Professional Engineer, Structural

About the role

At Tkda, a 100% employee-owned engineering firm, you will actually own a piece of every structure you help bring to life, and this role places you at the center of that ownership philosophy. You are being hired to tackle a diverse portfolio of demanding projects, ranging from complex industrial facilities and critical mining structures to educational institutions and commercial developments that define communities. In this position, you will lead multidisciplinary design efforts, acting as the primary structural voice during coordination with Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Architectural teams to ensure seamless integration. You will take ownership of the entire project lifecycle, translating initial client concepts into safe, code-compliant, and constructible structural systems through detailed analysis and design. This role requires you to mentor developing engineers, providing direct supervision and technical guidance that elevates the entire team's capabilities and reinforces the firm's collaborative culture. You will also be a key contributor to business development, crafting compelling proposals and marketing materials that highlight your structural expertise and the firm's innovative solutions. In this capacity, you will build lasting client relationships based on trust, reliability, and a demonstrated commitment to delivering exceptional structural solutions on time and on budget. By joining Tkda, you are choosing to grow your career within a structure where your contributions directly influence the firm's future and your own financial success as an owner.

Key facts

What you'll do

Perform in-depth structural analysis and design for a wide array of projects, including industrial, educational, mining, and commercial sectors, ensuring all solutions meet rigorous safety and performance standards.

Lead complex multidisciplinary coordination sessions, synthesizing input from Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Architectural disciplines to resolve interface issues and advance project deliverables.

Develop comprehensive construction documents and detailed calculations that clearly communicate design intent to contractors, consultants, and clients for seamless project execution.

Mentor junior engineering staff through direct supervision, technical reviews, and constructive feedback, fostering a supportive environment for professional growth and skill development.

Assume ownership of project schedules and budgets, applying expert judgment to manage scope, anticipate challenges, and maintain profitability for the employee-owned firm.

Champion business development initiatives by authoring high-quality proposal narratives, technical marketing content, and client-facing materials that showcase the firm's capabilities.

Cultivate strategic client relationships through consistent communication, proactive problem-solving, and a demonstrated commitment to project success and client satisfaction.

Utilize advanced engineering software and industry-standard methodologies to model structural systems, evaluate alternative solutions, and optimize designs for efficiency and constructability.

Contribute to the firm's growth strategy by identifying new market opportunities, applying creative engineering solutions, and supporting the expansion into new sectors and geographic regions.

Embody the principles of a 100% employee-owned company, actively participating in firm decisions and contributing to a collaborative culture that values ownership, integrity, and excellence.

Serve as the primary technical authority on assigned projects, providing clear, concise, and confident guidance to stakeholders from initial concept through final construction administration.

Drive innovation in structural design by researching new materials, construction techniques, and analysis tools that enhance project value and maintain Tkda's competitive edge.

Support the preparation of competitive proposals by developing technical scopes, estimating structural costs, and outlining implementation strategies that align with client objectives.

Ensure all deliverables adhere to project specifications, contractual obligations, and strict deadlines, maintaining the firm's reputation for reliability and high-quality output.

Requirements

You must be a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Wisconsin or be eligible for licensure upon hire, with a degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.

You must possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field, with a strong background in structural analysis and design principles.

You must have a minimum of 5 years of progressive structural engineering experience, demonstrating your ability to manage complex projects from conception to completion.

You must have proven experience designing structures in at least two of the following categories: industrial facilities, educational buildings, mining structures, or commercial developments.

You must be proficient in the use of structural analysis and design software, such as SAP2000, ETABS, or similar programs, to model and verify complex structural systems.

You must have a thorough understanding of applicable building codes, including the International Building Code (IBC), AISC standards for steel design, and ACI standards for concrete design.

You must be able to obtain and maintain a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, as the position may require local travel within Wisconsin and Minnesota.

You must be authorized to work in the United States and not require sponsorship for employment authorization at this time.

You must demonstrate the ability to lead and mentor less experienced engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative team environment.

You must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, enabling you to effectively interact with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders at all project levels.

You must be capable of managing multiple project responsibilities simultaneously, prioritizing tasks, and meeting firm deadlines in a fast-paced professional setting.

You must have a strong commitment to workplace safety, adhering to all company safety protocols and promoting a safe work environment for all team members.

You must be willing to actively participate in the firm's employee-owned structure, contributing to strategic discussions and embracing the responsibilities that come with ownership.

You must be detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage complex design documents and ensure accuracy in all deliverables.

You must be adaptable and responsive to changing project requirements, demonstrating resilience and flexibility in the face of evolving client needs and technical challenges.

You must maintain a professional demeanor and a positive attitude, representing Tkda with integrity and dedication in all internal and external interactions.

Nice to have

Preferred experience with project delivery methods such as Design-Build or Construction Manager at-Risk.

Familiarity with sustainable design principles and energy-efficient structural systems.

Experience with forensic engineering or failure analysis.

Knowledge of local zoning regulations and municipal review processes in Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Practical notes

This position operates under a hybrid work schedule, requiring presence in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday.

Travel requirements are limited to local client visits and project sites within Wisconsin and Minnesota, with no overnight stays expected as part of standard duties.

Employment eligibility is restricted to candidates who do not require sponsorship for work authorization in the United States.

Candidates must be able to pass a background check as a condition of employment, in accordance with the firm's safety and compliance policies.