Structural Engineer I

Job Description

Job Description

Structural Engineer I

Role Overview & Purpose

Kelaca is seeking a Structural Engineer I for a client partner in Scottsdale, Arizona. This early-career role provides dependable structural engineering support on building-related projects under direct supervision.

The Structural Engineer I applies structural principles, building codes, and materials knowledge to calculations, designs, and documentation that support safe, compliant project outcomes. The role exists to add reliable technical capacity for live project delivery while building junior engineering capability through supervised, hands-on work.

Key responsibilities

• Perform structural engineering calculations and analyses in accordance with applicable codes and standards.

• Support structural design development for building projects, including member sizing, load paths, and connection concepts.

• Create and revise structural drawings, sketches, and details using AutoCAD and Revit.

• Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including calculation packages, design notes, and basic reports.

• Communicate technical information clearly to engineers, drafters, architects, and project stakeholders.

• Follow established engineering procedures, quality standards, and supervision/review processes.

• Support changing project needs, shifting priorities, and other assigned duties as required.

What success looks like

• Accurate technical output: Calculations, designs, and drawings are correct, traceable, and consistent with governing codes and standards.

• Usable documentation: Drawings, details, and reports are clear, complete, and practical for design and construction use.

• Reliable delivery: Work is completed on time, with issues surfaced early and addressed constructively.

• Effective collaboration: Interacts professionally with engineers, drafters, architects, and project staff; responds well to direction and feedback.

• Professional growth: Demonstrates learning over time, increasing independence on routine tasks while maintaining sound judgement and quality.

Knowledge & tools

• Engineering calculations (Expert, must-have): Structural analysis, member sizing, and load path checks to support design decisions.

• Building codes and standards (Expert, must-have): Practical application of relevant building and material codes in day-to-day work.

• AutoCAD (Expert, must-have): Production and revision of structural plans, details, and markups.

• Structural design (Intermediate, must-have): Translating engineering principles into practical building solutions and coordinated deliverables.

• Revit (Intermediate, must-have): Model-based drafting and coordinated documentation within a multi-disciplinary environment.

• Database and supporting software (Intermediate, strong nice-to-have): Tools such as BlueBeam, Deltek Ajera, or similar for markups, document control, and project records.

• Spreadsheet software (Intermediate, strong nice-to-have): Organizing calculations and supporting reports (e.g., Excel, CalcTree or similar).

• Advanced math and reasoning: Applying quantitative methods and structured problem-solving to check and validate work.

Capabilities

• Clear written and verbal communication: Explains technical work in a structured way and documents assumptions and decisions.

• Collaborative, low-ego approach: Works constructively with teammates and accepts review as part of the process.

• Resilience under delivery pressure: Maintains quality under changing deadlines and project demands.

• Comfort with structure and supervision: Operates effectively within defined standards, procedures, and review workflows.

• Balanced independence and coachability: Takes a thoughtful first pass on tasks, incorporates feedback, and improves over time.

• Ownership and growth mindset: Takes responsibility for assigned work, learns from errors, and builds depth in core structural skills.

• Sound judgement and follow-through: Makes careful decisions within established guardrails and sees tasks through to completion.

Operating environment

This is a full-time, onsite role in Scottsdale, Arizona, within a structured engineering environment that emphasizes technical accuracy, code compliance, and clear documentation.

Day-to-day work combines focused individual effort on calculations, drawings, and reports with regular coordination and review. The role operates in a setting with:

• Location: Onsite, with consistent in-person collaboration and established norms.

• Collaboration intensity: Regular coordination with clear ownership of tasks.

• Decision autonomy: Semi-guided; frameworks and standards are defined, with supervisory input on risk and final decisions.

• Pace and cadence: Generally steady, with periodic urgency driven by project deadlines.

• Ambiguity level: Relatively low; priorities, quality criteria, and workflows are typically clear.

• Growth horizon: Progression tied to reliability, quality, and openness to feedback.

Education & qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, with Civil Engineering preferred or a closely related discipline with strong structural content.

• Willingness and readiness to take the Engineering-In-Training (EIT) exam within roughly one year, signalling a path toward licensure.

• Successful completion of a background check.

Behavioral signals & Culture profile

The ideal Structural Engineer I profile reflects:

• Drive for mastery and completion: Takes ownership of assignments, seeks to understand requirements, and closes tasks thoroughly.

• Attention to detail: Checks calculations, drawings, and documentation carefully to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Analytical curiosity: Digs into problems, asks thoughtful questions, and builds understanding through data and technical reasoning.

• Comfort with shifting priorities: Adjusts to changes in deadlines and project scope while maintaining standards.

• Preference for methodical work: Performs best with organized tasks, clear workflows, and consistent expectations.

• Sustained focus: Manages concentrated technical work and intermittent interruptions while moving tasks forward.

• Progressive growth: Takes on more complex analysis and design work as experience and capability increase.

Interfaces

• Structural engineers and Project Managers for direction, technical review, and coordination.

• Drafters and designers for drawing production, markups, and design refinement.

• Architects and other design professionals to align structural solutions with broader project goals.

• Internal project and operations staff for documentation, scheduling, and status updates.

Governance

• Follow all relevant building codes, standards, and regulatory requirements in calculations and design recommendations.

• Adhere to internal quality-control procedures, including appropriate peer review and supervisor sign-off.

• Maintain organized, traceable documentation of calculations, assumptions, and design decisions.

• Uphold professional ethics and company values in all engineering and project activities.

Employee value proposition

This role offers meaningful exposure to live building projects, structured mentorship, and a clear path to deepen structural engineering skills. The Structural Engineer I will:

• Gain hands-on experience across calculations, drafting, analysis, and documentation.

• Receive direct supervision and coaching from more senior engineers, with regular feedback.

• Work in a stable, structured environment where expectations and performance metrics are clear.

• Build toward professional licensure, including preparation for the EIT exam and gradual expansion of responsibility.