Structural Project Engineer, Santa Monica or Sacramento, CA

HGA is a nationally recognized architecture, engineering, and planning firm seeking a creative and driven Structural Project Engineer to join our collaborative team in either our Santa Monica or Sacramento office. We’re looking for a design-oriented, technically proficient individual who thrives in a team-focused, interdisciplinary environment.

In this role, you’ll contribute to innovative, high-impact projects across a wide range of building types. You’ll help solve complex structural challenges with thoughtful, forward-thinking solutions that support our commitment to design excellence, performance, and sustainability. 

We believe great design and great engineering go hand in hand. We foster a collaborative culture where curiosity, creativity, and diverse perspectives lead to meaningful impact—for our clients, our communities, and each other.

HGA supports continuous learning and professional growth by encouraging our engineers to work across multiple market sectors, including: cutting-edge laboratories; world-class healthcare; facilities; academic campuses and performance venues; museums, civic buildings, and corporate headquarters.

We are deeply committed to advancing sustainability, not only by meeting our clients’ goals, but by helping to lead the industry forward. Through ongoing research and innovation, we aim to move beyond net-zero energy toward net-positive performance and significant reductions in embodied carbon, supported by our active participation in the SE 2050 Challenge.

As the demand for sustainable, high-performance environments continues to grow, we prioritize data-driven design strategies that deliver measurable results. Our goal is to create buildings that perform better, last longer, and give back to our clients, our communities, and planet.

1. lead structural engineering design efforts on diverse building projects;
2. collaborate closely with architects and engineers across disciplines;
3. be responsible for planning, coordinating, mentoring, and assigning engineering tasks to other structural engineers on the team and contribute to team development;
4. oversee structural personnel workplans for multiple projects and develop fees for new services and marketing proposals;
5. keep the design team Project Manager informed of structural progress and communicate any changes in project schedule, services, and scope;
6. perform structural analysis, calculations, design and detailing of various building framing and foundation systems, in a variety of material types, and in accordance with applicable codes;
7. be responsible for the development and completion of project structural drawings and construction documents;
8. function as the primary structural engineering contact during the construction administration phase, including attending coordination meetings, reviewing shop drawing submittals, responding to RFIs and field inquiries, and conducting site visits for structural observation and field reports;
9. collaborate with structural engineers across offices through virtual teaming, knowledge sharing, and cross-office project support to address structural design needs and foster continuous learning and consistency firm-wide; and
10. participate in construction administration and site observations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an accredited university; Master’s degree preferred
• 8-10 years of experience in the structural design and analysis of steel, concrete, masonry, and wood building structures, with a focus on laboratory, healthcare, corporate, commercial, and educational facilities
• Licensed Professional Engineering (PE) and Licensed Structural Engineer (SE) in state of California required
• Extensive knowledge of California Building Code (CBC), ASCE 7 & ASCE 41, ASIC, ACI, NDS, and other applicable codes and standards
• Proficient in the use of structural analysis and design software such as ETABS, SAP, SAFE, RAM, RISA, Enercalc, or similar software
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a strong willingness to take initiative and embrace new challenges
• Effective at collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, consultants, and clients, to develop integrated design solutions
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to lead client meetings and present technical concepts clearly
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, schedules, and deliverable concurrently
• A passion for creating innovative and enduring design solutions
• Ability to work effectively with diverse personalities and adapt to varying management styles

The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $100,700 - $131,400 depending on qualifications and experience level.

At HGA, you’ll do the best work of your career. We design with impact by diving deep into the people and passions that shape every place. Empathy fuels us, curiosity drives us, and meaningful work leads to innovation. We celebrate individuality, embrace flexibility, and thrive together in the office three days a week.

Join our nationally recognized, award-winning team of architects, engineers, and interior designers — help us shape what’s next.

Learn more about us here.

Application Requirements & Instructions
Please submit resume for consideration.