Early Career Structural (Buildings) Engineer

WSP is seeking a Full-Time Early Career Structural (Buildings) Engineer to work out of Denver, CO; Seattle, WA; Tacoma, WA; Portland, OR; or Virginia Beach, VA. This role supports our Federal Programs AEC Team on structural engineering projects for federal, defense, and public-sector clients.

About the role

The position is ideal for an early-career engineer seeking broad technical exposure, direct mentorship, and experience contributing to real projects from design through construction-phase support. Our Federal Programs Team includes highly motivated engineers, architects, and interior designers working across the U.S. and internationally. Major clients include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Postal Service, and U.S. National Park Service.

Our structural team focuses on practical, technically meaningful facilities for federal, defense, and public-sector clients. The work is mission-focused, technically varied, and grounded in real operational needs, with constraints related to security, budgets, schedule, constructability, and multidisciplinary coordination. This role offers exposure to structural design, renovations, foundations, equipment support, seismic design, and other specialized project requirements while developing engineering judgment through mentorship and hands-on project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop engineering judgment through mentorship, design reviews, interdisciplinary coordination, and exposure to multiple project phases.
• Assist with the structural analysis and design of new and existing buildings under the supervision of experienced engineers, including gravity and lateral systems, foundations, and steel, concrete, masonry, and wood structural components.
• Assist with developing structural drawings, specifications, calculations, and design documentation using site observations, existing-condition information, geotechnical reports, and other project data.
• Perform routine structural calculations and use engineering software to evaluate building loads, analyze structural systems, and design members and connections in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and project criteria.
• Assist with developing structural design concepts, selecting appropriate structural systems and materials, and coordinating structural requirements with architectural, civil, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection disciplines.
• Prepare complete, accurate, and concise structural calculations, design drawings, specifications, reports, and building information models using applicable engineering and drafting software.
• Participate in site visits and construction-phase services, including documenting existing conditions and construction progress, reviewing submittals, and assisting with responses to requests for information, while complying with applicable safety requirements and site-specific procedures.
• Complete required company, safety, and project-specific training.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or equivalent.
• 0 to 1 year of relevant structural engineering experience, including internship or co-op.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to research codes, standards, design criteria, and project requirements.
• Basic familiarity with structural building codes and design standards.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
• Basic familiarity with structural analysis, design, drafting, or modeling software such as RISA-3D, ETABS, SAP2000, RAM Concept, SAFE, Revit, or AutoCAD.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
• Ability to work in the United States immediately.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, or equivalent.
• Engineer-in-Training certification, or ability to obtain within a reasonable period after hire.
• Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
• Membership and/or active participation in local professional practice organizations.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include:

• Coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life.
• Retirement savings.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid vacation (or other personal time).
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Pay

Expected Salary (all locations except Colorado): $63,800 - $100,000

Expected Salary (Colorado only): $68,200 - $93,800

WSP USA provides the compensation range based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. We design lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper. WSP offers a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs.