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:

• 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.

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.

• 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.