Structural Engineering Group Leader — Return Home. Build Something Bigger.
The Opportunity
Have you ever considered building something meaningful in a place that feels like home — with the backing, resources, and technical depth to do it at scale? This role is designed for a seasoned structural engineer who is ready to step into a visible leadership role, help grow a team, expand a market, and help shape the future of KPFF’s presence in the Birmingham area.
You will have the opportunity to lead with purpose: developing client relationships, building a high-performing team, mentoring the next generation of engineers, and helping your office drive the growth of a local practice with the support and strength of a national firm.
Whether you are returning to the Birmingham area, deepening your community roots, or seeking a long-term leadership path closer to the people and place that matter most, this role gives you the room, resources, and support to build something lasting.
What You’ll Do
- With the support of your Team Leader and our Reporting Center Manager, you will help grow KPFF’s structural engineering group in the Birmingham market, expand the office’s local presence, client base, and long-term impact.
- Assist in building, mentoring, and developing a high-performing team of engineers and BIM modelers through technical guidance, career development, delegation, and recruiting support.
- Strengthen and expand client relationships by identifying new opportunities, securing work, and positioning KPFF for continued growth, both locally and nationally.
- Provide technical and project leadership across a range of structural systems, materials, project types, and delivery methods, from early planning through construction.
- Help shape office culture, team processes, and long-term strategy while connecting the Birmingham office with KPFF’s regional and national resources, expertise, and leadership network.
Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering (Masters preferred) OR Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Engineering.
- 8+ years of progressive structural engineering experience, including leadership of complex projects and direct client interaction.
- Minimum 3 years of experience leading teams of three or more engineers.
- Design experience across a wide range of materials, project phases and sectors.
- A collaborative leadership style with a passion for mentoring and growth.
- Experience with client development, relationship management, and business development is preferred, but not required.
Additional Information
- We Also Have Some Pretty Sweet Benefits!
- Generous PTO & Holiday Pay – supporting your wellbeing and rest, including 7 paid holidays, 2 flexible holidays, vacation, and personal/sick time accrual.
- Comprehensive Benefits – 2 healthcare options, dental, vision, FSA/HSA options, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), short and long term disability, life, & ADD insurance.
- Short-Term/Impact Bonus: Impact Bonuses are distributed on a semi-annual basis and are consistent with role, impact and Reporting Center Performance.
- Paid Family Leave: KPFF provides paid time off to help take care of your loved ones.
- Paid Overtime - KPFF pays you for every hour you work. Any hours over 40 can be cashed out monthly or saved for later and used as additional PTO.
- 401(k) with 3% Contribution – KPFF contributes whether you do or not!
- Mentorship – Through KPFF’s Forefront Education Program, you’ll receive unparalleled mentorship from seasoned professionals, empowering you to excel in your career from day one.
- Thrive in a setting that values your development and independence, where your ideas are welcomed, and your contributions make a real impact.
- PDH Budget – KPFF offers a bank of both funds and time to help further your education on an annual basis.
- Paid Exams, Memberships & Educational Opportunities – To help better support our team members, we provide reimbursement for the PE and SE exams, an annual membership budget, and also Reporting Center Wide educational opportunities for PDH hours.
- PE License Renewal – We pay for PE license renewals for 1 state/year.
- Paid Parking – KPFF provides parking or reimbursement for public transit for all team members.
- A fun, collaborative, and inclusive culture that values people first.