Early Career Design Engineer (0-3 years experience)

Company Description

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For over 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 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths.

Our New York City office reflects this approach in a fast-paced, high-volume environment with a strong and consistent project pipeline. The team works across a diverse mix of projects, including commercial developments, tenant improvements, adaptive reuse and renovation work, as well as select civic, K–12, and retail projects. Much of the work is driven by repeat clients and active project timelines, creating an environment where engineers gain meaningful, real-world experience early and often.

Engineers in our NYC office are not only involved in technical design, but also gain exposure to how projects are delivered, how teams collaborate, and how engineering decisions connect to client needs, budgets, and timelines. It’s an environment designed for those who want to grow quickly, take ownership, and develop into well-rounded engineers.

Learn more at www.kpff.com

Job Description

We are seeking an Early Career Design Engineer to join our New York City team, located in Tribeca. This role is ideal for early-career engineers who want to build a strong technical foundation while gaining broad exposure to real projects and how they are delivered.

You will support the design and analysis of structural systems while working across multiple projects, allowing you to develop both technical skills and practical experience at an accelerated pace. This is an environment where learning happens quickly, and where curiosity, engagement, and a willingness to take on new challenges are highly valued.

What You’ll Do

• Support structural analysis and design for a variety of building projects
• Assist in preparing calculations, reports, and construction documents
• Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously to build real-world experience
• Develop drawings and models using Revit and/or AutoCAD
• Participate in coordination with architects, contractors, and internal teams
• Attend site visits and observe construction to understand how designs are implemented
• Learn how engineering decisions connect to project timelines, budgets, and client needs

How You’ll Work

• Collaborate closely with a supportive, hands-on team
• Balance learning with increasing responsibility on active projects
• Engage in a fast-paced environment with exposure to multiple project types
• Receive mentorship while building toward independent contributions

What Makes This Role Unique

• Exposure to a wide variety of project types early in your career
• Opportunity to gain real-world experience beyond just design calculations
• Faster learning curve through hands-on involvement in active projects
• Clear path toward increased responsibility and professional growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
• EIT certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Exposure to structural analysis/design software (ETABS, SAP2000, RAM, etc.)
• Familiarity with Revit and/or AutoCAD
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Eagerness to learn and grow in a collaborative environment

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Computer-based work for prolonged periods during analysis, drafting, and documentation efforts
• Occasional field visits to construction sites requiring mobility and navigation of uneven terrain
• Light lifting of equipment or materials up to approximately 15 pounds

Additional Information

Why Join KPFF?

• Career Advancement & Professional Freedom: We promote a culture where professional growth and leadership development are continuous. You’ll have opportunities to advance your career while shaping the next generation of engineers through mentorship and collaboration.
• Supportive & Dynamic Work Culture: Enjoy a supportive environment that values balance, autonomy, and long-term career satisfaction. Our flexible model empowers you to lead your projects while contributing to the broader success of the team.
• Innovative, Collaborative Environment: Join a group of engineers who value creativity, integrity, and teamwork. You’ll have the freedom to develop innovative solutions while working alongside professionals who are passionate about their craft and their community.

Compensation

Compensation and Benefits

The base salary for this role is competitive and will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, education, and skills. The expected range for a qualified candidate with 0-3 years of experience is $80,000-$95,000. Additionally, we offer performance-based bonuses to recognize and reward outstanding contributions in each Reporting Center. During the interview process, we’ll provide detailed information and address any questions about the overall compensation package and benefits.

Benefits: We are passionate about supporting our employees through flexible and comprehensive benefits. Our benefits include:

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer contribution (regardless of employee contribution)
• Medical insurance (two plans available to choose from)
• Dental insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life insurance
• KPFF Paid Family Leave
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance
• Paid holidays (including two floating Holidays)
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, jury duty)
• Professional development and licensure fee reimbursement

Work Model

We operate with a flexible work model designed to support collaboration, mentorship, and flexibility across the team. Team members are typically in the office three days per week, with Mondays and Thursdays serving as core in-office collaboration days. During onboarding and training, employees are expected to spend additional time in the office to support learning, team integration, and project coordination.

Typical Onboarding Expectations Include

• Month 1: Primarily in-office
• Month 2: Approximately 4 days in-office
• Month 3+: Transition toward the team’s standard flexible schedule

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.