Early Career Design Engineer

About KPFF Consulting Engineers

KPFF Consulting Engineers has over 65 years of experience delivering innovative and sustainable engineering solutions that impact the built environment and address complex infrastructure needs. The company supports a collaborative culture focused on well-being, growth, and work-life balance through flexible schedules, comprehensive benefits, and a team-oriented environment.

With a network of 1,500+ professionals spread across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF operates a decentralized model which lets each location pursue projects tailored to their regional strengths. The New York City office is characterized by a dynamic, high-volume workload that spans commercial developments, tenant improvements, renovations, adaptive reuse projects, civic structures, K–12 schools, and retail developments. The office maintains strong relationships with repeat clients and manages consistent project pipelines, offering early-career engineers valuable, hands-on experience.

Job Summary

The role of an Early Career Design Engineer at KPFF’s New York City office in Tribeca offers a unique chance to develop a strong technical foundation in structural engineering while gaining broad exposure to a variety of live projects and their delivery processes. This position allows individuals to advance their capabilities in structural system design and analysis, actively participating in multiple projects simultaneously to accelerate learning and professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support for structural analysis and design tasks for diverse building projects.
• Prepare engineering calculations, detailed reports, and construction documentation.
• Manage involvement across multiple active projects to gain pragmatic experience.
• Create engineering drawings and models using Revit and AutoCAD software.
• Collaborate effectively with architects, contractors, and in-house teams to coordinate project efforts.
• Conduct site visits to monitor construction progress and understand the practical implementation of designs.
• Develop an awareness of how engineering decisions impact project objectives such as schedules, budgets, and client expectations.

Work Environment and Culture

• Engage with a collaborative, supportive team focused on mentorship and skill development.
• Balance hands-on learning opportunities with increasing responsibilities on projects.
• Experience a rapid learning curve within a fast-paced setting involving multiple project types.
• Benefit from direct mentorship aimed at preparing you for independent engineering roles.

Unique Points of the Role

• Gain exposure to a wide array of projects early in your career.
• Obtain practical experience that goes beyond routine design calculations.
• Accelerate professional development through active participation in live projects.
• Clear opportunities for increased accountability and career advancement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
• Experience with structural analysis and design software such as ETABS, SAP2000, RAM, etc.
• Familiarity with Revit and/or AutoCAD tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organization, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Motivation to learn, collaborate, and contribute in a team-oriented environment.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions

• Extended computer use for performing analysis, drafting, and documentation tasks.
• Occasional visits to construction sites requiring mobility on uneven ground.
• Ability to lift light equipment or materials weighing up to approximately 15 pounds.

Additional Information

Why Join KPFF?

• Career Growth and Autonomy: KPFF fosters a culture emphasizing continuous professional development with opportunities for leadership and mentorship.
• Supportive and Flexible Culture: Employees enjoy a balanced, empowering work environment that promotes autonomy and team success.
• Innovative Collaboration: Work alongside passionate professionals in a creative, integrity-driven team setting that encourages innovation and community commitment.

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary range for candidates with 0-3 years of experience typically falls between $80,000 and $95,000, aligned with background and expertise. Performance bonuses are awarded to recognize excellent contributions within each reporting center. Detailed compensation and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

• 401(k) plan with employer contributions irrespective of employee input.
• Selection of two medical insurance plans.
• Dental and vision insurance coverage.
• Health Savings Account with employer contributions.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Life insurance and paid family leave benefits.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid holidays including two floating holidays.
• Paid time off encompassing vacation, sick leave, and jury duty.
• Reimbursement for professional development and licensure fees.

Work Model and Onboarding

KPFF operates a hybrid work schedule with an emphasis on collaboration and mentorship. Team members are expected to spend roughly three days per week in the office, with core collaboration days on Mondays and Thursdays. Onboarding is primarily on-site to facilitate team integration and skills training, typically structured as:

• Month 1: Full-time in office.
• Month 2: Approximately four days per week in office.
• Month 3 and onward: Transition to standard flexible team schedule.

Equal Opportunity and Authorization

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will confirm employment authorization with the federal government. The company proudly provides equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship, disability, or other protected characteristics.