Lead Structural Engineer

Lead Structural Engineer

Salary

$146,254.24 - $161,480.08 Annually

Location

Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA

Job Type

Regular

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-00341

Department

Development Services

Division

DS Building Review

Opening Date

11/03/2026

Closing Date

11/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

TEAMSH

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

The City of Bellevue is currently seeking a Lead Structural Engineer who has experience reviewing complex structural plans, has an understanding of Bellevue's structural policies, and has collaboration and problem-solving skills. Development Services is a multi-department line of business that offers one-stop shopping for general information and the permits needed for development activity in Bellevue. We are code compliance officers, engineers, finance analysts, inspectors, planners, plans examiners, permit technicians, and support staff from the Development Services, Fire, Transportation, and Utilities departments. As a Lead Structural Engineer, you will review and evaluate structural building designs to ensure the proposed construction complies with local, state and national codes, work with the Building Official to draft policies and code interpretations relating to structural code, and provide technical structural engineering leadership within the building division.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide code interpretations regarding the structural requirements of the codes, in conjunction with the Building Official.
• Draft interpretations and procedures related to structural design and review, in conjunction with the Building Official.
• Identifies and provides training and mentoring to other engineering staff, review, or inspection team members. Provides feedback to supervisor on performance and training needs.
• Review a full range of construction documents for the most complex high-rise buildings and other complex engineering and structural systems to assess conformance with engineering principles, applicable city and state building codes, and technical standards.
• Provide technical expertise and advice to the building official, supervisors, and staff.
• Identify and resolve technical building code problems, using considerable engineering judgment to interpret and apply a variety of rules, codes, and regulations; may include assessment of any design or method of construction not specifically prescribed in the codes and technical standards
• Assists in the development of city policies and ordinances related to building codes and structural standards. In conjunction with the Building Official, acts as the technical expert and has decision making authority relating to structural review policy.
• Research and respond to a wide range of public inquiries, problems, or complaints including those regarding difficult aspects of construction and related codes
• Provide project management for the most complex projects, including participation in pre-application conferences, collaboration with the applicant through the predevelopment services phase, and coordination throughout permit processes; may include coordination and participation in peer review processes
• Maintain awareness of new trends and developments in building materials, structural components and systems, and complex technical developments. Incorporate new developments into City policies as appropriate.
• May act as a representative of the Building Division in public forums, presenting technical information and advocating for the Divisions interests.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

• Works under general supervision
• May lead external consultants and staff as assigned.
• May serve as acting supervisor in their absence.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies

• Thorough knowledge of building codes, structural design standards, and construction practices
• Comprehensive knowledge of structural engineering principles and their application to building design, construction, and inspections
• Knowledge and experience in seismic design of buildings and structures in high seismic risk categories
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative and independent judgment, problem-solving and decision making within the scope of assigned authority.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with contractors, developers, architects, engineers, owners, and the general public
• Ability to train and assist other staff in the consistent application and interpretation of codes, standards, and policies
• Ability to work effectively in team environments and act as a liaison to other departments
• Ability to review challenging engineering calculations, plans, designs, and specifications
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
• Ability to prioritize assignments and work on numerous projects simultaneously
• Ability to listen, respectfully express differences of opinion, and resolve conflicts
• Ability to communicate technical matters to non-technical individuals

Education, Experience, and Other Requirements

• Bachelors degree in civil engineering, or related field from an ABET accredited college or university.
• Eight or more years of experience in the field of structural engineering
• Three or more years of experience in structural plan review or structural code enforcement with a government agency.
• OR any combination of education, experience, and training that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Washington State Structural Engineering license
• ICC Building Plans Examiner certification
• Valid Washington State drivers license

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves moving, communicating, operating objects, tools, or controls and reaching.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office or moderately loud when in the field.
• Work may periodically require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
• The employee may be required to work in outside weather conditions, in wet and/or humid conditions, in high, precarious places, near moving mechanical parts, near fumes, airborne particles, and/or toxic or caustic chemicals, or near risk of electrical shock and/or vibration.

Flexible/Hybrid Working:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to departments operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

This is a full-time, union position represented by Teamsters Local 763: 206-441-0763.

HIRING PROCESS

The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf

For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.

Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.

The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:

Medical

Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the Citys self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).

Dental

Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.

Vision

Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:

More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/cityofbellevue

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the Citys non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

01

APPLICANT NOTICE: Your answers below will be used to review this application. The experience listed here MUST match the work history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, you may edit your application before submitting. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above" in your answers below and we do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application.

• I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed in Civil Engineering or a closely related field from an ABET accredited college or university?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above

03

How many years of experience do you have in the field of structural engineering?

• No related experience
• Less that 5 years of experience
• 5-8 years of experience
• 8-10 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience

04

How many years of experience do you have doing structural plan review for or structural code enforcement for a government agency?

• No related experience
• Less that 1 year of experience
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

05

Do you have an active Structural Engineering license with Washington State?

• Yes
• No

06

How many years of experience do you have doing structural plan review of high-rise structures?

• No related experience
• Less that 1 year of experience
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

07

The City of Bellevue is a hybrid workplace. This is a Washington State job, and candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of City Hall and be onsite in Bellevue at least 2 day(s) per week.

• Yes, I am interested in hybrid schedule and available to be onsite 2 or more days per week.
• No, I am interested in fully remote position.

Required Question

Employer City of Bellevue

Address PO Box 90012

Bellevue, Washington, 98009

Website http://www.bellevuewa.gov/