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Structural Engineer Jobs in Yakima, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Structural Engineer information

See Yakima, WA salary details

$50.1K

$99.6K

$152.4K

How much do structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural engineer in Yakima, WA is $99,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $113,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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 engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, and software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. These roles typically require specialized knowledge, leadership responsibilities, and often involve working in high-demand industries or managerial positions.

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) software, and materials knowledge to develop plans and solve structural problems throughout the project lifecycle.

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Structural engineers can earn $250,000 or more annually, typically 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. Achieving this level may also require expertise in complex design software and a strong professional reputation.

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.

More about Structural Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Structural Engineer jobs in Yakima, WA? For Structural Engineer jobs in Yakima, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Yakima, WA are hiring for Structural Engineer jobs? Cities near Yakima, WA with the most Structural Engineer job openings:
Structural Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Engineer job openings in Yakima, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,632 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Senior Industrial & Process Engineer

McClarin Composites

Wapato, WA • On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

What We Do:
At McCLARIN, we manufacture composites essential to the world's most innovative and efficient buses, trucks, trains, RVs, construction and farm equipment. These end-use channels enhance human experience to drive, ride, construct, farm and enjoy nature.
Through collaboration, we create both processes and products in any way, shape or form that contributes to a decarbonized and circular economy. McCLARIN scouts and adopts new ways to make the molding process more sustainable. We shape materials into high-quality and high-performance products. We form value through combined effort with our customers and stakeholders.
What We Need:
We are looking for a Senior Industrial & Process Engineer. You will serve in a key position driving operational excellence across our core molding disciplines: open fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), reaction injection molding (RIM) clamping, and resin infusion systems.
You will lead high-impact process developments focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost (SQDC). This role heavily commands a strong mastery of motion-time studies, advanced tooling lifecycles, and aggressive mold cycle-time reduction.
This position will offer a strong career growth track at a well-established manufacturing company. This position will be on-site in Wapato, WA.
Key Responsibilities
  • Mold Cycle Time & Process Optimization: Analyze, document, and refine manufacturing parameters to shorten cycle times for open FRP cure profiles, RIM clamp intervals, and resin infusion velocities without losing structural part integrity.
  • Motion & Time Studies: Conduct rigorous labor and motion time studies (utilizing MTM/MOST or standard data frameworks) on manual layup, vacuum bagging, and demolding sequences to strip out non-value-added steps and set accurate production standards.
  • Tooling Lifecycle Management: Oversee the complete lifecycle of composite and hard tooling assets-from engineering release and initial tryouts to preventative maintenance and mold preservation.
  • SMED & Changeover Reductions: Champion Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) workshops to minimize changeover windows for complex RIM clamps and heavy infusion tools, significantly boosting tool rotation efficiency.
  • New Product Development (NPD) Support: Partner with the customer during New Product Development via Process FMEA (PFMEA) and Design for Manufacture (DFM) actions to ensure seamless production launches.
  • Lean & Culture Leadership: Actively drive continuous improvement initiatives (5S, Kaizen, Six Sigma) during daily factory floor SQDC huddles. Teach and mentor production personnel on updated process standards and work instructions.

Requirements
What Makes You Qualified:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Plastics/Tool Engineering or equivalent experience
  • 5-10 years of direct manufacturing experience, specifically working within advanced composites or plastics processing (Open Mold, RIM, and Infusion required).

Must Haves:
  • Tooling Background: Strong technical background in mold construction, gelcoat/surface repairs, vacuum integrity troubleshooting, and mechanical or hydraulic clamp mechanisms.
  • Technical Software: High proficiency in CAD systems (AutoCAD/SolidWorks) for work-cell design and layout manipulation. Experience with resin flow or thermal simulation software is a major asset.
  • Core Skills: Mastery of standard data time systems, root-cause failure analysis (RCFA), print/drawing interpretation, and a robust understanding of polymer/resin behavior.

So, What's in It for You?
  • Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, AD&D, Life and 401(k)
  • A culture of Optimism, Respect, Transparency, Inclusion, Servant Leadership, Purposeful Engagement, Accountability, Mutual Benefit, and Self-Actualization
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 9 paid holidays and 1 personal day

Who We Are:
McCLARIN Composites provide the future-forward pathway for transformation in mobility, transport, energy, agriculture, housing and the built environment. Since our founding in 1953, the world has changed significantly. We believe it is our responsibility to lead with purpose - not just in composites - but also in our communities and the environment. We gather the signals of our employees, customers, market and society to guide us. From these signals, we develop disruptive products from concept to commercialization with the lightest sustainable footprint.
McCLARIN Composites is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We promote and celebrate a diverse workforce and do not tolerate any discrimination. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, Aboriginal/Native American status, protected veterans' status or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodation during the application and interview process are available upon request. Should you require an accommodation with our hiring process please send an email to hr@mcclarincomposites.com. All potential hires are subject to pre-employment checks which include but are not limited to background checks and drug screenings.
Salary Description
$95k-$120k

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