Structural Engineering Research Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR

The Mass Timber Structural Engineer is a senior project-level role based in our Bend or Portland office, with a hybrid schedule that supports in-office collaboration and flexible remote work. In this position, you lead the structural engineering scope on mass timber projects spanning delegated design, engineer of record assignments, and construction assistance, working closely with architects, fabricators, manufacturers, and contractors from early design through project delivery.

Day to day, you are reviewing and coordinating manufacturer shop drawings, running structural calculations for CLT, glulam, MPP, and related mass timber systems, developing connection details at the steel interface and hardware level, and resolving coordination challenges between design documents and fabrication realities. You manage RFIs, submittals, and construction coordination while staying focused on constructability, tolerances, and erection sequencing.

The expected salary range for this position is $83,000 to $115,000 annually.

*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate's years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field from an accredited institution
• 7+ years of structural engineering experience, with direct hands-on focus on mass timber systems including CLT, glulam, and MPP
• Demonstrated ability to review, interpret, and coordinate mass timber shop drawings and construction documents
• Ability to produce structural calculations for mass timber buildings and develop design drawings and details
• High proficiency in NDS and applicable building codes for mass timber design
• Experience coordinating directly with mass timber fabricators, suppliers, and design-assist teams
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences

• Professional Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain by comity
• Experience with MPP, DLT, NLT, GLT, ADLT, or hybrid timber systems
• Familiarity with Type IV construction requirements
• Familiarity with SDPWS Appendix B
• Experience with Dlubal or equivalent structural analysis software
• BIM coordination workflow experience
• Field experience, including rigging and bracing for mass timber erection
• Vibration analysis and fire/char design exposure

Did you know that some people hold back on applying to jobs if they don't meet 100% of the listed requirements? We don't want you to hold back! If you check most of the qualifications above and believe you could successfully do the work, we encourage you to apply!

• Lead structural design, analysis, and documentation for mass timber projects, including delegated design submittals, EOR assignments, and construction assistance scopes
• Review and coordinate manufacturer shop drawings, ensuring alignment with contract documents, fabrication constraints, and erection sequencing
• Develop and refine connection details for CLT, glulam, MPP, and other mass timber systems, including steel interfaces and hardware specifications
• Collaborate with architects, fabricators, contractors, and manufacturers to resolve coordination challenges and support constructability from design through project closeout
• Manage structural scope, schedule, and budget for assigned projects, including RFIs, submittals, and cost estimate preparation as required
• Mentor junior engineers and BIM staff through technical direction, quality review, and hands-on project involvement
• Support business development by contributing to fee proposals, participating in client relationship management, and representing the firm at mass timber industry events

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers, we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.

At Cushing Terrell, we empower creative designers to discover imaginative, responsible, first-of-their-kind environments. But more than that, we support a strong, cohesive team - from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together, we champion diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - placing people at the center of our practice, thus our tagline, 'design meets you.' Together, we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here, the people we work for, and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: https://cushingterrell.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/CushingTerrell_BenefitsGuide_2026_rev.pdf

*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate's years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.

**Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

***The majority of the time, a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend, stretch, twist, and reach.

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.