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Structural Engineering Jobs in Yakima, WA (NOW HIRING)

Structural Engineering information

See Yakima, WA salary details

$50.1K

$99.6K

$152.4K

How much do structural engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural engineering 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 is structural engineering?

Structural engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and ensuring the safety and stability of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Structural engineers work to make sure that structures can withstand the loads and forces they encounter, such as gravity, wind, earthquakes, and human use. Their work involves selecting appropriate materials, creating blueprints, and sometimes inspecting construction sites to ensure compliance with design specifications. Structural engineering plays a vital role in the safety and durability of the built environment.

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 grasp of engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, usually backed by a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and relevant licensure (such as a PE license). Proficiency in structural analysis software (like SAP2000, ETABS, or AutoCAD) and familiarity with building codes are essential technical requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients. These skills ensure the safety, stability, and efficiency of structures while facilitating teamwork and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges structural engineers face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Structural engineers often collaborate closely with architects, civil engineers, and construction teams on multidisciplinary projects. One common challenge is aligning structural requirements with architectural aesthetics and project budgets without compromising safety or functionality. Effective communication and early involvement in the design process are key to resolving conflicts and ensuring structural integrity. Additionally, adapting to changing project scopes and coordinating with multiple stakeholders can require strong project management and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Structural Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectStructural EngineeringCivil Engineering
CredentialsRequires a bachelor's degree in structural or civil engineering, PE license often preferredRequires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing and analyzing structural systems for buildings, bridges, and towersEncompasses a broader range of infrastructure projects including roads, water systems, and urban planning
Industry UsageSpecialized within construction, architecture, and engineering firmsUsed across construction, transportation, urban development, and environmental sectors

Structural engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on designing and analyzing structures to ensure safety and stability. Civil engineering covers a broader scope of infrastructure projects. While structural engineers concentrate on the integrity of individual structures, civil engineers handle a wide range of infrastructure systems. Both roles often require similar credentials and work environments, but their project focus and scope differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Structural Engineering jobs in Yakima, WA? For Structural Engineering jobs in Yakima, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Engineering jobs in Yakima, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Engineering jobs in Yakima, WA are:
What cities near Yakima, WA are hiring for Structural Engineering jobs? Cities near Yakima, WA with the most Structural Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Structural Engineering job openings in Yakima, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% 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

$105K - $136K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

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.