Entry-Level Protective Design Engineer

• Sub-Discipline:
  Protective Design/Blast Engineering
• Discipline :
  Specialty Engineering

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 over1,400 professionals across 30 offices nationwide
, KPFF’s
decentralized structure
allows each office the
flexibility to pursue projects
aligned with their
regional strengths
. Learn more  .

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.

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, SAP
  2000, 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

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,…