Residential Design Engineer

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Design Engineer to join our Loudoun team and support the structural design of custom high-end residential projects. This is an opportunity to work on unique award-winning projects with some of the most acclaimed architects in the area. Careful detailing, creative problem-solving, and one-of-a-kind engineering solutions are essential.

You will contribute to projects from concept design through construction by preparing calculations and drawings, and coordinate closely with our in-staff engineers, BIM designers, architects, and contractors. The role is well suited to an engineer who wants hands-on technical work, values collaboration, and is excited to grow their expertise in residential structural design.

About Bennett & Pless

For more than 60 years, Bennett & Pless has delivered structural engineering solutions across a wide range of markets, including manufacturing, industrial, commercial, education, public, and adaptive reuse. With offices across the Southeast and Midwest, we combine the resources of a growing firm with a collaborative culture, technical excellence, and a commitment to developing our people. 

What You’ll Do

• Design and analyze structural systems for high-end custom residential projects, including new homes, renovations, and additions.
• Apply residential building codes and wood-design standards.
• Use design software (Forte, Enercalc, RISA-3D, etc.) to design wood, steel and concrete systems.
• Prepare calculation packages, drawings, details, and technical documentation.
• Use Revit to along with a drafting team to create coordinated construction documents.
• Coordinate with Senior engineers, BIM designers, and Residential design team members to resolve unique design conditions and deliver practical, buildable solutions.
• Review shop drawings, respond to RFI’s, and support construction administration and site visits.
• Participate actively in team meetings, design reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions that strengthen technical skills across the group.
• Work with increasing independence while seeking input, sharing ideas, and contributing to the team’s quality standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil/structural engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of structural engineering experience.
• Experience with residential building codes and wood design, including IRC and NDS.
• Working knowledge of structural calculations and connection design for wood framing.
• Basic Revit proficiency, including the ability to modify projects after initial setup by a BIM designer.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to contribute both independently and collaboratively. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing high-end or custom residential structures.
• Experience with Forte, RISA-3D, Enercalc, or similar structural analysis and wood-design software.
• Familiarity with steel, CMU, and concrete wall, footing and beam design in residential applications.
• Basic understanding of AI tools and their application to structural engineering workflows, with an interest in advancing Bennett & Pless’ use of AI to advance structural engineering.
• Plan for progress toward professional licensure.

Why Join Bennett & Pless

We believe growth and culture go hand in hand. 

As Bennett & Pless continues to grow, experienced engineers have opportunities to expand their influence, build lasting client relationships, and help shape the future of the organization. We invest in our people through meaningful work, mentoring, technical development, leadership opportunities, and a collaborative culture where people are encouraged to learn, contribute, and succeed together. 

Benefits & Flexibility

• Competitive salary with annual performance-based bonus opportunities 
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage 
• 401(k) matching 
• Paid time off and paid parental leave 
• Flexible schedules 
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Wellness allowance 
• Career and leadership development opportunities 

If you're looking for an opportunity to lead meaningful projects, continue growing professionally, and make an impact within a growing firm, we'd love to hear from you.

Bennett & Pless is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment and we prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.