Principal Structural Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee

Company Description

Who We Are

At KPFF, we believe great engineering starts with great people. As a nationally recognized, employee-owned engineering firm, we deliver impactful projects across the country while staying deeply connected to the communities we serve.

Our Nashville team offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to continue building an established career close to home while working on innovative, high-profile projects nationwide. Whether you are looking to return to Nashville, deepen your local roots, or take the next step in your leadership journey, KPFF offers the reach and technical depth of a national firm with the culture and flexibility of a local team.

At KPFF, careers are shaped by initiative, mentorship, and leadership, not rigid corporate ladders. We invest heavily in developing future leaders through hands-on mentorship, technical collaboration, and opportunities to grow your career in the direction that matters most to you.

Job Description

The Opportunity

KPFF is seeking an experienced, growth-oriented Senior Structural Engineer to join our expanding Nashville office. This is an opportunity to continue building an established career while helping shape the future of a growing team and practice.

In this role, you will lead a diverse portfolio of structural projects from concept through construction, establish and help maintain existing client relationships, and collaborate with our engineers and BIM professionals across KPFF. Supported by local and national leadership, you will contribute to impactful work both locally and nationally while having the autonomy to grow your career in the direction that matters most to you, whether that is technical leadership, project management, mentorship, or business development.

At KPFF, we believe careers are built through opportunity, collaboration, and trust — not rigid corporate ladders. We invest heavily in mentorship and leadership development, creating an environment where engineers can grow professionally while maintaining meaningful work-life integration.

What You’ll Do

In this senior-level structural engineering role, you will:

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of structural engineering projects from concept through construction
• Manage project scope, schedule, budgets, and team resources
• Serve as a technical leader and mentor for engineers and BIM professionals
• Collaborate closely with clients, architects, contractors, and internal teams to deliver high-quality solutions
• Oversee engineering calculations, drawings, specifications, and reports
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes and industry standards
• Participate in structural assessments, feasibility studies, and site investigations, as needed
• Help foster a collaborative, mentorship-driven culture focused on technical excellence and long-term growth
• Support KPFF’s vision of building strong teams, exceptional client relationships, and impactful engineering solutions

Qualifications

Professional Background

• Possession of a Professional Engineer (PE) license is required. Structural Engineer (SE) license preferred
• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering, Masters preferred
• 8 or more years of progressive structural engineering experience, including leadership of complex projects and direct client interaction
• A strong background in project management, working alongside owners, contractors, and other engineering disciplines
• Proficiency with structural analysis and design software such as ETABS, RAM, and RISA 3D
• Working knowledge of IBC, ASCE, ACI, and AISC design standards
• A collaborative mindset with a passion for leadership, mentorship, and business growth
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Additional Information

We Also Have Some Pretty Sweet Benefits!

At KPFF, we believe your growth goes beyond project work. We invest in every team member’s personal and professional development by offering generous paid time off to recharge, regular career check-ins to align goals and growth opportunities, and paid educational programs to support licensure and lifelong learning. Your success matters here — and we provide the time, resources, and mentorship to help you thrive.

• Generous PTO & Holiday Pay – supporting your wellbeing and rest, including 2 flexible holidays.
• Comprehensive Benefits – 2 healthcare options, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), short- and long-term disability, life & ADD insurance.
• Short-Term/Impact Bonus: Impact Bonuses are distributed on a semi-annual basis and are consistent with role, impact and Reporting Center Performance.
• Paid Family Leave: KPFF provides paid time off to help take care of your loved ones.
• Paid Overtime - KPFF pays you for every hour you work and gives you the option to “bank” your time for later use as vacation or to be paid out once a month.
• 401(k) with 3% Contribution – KPFF contributes whether you do or not!
• Mentorship & Technical Excellence Programs – Through KPFF’s Forefront Education Program, you’ll receive unparalleled mentorship from seasoned professionals, empowering you to excel in your career from day one. Thrive in a setting that values your development and independence, where your ideas are welcomed, and your contributions make a real impact.
• PDH Budget – KPFF offers a bank of both funds and time to help further your education on an annual basis.
• Paid Exams, Memberships & Educational Opportunities – To help better support our team members, we provide reimbursement for the PE and SE exams, an annual membership budget, and also Reporting Center Wide educational opportunities for PDH hours.
• PE License Renewal – We pay for PE license renewals for 1 state/year.
• Flexible scheduling - core hours of collaboration are 8:30-4:30 PM.
• Paid Parking – KPFF provides parking or reimbursement for public transit for all team members.
• A fun, collaborative, and inclusive culture that values people first.

Physical and Work Environment:

• Work is typically conducted in an office setting, with frequent use of a computer.
• Occasional lifting up to 15 lbs.

KPFF Consulting Engineers participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

KPFF Consulting Engineers is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, religion, marital status, sex/gender (including sexual orientation or gender identity), pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, or any other protected basis.