Entry-Level Protective Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

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

We’re looking for early-career structural engineers who are excited to grow in the specialized field of protective design. The qualities and experiences that will set you up for success in this role include :

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Additional Information

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

At KPFF, your career growth and well-being matter. In the Protective Design group, you’ll be part of a collaborative, specialized team where your work directly contributes to projects that protect people and critical infrastructure. We value autonomy, innovation, and teamwork, and we’re committed to helping early-career engineers develop into leaders in this unique field.

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.