KPFF Consulting Engineers
Entry-Level Protective Design Engineer
KPFF Consulting Engineers, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants
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Company Description At
KPFF Consulting Engineers , we are more than just an
engineering design firm . For
65 years , we have dedicated ourselves to
innovative, sustainable engineering
that shapes the
built environment
and tackles
complex infrastructure challenges . Our
team culture
emphasizes
balance, growth, and well-being , supporting each member’s professional journey with
flexibility, generous benefits,
and a
collaborative approach
to work-life integration. With over
1,400 professionals across 30 offices nationwide , KPFF’s
decentralized structure
allows each office the
flexibility to pursue projects
aligned with their
regional strengths . Learn more at
www.kpff.com .
Job Description As a Protective Design Engineer at KPFF, you’ll join a specialized team with members in San Francisco and Portland dedicated to designing resilient structures that safeguard people and critical infrastructure. You’ll contribute to projects that address both intentional threats and accidental events, developing expertise in areas such as blast engineering, progressive collapse prevention, and hostile vehicle mitigation. For structural engineers eager to apply their skills in both traditional and non-traditional contexts, this position offers the chance to take on impactful projects that strengthen safety and resilience across industries.
What Makes This Role Unique
Engage in analytical, design-focused projects that strengthen your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Take on complex challenges that call for creativity, innovation, and customized solutions.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams where your ideas and contributions directly influence project outcomes.
Contribute to impactful projects across industries including aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, and industrial facilities.
Qualifications
A master’s degree in Structural Engineering, or a closely related program with structural emphasis, is required.
Experience, coursework, or internship exposure to areas such as blast engineering, structural dynamics, progressive collapse, or non-linear analysis.
Familiarity with structural analysis software (ETABS, SAP2000, RISA-3D; LS-DYNA) is a plus. Experience with BIM tools like Revit or AutoCAD is helpful.
Computational modeling/programing (MATLAB, Python or similar) are advantageous.
Curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to approach complex problems with creativity and analytical thinking.
Strong written and verbal skills to work effectively with diverse teams of engineers, architects, contractors, and consultants.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Duties are primarily conducted in a standard office setting, requiring prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer table.
Occasionally may be required to lift objects weighing up to 15 lbs.
Occasionally visiting project and construction sites may involve walking, standing, kneeling, or navigating uneven terrain.
Traveling to project sites or client meetings, which may involve driving or flying.
Compensation The expected salary range for this entry-level role is
$80,000 - $95,000 , aligned with candidates who have recently completed a master’s degree in structural engineering and bring up to three years of internship, research, or early professional experience. Final compensation will also consider education, licensure status, and overall skills. In addition, we offer performance-based bonuses to recognize outstanding contributions. During the interview process, we’ll review the full compensation and benefits package and answer any questions you may have.
Culture And Benefits
Mentorship & Growth: Work closely with engineers who are recognized experts in protective design. Through KPFF’s Forefront Education Program and on-the-job training, you’ll have access to continuous learning, leadership development, and opportunities to advance your career while exploring non-traditional applications of structural engineering.
Strong Connections: Protective design work is highly collaborative—you’ll build lasting relationships within KPFF and across multidisciplinary teams, from architects to contractors to federal partners. Trust, open communication, and teamwork are at the core of our culture.
Supportive Environment: Your well-being matters. We encourage balance, provide resources for a healthy lifestyle, and create opportunities to connect through social activities, professional networks, and community involvement.
Comprehensive Benefits: We’re proud to offer flexible and competitive benefits, including:
Medical Plan Options: Choice of Traditional PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Dental & Vision: Full preventive care, plus coverage for major dental services and vision allowances.
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, plus AD&D.
401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match needed.
Disability Insurance: Short-term 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.
KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
Civil Engineering
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Company Description At
KPFF Consulting Engineers , we are more than just an
engineering design firm . For
65 years , we have dedicated ourselves to
innovative, sustainable engineering
that shapes the
built environment
and tackles
complex infrastructure challenges . Our
team culture
emphasizes
balance, growth, and well-being , supporting each member’s professional journey with
flexibility, generous benefits,
and a
collaborative approach
to work-life integration. With over
1,400 professionals across 30 offices nationwide , KPFF’s
decentralized structure
allows each office the
flexibility to pursue projects
aligned with their
regional strengths . Learn more at
www.kpff.com .
Job Description As a Protective Design Engineer at KPFF, you’ll join a specialized team with members in San Francisco and Portland dedicated to designing resilient structures that safeguard people and critical infrastructure. You’ll contribute to projects that address both intentional threats and accidental events, developing expertise in areas such as blast engineering, progressive collapse prevention, and hostile vehicle mitigation. For structural engineers eager to apply their skills in both traditional and non-traditional contexts, this position offers the chance to take on impactful projects that strengthen safety and resilience across industries.
What Makes This Role Unique
Engage in analytical, design-focused projects that strengthen your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Take on complex challenges that call for creativity, innovation, and customized solutions.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams where your ideas and contributions directly influence project outcomes.
Contribute to impactful projects across industries including aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, and industrial facilities.
Qualifications
A master’s degree in Structural Engineering, or a closely related program with structural emphasis, is required.
Experience, coursework, or internship exposure to areas such as blast engineering, structural dynamics, progressive collapse, or non-linear analysis.
Familiarity with structural analysis software (ETABS, SAP2000, RISA-3D; LS-DYNA) is a plus. Experience with BIM tools like Revit or AutoCAD is helpful.
Computational modeling/programing (MATLAB, Python or similar) are advantageous.
Curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to approach complex problems with creativity and analytical thinking.
Strong written and verbal skills to work effectively with diverse teams of engineers, architects, contractors, and consultants.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Duties are primarily conducted in a standard office setting, requiring prolonged periods of sitting at a desk or computer table.
Occasionally may be required to lift objects weighing up to 15 lbs.
Occasionally visiting project and construction sites may involve walking, standing, kneeling, or navigating uneven terrain.
Traveling to project sites or client meetings, which may involve driving or flying.
Compensation The expected salary range for this entry-level role is
$80,000 - $95,000 , aligned with candidates who have recently completed a master’s degree in structural engineering and bring up to three years of internship, research, or early professional experience. Final compensation will also consider education, licensure status, and overall skills. In addition, we offer performance-based bonuses to recognize outstanding contributions. During the interview process, we’ll review the full compensation and benefits package and answer any questions you may have.
Culture And Benefits
Mentorship & Growth: Work closely with engineers who are recognized experts in protective design. Through KPFF’s Forefront Education Program and on-the-job training, you’ll have access to continuous learning, leadership development, and opportunities to advance your career while exploring non-traditional applications of structural engineering.
Strong Connections: Protective design work is highly collaborative—you’ll build lasting relationships within KPFF and across multidisciplinary teams, from architects to contractors to federal partners. Trust, open communication, and teamwork are at the core of our culture.
Supportive Environment: Your well-being matters. We encourage balance, provide resources for a healthy lifestyle, and create opportunities to connect through social activities, professional networks, and community involvement.
Comprehensive Benefits: We’re proud to offer flexible and competitive benefits, including:
Medical Plan Options: Choice of Traditional PPO or HDHP with HSA, covering preventive care and prescriptions.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Tax-advantaged accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Dental & Vision: Full preventive care, plus coverage for major dental services and vision allowances.
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, plus AD&D.
401(k) Retirement Plan: KPFF contributes 3% of salary, with no match needed.
Disability Insurance: Short-term 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.
KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.
Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
Industries
Civil Engineering
#J-18808-Ljbffr