Senior Structural Engineer (10+ years)

As a Senior Structural Engineer at Coffman Engineers, your primary responsibilities include conducting structural analysis, designing, and detailing for various commercial and industrial projects. You will collaborate with architects and engineers to ensure high-quality structural drawings, manage project communications, and interface with contractors during construction to guarantee successful project outcomes.

To qualify for the Senior Structural Engineer role at Coffman Engineers, candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in civil or architectural engineering, alongside a Professional Engineer (PE) registration. Additionally, 10 or more years of relevant structural engineering experience, specifically in the design of structural steel and reinforced concrete, is required to ensure success in this position.

Coffman Engineers offers a supportive work environment in Anchorage, AK, where collaboration and shared expertise are encouraged. You can expect a professional office atmosphere focused on individual growth, where you will have opportunities to work on exciting projects and develop your professional skills while enjoying a flexible PTO program and family-friendly policies.

Candidates for the Senior Structural Engineer role at Coffman Engineers are preferably experienced with structural analysis software and familiar with design tools such as AutoCAD and/or Revit. These technical skills enhance your design capabilities and foster collaboration within the engineering team.

Coffman Engineers is celebrated as a great workplace due to its emphasis on employee growth, comprehensive benefits, and a positive culture. The opportunity to engage in diverse and challenging projects alongside talented professionals in a vibrant city is just one of the many reasons to join our team. Plus, we're consistently recognized among the best firms in the industry!

When asked about your experience with structural analysis software, you should provide specific examples of the programs you’ve used, such as SAP2000, RISA, or ETABS. Discuss how you utilized these tools for specific projects, reflecting on the outcomes of your analyses and any compelling solutions you developed to address complex challenges.

Explaining your approach to communication is key. You could talk about your use of regular team meetings, collaborative project management tools, and clear documentation practices. Emphasize your commitment to fostering an open environment where questions and ideas are welcomed, ensuring everyone is aligned towards a successful project outcome.

Discussing your strategies for profitability could include detailed budgeting practices, regular progress checks against project estimates, and efficient resource allocation. Mention how you balance cost control measures with the necessity for high-quality output, showing an understanding of both financial and engineering excellence.

Identify a specific project where challenges arose, detailing the initial issues, your problem-solving strategies, and the resolution. Highlight your technical expertise, your ability to collaborate with different stakeholders, and any positive feedback from clients or team members as a result of your leadership and engineering acumen.

Share examples from your prior roles where you closely liaised with contractors. Highlight your proactive approach to addressing issues during construction and ensuring that designs were executed according to plans, fostering a collaborative atmosphere while maintaining quality and safety standards.

Your answer should reflect your understanding of the integrated design process. Discuss your techniques for early engagement with architects, creating joint workshops, and utilizing collaborative software to streamline communication, thus ensuring that all design aspects align with vision before finalizing structural plans.

A comprehensive response would showcase a variety of structures you’ve designed, such as commercial buildings, bridges, or industrial facilities. Be sure to highlight the complexities involved in each type, alongside how your design methodologies adapted across different projects, demonstrating your range as a Senior Structural Engineer.

Show your commitment to continuous learning by discussing your habits concerning professional development. Mention your memberships in engineering associations, attendance at seminars and workshops, or subscriptions to relevant engineering publications, highlighting how this knowledge translates to your work as a Senior Structural Engineer.

Think of a particular achievement that demonstrates your skill and impact, such as leading a successful project, designing an innovative solution, or receiving recognition from industry peers. Illustrate the significance of this accomplishment and what you learned through the experience.

Discuss your understanding of sustainable engineering practices and how you apply them in your designs. This could include using eco-friendly materials, optimizing energy efficiency, or integrating sustainable site practices. Speak about specific projects where you implemented such strategies and their outcomes.