Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
DL
Dreamcolor Land Development
Structural Engineer - Real Estate Development
Career Insights for Structural Engineer
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Virginia data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Structural Engineer designs and analyzes engineering and construction projects to ensure they are safe and structurally sound. They often specialize in particular types of structures, such as buildings, bridges, pipelines, industrial, tunnels, vehicles, ships, aircraft, or spacecraft.
$109,737 / year median in Virginia
+10% projected growth
Job Description
Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Licensed Structural Engineer (PE) to join our in-house development and construction team. This position will provide structural engineering expertise throughout the full real estate development lifecycle, including property acquisition and due diligence, feasibility, design, permitting, construction, renovation, and project completion. The ideal candidate combines strong technical structural engineering capabilities with a practical understanding of construction and real estate development. The engineer will work closely with ownership, architects, civil and MEP engineers, contractors, consultants, and government agencies to develop practical, safe, constructible, and cost-effective structural solutions. Candidates must hold an active Professional Engineer (PE) license and be legally authorized to sign and seal structural engineering drawings and calculations in the jurisdictions where the company operates, or be able to obtain the necessary reciprocal licensure. Key ResponsibilitiesStructural Design & Engineering Perform structural analysis and design for new construction, renovations, additions, adaptive reuse projects, and existing buildings. Design and evaluate structural systems utilizing structural steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, wood, and other building materials. Design and review foundations, slabs, columns, beams, load-bearing walls, retaining walls, framing systems, and other structural components. Prepare structural calculations, drawings, details, specifications, reports, and supporting documentation. Develop practical structural solutions that balance structural performance, constructability, cost, schedule, and architectural requirements. Evaluate alternative structural systems during early project planning to determine the most appropriate and cost-effective approach. Construction Documents & Professional Sealing Prepare and/or oversee the preparation of structural permit and construction drawings. Review structural documents for technical accuracy, code compliance, coordination, constructability, and completeness. Sign and seal structural drawings, calculations, reports, and other engineering documents when required and when professionally responsible for the work, in accordance with applicable licensing laws and professional standards. Coordinate structural drawings with architectural, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and other project documents. Respond to building department and third-party plan review comments related to structural engineering. Development Feasibility & Due Diligence Assist the development and acquisition teams in evaluating existing buildings and potential development sites. Conduct structural assessments of existing properties to identify deficiencies, deterioration, damage, or potential structural concerns. Evaluate the feasibility of additions, expansions, vertical additions, change-of-use projects, renovations, and building modifications. Assess whether existing structures can accommodate proposed development plans or additional loading. Identify potential structural risks and significant capital requirements during property due diligence. Provide preliminary structural concepts and recommendations to assist with project budgeting and acquisition decisions. Existing Building & Renovation Projects Investigate existing structural conditions through field observations, available drawings, testing reports, and other documentation. Evaluate structural damage, cracking, settlement, deterioration, water-related damage, and other structural conditions. Develop repair, reinforcement, modification, and strengthening solutions. Evaluate proposed openings, equipment loads, rooftop equipment, structural modifications, and other changes to existing buildings. Prepare structural assessment reports and recommendations when required. Development & Construction Coordination Work closely with the company's development, architectural, and construction teams from initial feasibility through project completion. Participate in design development, value engineering, budgeting, bidding, and contractor coordination. Review structural shop drawings, submittals, RFIs, substitutions, delegated designs, and proposed field modifications. Conduct site visits during construction to observe structural work and general conformance with the design documents. Assist in resolving unforeseen field conditions and structural issues encountered during construction. Review proposed contractor solutions and provide timely engineering recommendations. Participate in punch-list, closeout, and other project completion activities. Consultant & Project Management Coordinate and manage outside structural engineers and specialty engineering consultants when appropriate. Review structural drawings and calculations prepared by outside consultants on behalf of ownership. Review consultant proposals, scopes of work, schedules, and deliverables. Coordinate structural engineering requirements with architects, civil engineers, MEP engineers, geotechnical engineers, contractors, and other project participants. Help establish internal structural standards, typical details, specifications, and engineering best practices for the company's projects. Required Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Active Professional Engineer (PE) license in good standing. Ability to sign and seal structural engineering drawings and calculations in the jurisdiction(s) where the company develops projects, or ability to obtain reciprocal licensure. Approximately 5+ years of structural engineering experience , preferably involving commercial, multifamily, mixed-use, residential, retail, or similar building projects. Strong knowledge of structural analysis, design, and detailing. Strong knowledge of applicable building codes and structural design standards. Experience preparing structural calculations, permit drawings, construction documents, and technical reports. Experience designing with structural steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, and/or wood. Strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, and constructability. Ability to perform field investigations and evaluate existing structural conditions. Ability to independently identify structural issues and develop practical solutions. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Preferred Qualifications PE license in Virginia, Maryland, and/or Washington, D.C. , depending on the company's project locations. Structural Engineer (SE) license or advanced structural engineering credentials where applicable. Experience working directly for a real estate developer, owner, design-build firm, general contractor, or construction company. Experience with both new construction and existing-building renovations . Experience with multifamily, mixed-use, commercial, retail, office, industrial, or residential projects. Experience performing structural due diligence and existing-building assessments. Experience with value engineering and evaluating alternative structural systems based on construction cost. Familiarity with structural analysis and design software such as
ETABS, SAP2000, RAM
Structural System, RISA, or similar programs. AutoCAD and/or Revit experience. Familiarity with Bluebeam and construction/project management software. Experience working directly with building departments, plan reviewers, contractors, and inspectors. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a technically strong structural engineer who also understands the practical realities of real estate development and construction . We are looking for someone who can move comfortably between detailed structural engineering and broader development decisions—from evaluating a building before acquisition, to determining the most economical structural system for a new development, to reviewing drawings, to visiting a construction site and developing solutions for unexpected field conditions. The successful candidate will understand that structural engineering decisions affect not only safety and performance but also construction cost, schedule, architectural design, usable space, and overall project feasibility . This position provides an opportunity for a licensed engineer to work directly with ownership and have meaningful involvement throughout the entire development process—from acquisition and feasibility through engineering, permitting, construction, and project completion.Pay:
$70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per yearBenefits:
Paid time offWork Location:
In personBenefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Dental Insurance