Structural Project Engineer - Commercial Team at Apex Engineers Inc – Kansas City, Missouri

The Project Engineer I role represents a transition to greater independence and technical leadership in structural engineering projects. This position is responsible for independently managing technical design packages, coordinating across disciplines, and ensuring quality and code compliance, while receiving oversight for overall project direction.

General Expectations for Proficiency

• Be technically self-sufficient on typical structural projects and standard systems
• Coordinate structural design work directly with external team members
• Review and guide work of junior engineers with oversight from senior staff
• Contribute to project delivery efficiency and risk management from a technical perspective
• Take accountability for assigned scope’s alignment with budget and schedule; support project manager proactively.

Core Competency: Structural Analysis & Design

• Ability to independently design and analyze complete structural systems for standard buildings or structural components (gravity and lateral systems)
• Perform advanced structural analysis (e.g., two-way slabs, irregular load paths, cantilevers, load transfer elements)
• Develop and evaluate multiple design solutions to balance cost, constructability, and performance
• Confidently apply seismic and wind load provisions to typical building systems
• Ability to design and check connection details, foundation systems, and load-bearing components independently

Core Competency: Software Proficiency

• Proficient in building and analyzing complex models in structural analysis software (RISA, ETABS, RAM, SAP2000) for small to medium structures
• Troubleshoot and resolve modeling issues independently
• Ability to integrate software outputs with design documentation efficiently
• Strong coordination and overlaying of structural drawings in Revit with other disciplines’ models

Core Competency: Drawing & Documentation Production

• Ability to produce complete, coordinated, and permit-ready drawing sets with minimal review corrections
• Developing and customizing standard structural details for project-specific conditions
• Reviewing shop drawings, RFIs, and submittals independently for routine issues
• Writing clear and technically accurate specifications sections for structural components

Core Competency: Codes & Standards Familiarity

• Independent interpretation and application of structural codes for most design tasks (IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, ACI, NDS, TMS)
• Familiarity with special design criteria (e.g., podium slabs, lateral irregularities, progressive collapse prevention)
• Ability to identify when advanced code provisions or expert input is needed and escalate accordingly
• Capable of evaluating code implications on design decisions independently

Core Competency: Coordination & Communication

• Acting as primary technical coordinator with architects and other consultants for structural scope on small to medium projects
• Representing structural team in meetings with clients and design partners for technical discussions
• Responding independently to technical questions from contractors, fabricators, and review agencies
• Providing input to project managers on technical risks, scope implications, and design options

Core Competency: Quality & Attention to Detail

• Reviewing design work from Design Engineers for technical accuracy and completeness
• Identifying and correcting design inconsistencies, constructability concerns, and coordination gaps proactively
• Performing detailed QA/QC reviews of calculation packages, drawings, and specifications
• Contributing to and upholding firm technical standards and best practices

Core Competency: Field & Construction Exposure

• Leading site visits to observe and document structural construction progress
• Identifying and resolving field issues independently or with minimal senior input
• Reviewing and approving shop drawings for standard structural components without supervision
• Writing field reports and technical memos that are clear, professional, and actionable

Core Competency: Administrative & Project Accountability

• Completes accurate daily timesheets; validates effort against project budgets and scopes.
• Monitors own project hours to remain within budget and communicates potential overruns early to the project manager.
• Reviews task assignments and deadlines independently; prioritizes effectively to meet milestones.
• Provides project managers with feedback regarding progress toward billing milestones or deliverable completion.
• Ensures required administrative documentation (RFIs, submittals, logs) is up to date and complete.
• Supports project tracking tools (task lists, deliverable trackers) under PM guidance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Passed or scheduled to take the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam. - required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred or achieved shortly after promotion.
• 3-6+ years of structural design experience.

Other Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the United States. No sponsorship is available at this time.
• Occasional travel to project sites or client meetings may be required.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record for site visits.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• When in the office: Office setting with occasional visits to construction sites requiring standard personal protective equipment. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds occasionally. Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use computer equipment for extended periods.
• When in the field: Frequent Standing, Walking, and Climbing: Must move around construction sites, including climbing ladders, stairs, or uneven terrain to access various structural elements. Bending, Kneeling, and Reaching: Required when inspecting under structures, within crawlspaces, or overhead components. Manual Dexterity: Handling testing equipment (e.g., slump cones, rebar locators, moisture meters) and recording detailed notes on-site. Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally lift and carry equipment or samples, typically up to 25–50 pounds (e.g., concrete cylinders or testing gear). Visual Acuity: Must be able to detect structural defects, interpret technical drawings, and read measurement tools and labels. Driving: Regular travel between job sites requires the ability to safely operate a vehicle for extended periods."

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary.