies structural principles, building codes, and materials knowledge to calculations, designs, and documentation that support safe, compliant project outcomes. The role exists to add reliable technical capacity for live project delivery while building junior engineering capability through supervised, hands-on work.

Key responsibilities

  • Perform structural engineering calculations and analyses in accordance with applicable codes and standards.

  • Support structural design development for building projects, including member sizing, load paths, and connection concepts.

  • Create and revise structural drawings, sketches, and details using AutoCAD and Revit.

  • Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including calculation packages, design notes, and basic reports.

  • Communicate technical information clearly to engineers, drafters, architects, and project stakeholders.

  • Follow established engineering procedures, quality standards, and supervision/review processes.

  • Support changing project needs, shifting priorities, and other assigned duties as required.

What success looks like

  • Accurate technical output: Calculations, designs, and drawings are correct, traceable, and consistent with governing codes and standards.

  • Usable documentation: Drawings, details, and reports are clear, complete, and practical for design and construction use.

  • Reliable delivery: Work is completed on time, with issues surfaced early and addressed constructively.

  • Effective collaboration: Interacts professionally with engineers, drafters, architects, and project staff; responds well to direction and feedback.

  • Professional growth: Demonstrates learning over time, increasing independence on routine tasks while maintaining sound judgement and quality.

Knowledge & tools

  • Engineering calculations (Expert, must-have): Structural analysis, member sizing, and load path checks to support design decisions.

  • Building codes and standards (Expert, must-have): Practical application of relevant building and material codes in day-to-day work.

  • AutoCAD (Expert, must-have): Production and revision of structural plans, details, and markups.

  • Structural design (Intermediate, must-have): Translating engineering principles into practical building solutions and coordinated deliverables.

  • Revit (Intermediate, must-have): Model-based drafting and coordinated documentation within a multi-disciplinary environment.

  • Database and supporting software (Intermediate, strong nice-to-have): Tools such as BlueBeam, Deltek Ajera, or similar for markups, document control, and project records.

  • Spreadsheet software (Intermediate, strong nice-to-have): Organizing calculations and supporting reports (e.g., Excel, CalcTree or similar).

  • Advanced math and reasoning: Applying quantitative methods and structured problem-solving to check and validate work.

Capabilities

  • Clear written and verbal communication: Explains technical work in a structured way and documents assumptions and decisions.

  • Collaborative, low-ego approach: Works constructively with teammates and accepts review as part of the process.

  • Resilience under delivery pressure: Maintains quality under changing deadlines and project demands.

  • Comfort with structure and supervision: Operates effectively within defined standards, procedures, and review workflows.

  • Balanced independence and coachability: Takes a thoughtful first pass on tasks, incorporates feedback, and improves over time.

  • Ownership and growth mindset: Takes responsibility for assigned work, learns from errors, and builds depth in core structural skills.

  • Sound judgement and follow-through: Makes careful decisions within established guardrails and sees tasks through to completion.

Operating environment

This is a full-time, onsite role in Scottsdale, Arizona, within a structured engineering environment that emphasizes technical accuracy, code compliance, and clear documentation.

Day-to-day work combines focused individual effort on calculations, drawings, and reports with regular coordination and review. The role operates in a setting with:

  • Location: Onsite, with consistent in-person collaboration and established norms.

  • Collaboration intensity: Regular coordination with clear ownership of tasks.

  • Decision autonomy: Semi-guided; frameworks and standards are defined, with supervisory input on risk and final decisions.

  • Pace and cadence: Generally steady, with periodic urgency driven by project deadlines.

  • Ambiguity level: Relatively low; priorities, quality criteria, and workflows are typically clear.

  • Growth horizon: Progression tied to reliability, quality, and openness to feedback.

Education & qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree required, with Civil Engineering preferred or a closely related discipline with strong structural content.

  • Willingness and readiness to take the Engineering-In-Training (EIT) exam within roughly one year, signalling a path toward licensure.

  • Successful completion of a background check.

Behavioral signals & Culture profile

The ideal Structural Engineer I profile reflects:

  • Drive for mastery and completion: Takes ownership of assignments, seeks to understand requirements, and closes tasks thoroughly.

  • Attention to detail: Checks calculations, drawings, and documentation carefully to ensure accuracy and completeness.

  • Analytical curiosity: Digs into problems, asks thoughtful questions, and builds understanding through data and technical reasoning.

  • Comfort with shifting priorities: Adjusts to changes in deadlines and project scope while maintaining standards.

  • Preference for methodical work: Performs best with organized tasks, clear workflows, and consistent expectations.

  • Sustained focus: Manages concentrated technical work and intermittent interruptions while moving tasks forward.

  • Progressive growth: Takes on more complex analysis and design work as experience and capability increase.

Interfaces

  • Structural engineers and Project Managers for direction, technical review, and coordination.

  • Drafters and designers for drawing production, markups, and design refinement.

  • Architects and other design professionals to align structural solutions with broader project goals.

  • Internal project and operations staff for documentation, scheduling, and status updates.

Governance

  • Follow all relevant building codes, standards, and regulatory requirements in calculations and design recommendations.

  • Adhere to internal quality-control procedures, including appropriate peer review and supervisor sign-off.

  • Maintain organized, traceable documentation of calculations, assumptions, and design decisions.

  • Uphold professional ethics and company values in all engineering and project activities.

Employee value proposition

This role offers meaningful exposure to live building projects, structured mentorship, and a clear path to deepen structural engineering skills. The Structural Engineer I will:

  • Gain hands-on experience across calculations, drafting, analysis, and documentation.

  • Receive direct supervision and coaching from more senior engineers, with regular feedback.

  • Work in a stable, structured environment where expectations and performance metrics are clear.

  • Build toward professional licensure, including preparation for the EIT exam and gradual expansion of responsibility.