Residential Design Engineer

BPL Enclosure • Countryside, VA

5d

About The Position

Bennett & Pless is seeking a Design Engineer to support the structural design of custom, high-end residential projects on its Loudoun team. The engineer will contribute from concept design through construction, preparing calculations and drawings and coordinating with in-staff engineers, BIM designers, architects, and contractors. The role involves hands-on technical work, collaboration, and continued development in residential structural design.

The engineer will design and analyze structural systems for custom homes, renovations, and additions; apply residential building codes and wood-design standards; and use structural design software for wood, steel, and concrete systems. The position also supports coordinated construction documentation, shop drawing reviews, responses to RFIs, construction administration, and site visits. The engineer is expected to work with increasing independence while contributing to team design reviews, knowledge sharing, and quality standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil/structural engineering or a related field.
• At least 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 independently and collaboratively.

Nice To Haves

• 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 in structural engineering.
• Plan for progress toward professional licensure.

Responsibilities

• 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 such as Forte, Enercalc, and RISA-3D to design wood, steel, and concrete systems.
• Prepare calculation packages, drawings, details, and technical documentation.
• Work with a drafting team in Revit 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 RFIs, and support construction administration and site visits.
• Participate in team meetings, design reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Work with increasing independence while seeking input, sharing ideas, and contributing to team quality standards.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level