
Want to be a part of one of America's most dynamic structural engineering markets? Seattle's booming tech scene, combined with sustainable building initiatives, is creating numerous opportunities for structural engineers who aim to work on a wide range of projects, from commercial skyscrapers to state-of-the-art residential developments.
Here’s an interesting fact: Over 89% of structural engineering firms now use Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, meaning you'll likely work with 3D models that can predict building performance decades into the future, perfect for tech-savvy engineers entering the field.
Having said that here are Seattle's top structural engineering firms where you could build your career:
Top Structural Engineering Firms in Seattle, Washington DC
1. PSM Consulting Engineers
A Seattle business that has been serving its clients for over nine decades, PSM Consulting’s expertise includes renovations and upgrades, new structures, global work, seismic engineering, and design-build services, as well as design for the telecommunications, and food processing and distribution industries.
- Location: Edmonds, Washington
- Specialisation: Developers, contractors, facility owners, and architects
- Notable Work: Paine Field Terminal, Gas Works Tower, Staybridge Suites Hotel, and more
- Contributions: Providing geotechnical and engineering solutions, specialising in design and investigation for rock, soil, and water
- Website: PSM Consulting Engineers
2. Harriott Valentine Engineers Inc.
Harriott Valentine Engineers Inc. is one of the best structural engineering firms in Seattle with over 45 years of combined experience. Their services include structural engineering services for new construction, additions, cabins, residential buildings, decks, remodels and decks, seismic retrofits, forensic engineering, tenant and retail improvements, and temporary excavation shoring. Jim Harriott, the structural engineering firm’s president is affiliated with the American Concrete Institute, the Structural Engineers Association of Washington, and AIA Seattle.
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Specialisation: Renovations, retail, Multi-family, and cabins
- Notable Work: Vashion Island, Helgren Cabin, Howell Street Lofts, and more
- Contributions: Specialises in structural engineering for residential projects, offering services for new construction, remodels, and additions
- Website: Harriott Valentine Engineers
3. MLA Engineering, PLLC
MLA Engineering, PLLC is one of the top structural engineering firms in Seattle that has been serving clients for over 16 years. The firm offers services including facility assessments, structural engineering, value engineering and analysis, and seismic evaluation and retrofit. Their construction types include masonry, steel, concrete, heavy timber and wood, glazing, tension cables, and post-tensioned systems. MLA Engineering, PLLC has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, making it one of the highest-paying engineering firms.
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Specialisation: Residential and commercial
- Notable Work: Lewis Creek Visitor Centre, King CP. Library System, Hickman Park, and more
- Contributions: Contributions to various industries, including the design and construction of buildings, zoos, aquariums, and other speciality structures
- Website: MLA Engineering
4. Bartley Pawlak Structural Engineers
Bartley Pawlak Structural Engineers is one of the reputable structural engineering firms in central Washington with over 30 years of experience. The firm has material expertise in steel construction, wood frame construction, seismic upgrades and code upgrades, and concrete construction. What makes it one of the best structural engineering firms is that each engineer at Fossatti Pawlak Structural Engineers has more than a decade of experience. Fossatti Pawlak Structural Engineers won the AIA Merit Award for design in 2011.
- Location: Westlake Ave, Seattle, Washington
- Specialisation: Residential and commercial
- Notable Work: Broadway Building, Pier 70 Renovation, Ram Restaurant, and more
- Contributions: actively pushed sustainable engineering practices
- Website: Bartley Pawlak
5. Swenson Say Fagét
Swenson Say Fagét has been serving clients for over 20 years. The firm’s expertise includes new structures, existing structures, and special projects, such as climbing gyms, float homes, art installations, tree houses, and mechanical upgrades. Swenson Say Fagét is a member of the Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties, saving it a spot in top structural engineering firms in Washington DC.
- Location: 3rd Ave, Seattle, Washington
- Specialisation: Earthquake retrofits, historic preservation, commercial and residential
- Notable Work: Pride Place, Veterans Housing, Plaza Roberto Masetas, and more
- Contributions: Commitment to the community and the built environment is evidenced in their long-term leadership and support
- Website: Swenson Say Fagét
6. Buker Engineering, LLC
Buker Engineering, LLC has been serving clients for over six years. It is a small structural engineering firm that works on a variety of projects such as tenant improvements, seismic retrofit design, seismic assessments, commercial building design, and wood-framed residences. Daniel Buker has more than 12 years of experience.
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Specialisation: Wood Framed Residences, Seismic Assessments, Seismic Retrofit Design, Commercial Building Design
- Notable Work: Mainly home renovations
- Contributions: Constantly strive to work in a way that adds value to the finished project rather than simply meet the project's minimum requirements
- Website: Buker Engineering, LLC
7. Quantum Consulting Engineers
Quantum Consulting Engineers has been serving clients for over 14 years. The business’ expertise includes structural value engineering, structural engineering, civil engineering services, and seismic engineering. The structural engineering firm also provides design services for fire stations, new construction, renovation, public safety buildings, community centres, existing buildings, tenant improvements, historic rehabilitation, and city halls.
- Location: Third Avenue, Seattle, Washington
- Specialisation: Civic, commercial, education, industrial, multi-family, seismic & renovations
- Notable Work: Vancouver Residence, Seattle University Lee Centre for The Arts, The Red Door, and more
- Contributions: Designing structures for new and existing buildings
- Website: Quantum Consulting Engineers
8. AUE
AUE is a Bellevue business that has two offices and has been serving clients in Puget Sound and nationwide for over 10 years, making it one of the highest-paying structural engineering firms. The firm’s expertise revolves around designing seismic retrofits, tenant improvements, new buildings, and renovations. The business works with a variety of industries including hospitality, justice, retail, industrial, financial, multi-use, fire stations, correction facilities, residential, office, schools, universities, grocery stores, and community centres. They have more than 25 years of structural experience and are certified by the Structural Engineering Certification Board, making it one of the top structural engineering firms in Washington DC.
- Location: Bellevue, Seattle, Washington
- Specialisation: Industrial, residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail
- Notable Work: Chehalis Tribal Community Center, Mercerview Community Center, Larson Recreation Center, and more
- Contributions: Building community structures
- Website: AUE Careers
9. CT Engineering Inc.
CT Engineering Inc. provides structural engineering services and has been serving clients for over 31 years. The firm’s services include institutional facilities, one-story retail buildings, public buildings, low-rise commercial office buildings, residential buildings, townhouses, stacked flats, warehouses, and excavation shoring.
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Specialisation: Industrial, residential, recreational, commercial, hospitality, and retail
- Notable Work: Ellipse Apartments, Hunter Residence, Three Bear Ranch, and more
- Contributions: Contributes significantly to technological advancements, focusing on innovation throughout the product lifecycle
- Website: CT Engineering
10. Bykonen Carter Quinn
Bykonen Carter Quinn is one of the structural engineering firms in Seattle WA that serves residential and commercial clients. Services include structural engineering design, renovation and restoration, historic structures, commercial and residential structures, feasibility studies, and seismic evaluation and design. Clients remark on their flexibility and creativity.
- Location: Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington
- Specialisation: Commercial and residential
- Notable Work: Lucille on Roosevelt, The Shea, Mercer Court Apartments, and more
- Contributions: Bringing ingenuity and precision to every project, delivering structural engineering solutions
- Website: Bykonen Carter Quinn
How Can An Structural Engineer Upskill in their Career?
In today’s fast-evolving AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) industry, traditional methods are no longer enough to stay competitive. Structural engineers aiming for faster career growth, better salaries, and international job opportunities must move beyond CAD and embrace more integrated digital workflows—starting with Building Information Modeling (BIM).
The BIM Advantage:
- Structural with BIM skills are very much in demand, earning over 40% more than the rest.
- Better use of BIM boosts efficiency, makes collaboration far simpler, and helps to achieve superior project results.
How Novatr Helps?
Novatr offers BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers, a thorough 7-month program intended to make civil and structural engineers BIM experts. This course offers a comprehensive curriculum, guiding participants through the fundamental concepts of information modelling, parametric structure families, documentation, and presentation. It also delves into advanced topics like 3D visualisation, BIM for infrastructure, and 4D and 5D modelling. The course places a strong emphasis on practical skills, addressing key aspects such as cloud collaboration, streamlined BIM workflows, coordination, and clash detection.
Also, you'll get to learn Revit and 12+ BIM Software tools by using industry approaches. Upon course completion, you'll be eligible for certifications from both Autodesk and Novatr, validating your hands-on experience with BIM.
Key USPs:
- Dual Certification from Autodesk and Novatr: This program offers participants two valuable certifications upon completion – one from industry leader Autodesk, validating software proficiency, and another from Novatr, confirming mastery of BIM workflows and concepts, significantly boosting career credibility.
- Comprehensive Software and Workflow Mastery: Over 7 months, the program provides 40+ hours of live learning to master essential BIM workflows and 10+ industry-standard software, including Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, Construction Cloud, Tekla, and Civil 3D, preparing learners for diverse project requirements.
- ISO Verified Project Experience and Career Advancement: Participants gain practical skills through international, ISO 19650 and RIBA-structured capstone projects, building a robust portfolio. The program also offers placement assistance, leading to an average 48% CTC hike and helping secure BIM jobs in globally operating AEC firms.
- Dedicated Mentor Support and Continuous Learning: Learners receive personalized guidance and quick query resolution from global mentors who are part of the top 1% AEC companies. Additionally, they benefit from lifelong access to program content and weekly live sessions for ongoing learning, revision, and practice.
Why Choose Novatr?
- Trusted by Thousands: Join 6,000+ BIM learners from over 45 countries who have successfully graduated from Novatr.
- Expert-Driven Curriculum: Designed through the analysis of 1,000+ job descriptions and rigorously vetted by 200+ global BIM experts.
- Globally Recognized Certifications: Earn certifications from both Autodesk and Novatr, showcasing your verified expertise.
- Proven Career Impact: Learners report an average salary hike of 48% after course completion.
- Loved by BIM Learners: We have a 4.6+ average rating across platforms like Google and Trustpilot.
In a rapidly evolving industry, Novatr stands out as the premier choice for civil engineers looking to master BIM. Enroll today to future-proof your career and unlock unparalleled growth opportunities in the AEC sector.
Conclusion
Ready to help shape your structural engineering future, one beam at a time? These industry-leading firms are on a constant lookout for talent that can bring both expertise and fresh perspective to their projects.
But what’s the first step to getting there? The answer is quite simple - upskilling.
At Novatr, civil and structural engineers are empowered to stay ahead in a fast-evolving AEC industry through future-ready learning experiences.
Their program, the BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers, provides practical training in tools like Revit and Navisworks, along with project-based learning and career mentorship.
To access more insights, tips, and expert guidance, visit the Novatr Resource Page and continue growing your structural engineering career with confidence expect their teams to master digital workflows, sustainability strategies, and collaboration tools. That’s where the BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers by Novatr offers the edge.
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