Senior Structural Project Engineer

About the role

We’re hiring a Senior Structural Project Engineer to support and grow our Austin, Texas team. This senior-level role is ideal for a licensed structural engineer ready to lead complex building design projects, deepen client relationships, and contribute to the continued expansion of KPFF’s presence across Central Texas and surrounding markets.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical and client-facing lead on structural projects, ensuring strong relationships and successful delivery.
• Lead project execution from schematic design through construction administration, managing schedules, budgets, quality standards, and team performance.
• Oversee and review structural analysis and design for steel, concrete, wood, and masonry building systems.
• Direct preparation of construction documents including calculations, drawings, specifications, and design narratives.
• Collaborate with architects, MEP consultants, contractors, fabricators, and specialty structural reviewers.
• Coordinate closely with teams in both Austin and San Diego, supporting projects across markets as part of our integrated reporting center structure.
• Navigate Texas jurisdictional approval processes and building code compliance, including:
• International Building Code (IBC) and local amendments
• City of Austin Development Services Department
• Special inspections and threshold building coordination
• Provide construction-phase support including shop drawing review, RFIs, site observations, and field coordination.
• Support business development efforts including proposals, interviews, and cultivating relationships with local clients and design partners.
• Mentor and develop engineers and designers, fostering both technical excellence and leadership growth.
• Represent KPFF in industry organizations and local professional groups, contributing to the visibility and reputation of the Austin team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Structural Engineering or Civil Engineering with structural emphasis (Master’s preferred).
• PE license required.
• 8+ years of structural engineering experience, primarily focused on building design.
• Proven experience managing multi-discipline building projects and coordinating consultant teams.
• Strong working knowledge of steel, concrete, wood, and masonry design.
• Experience applying national codes and standards including IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, ACI, NDS, and TMS specifications.
• Proficiency with structural analysis and design tools such as ETABS, RAM, RISA, SAFE, and project coordination platforms, with working familiarity drafting tools used by production teams.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities with experience mentoring staff engineers.
• Effective communicator with strong organizational and client-facing skills.
• Ability to work in the Austin office at least three days per week under the hybrid work model.

Additional Information

• Physical Demands: Work is primarily performed in a standard office setting with long periods of work at a computer. Occasional lifting of items up to 15 pounds. Visits to construction sites may involve walking, standing, climbing stairs or ladders, navigating uneven surfaces, or exposure to weather. Local travel may be required for project meetings, observations, or client visits.
• Compensation: The expected salary range for this position is $100,000 - $140,000 with candidates who have at least 8 years of experience, proven project management skills, and business development success. Final compensation will also consider education, licensure, and overall skills. We also provide performance-based bonuses to recognize outstanding contributions.
• Culture and Benefits: At KPFF, your career growth and well-being matter. We offer a supportive environment that values autonomy, innovation, and teamwork. Here, your contributions are celebrated, your ideas are welcomed, and your career has room to grow.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We’re proud to offer flexible and competitive benefits, including:
• Medical Plan Options: PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Dental & Vision: Full preventive care plus coverage for major services.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for personal, family, and work challenges.
• Life & AD&D Insurance: Company-provided life insurance equal to one year’s salary.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match required.
• Disability Insurance: Short- and long-term coverage at 60% income, fully covered by KPFF.
• Paid Time Off: Generous PTO, two floating holidays, and paid company holidays.
• Paid Family Leave: Six weeks at 60% pay, with options to use PTO for full income.
• Engineering License Support: Fee renewals, plus financial assistance for PE license applications and exams.