About Norwest Engineering
For nearly five decades, Norwest Engineering has built its success on delivering exceptional client service while fostering a collaborative, people-first culture. We provide multi-discipline professional engineering and technical services across the heavy industrial sector, including Oil & Gas, Chemical, Manufacturing, Utilities, Ports, and Pulp & Paper. We are also expanding into renewable fuels and carbon capture projects, helping shape the next generation of energy infrastructure.
Norwest is known for long-term client relationships, technically sound solutions, and a team environment where engineers are supported, trusted, and encouraged to grow.
The Opportunity
Norwest Engineering is seeking a mid-level Structural Engineer to join our growing team. This role is ideal for engineers with a strong foundation in structural steel and reinforced concrete design who are eager to broaden their technical skills and take on increasing responsibility.
You will work closely with senior structural engineers or as part of a larger project team, contributing to a wide range of industrial and infrastructure projects. Project assignments will be aligned with your experience and interests, with mentorship and support provided as you grow.
While industrial plant experience is a plus, it is not required. We value curiosity, a strong engineering mindset, and a willingness to learn above all else.
PE Development & Mentorship
This role is well suited for engineers on the Professional Engineer (PE) licensure track, or have successfully obtained their license recently. Norwest actively supports engineers pursuing licensure through structured mentorship, exposure to qualifying experience, and guidance from licensed senior engineers. You will work under PEs and SEs who are invested in helping you develop sound engineering judgment, technical confidence, and professional responsibility.
What You’ll Work On
Our structural engineers support projects ranging from small repair and maintenance work to large brownfield and greenfield developments. Structural scope often supports new or modified processes, including piping, tanks, and equipment installations.
Typical assignments include:
- Foundations: Shallow, mat, and deep foundations for pumps, vessels, pipe racks, bridges, buildings, and industrial equipment
- Steel Structures: Pipe racks and bridges, multi-story towers, and industrial buildings
- Marine Facilities: Piers, walkways, dolphins, and bulkheads
- Buildings: Prefabricated and stick-built structures, for both occupied and non-occupied use
Beyond new design, our team is increasingly engaged in:
- Structural evaluations, retrofits, and inspections
- Construction support and field coordination
- Permitting support and third-party reviews
- Feasibility studies, concept development, and early-phase engineering
As a PE-track engineer at Norwest, or someone with intentions of earning your Structural Engineer (SE) license, you will gain experience that aligns with licensure requirements, including:
- Performing analysis and design under the supervision of licensed Professional Engineers
- Preparing calculations, drawings, and technical deliverables for permitting and third-party review
- Participating in interdisciplinary coordination and client discussions
- Developing practical engineering judgment through real-world industrial applications
- Receiving regular feedback and mentoring focused on long-term professional development
What Success Looks Like in Your First Few Years
In your first 1–3 years at Norwest, you can expect to progress from supporting design tasks to leading portions of structural scope, developing independent calculations, and contributing to design decisions—while working under the guidance of licensed Professional Engineers. Our goal is to prepare you for long-term success as a confident, well-rounded structural engineer.
Why This Role Matters
Norwest is a growing company with expanding opportunities across traditional and emerging markets. We value well-rounded engineers who approach challenges thoughtfully and deliver practical, innovative solutions.
Engineers at Norwest are trusted early with meaningful work, supported by senior engineers who prioritize mentorship and knowledge sharing. This is a place to build a long-term career, not just fill a role.
Location & Travel
Norwest is a fully remote firm, with Portland, Oregon serving as our home base. Being located in the Pacific Northwest is highly desirable, and relocation assistance is available for candidates interested in moving to the Portland area.
Travel is modest and typically limited to short site visits or client meetings (2–3 days). Longer trips are rare. Travel budgets prioritize comfort, with convenient flights and quality accommodations to support work-life balance.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum 3–6 years of structural engineering experience (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
- Are already licensed OR have successfully completed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and are a practicing Engineer in Training (EIT)
- Hands-on experience designing structural steel and reinforced concrete.
- Experience preparing structural calculations and drawings suitable for permitting and third-party review
- Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, and best practices for occupied and non-occupied structures
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including participation in client-facing meetings
- A coachable mindset with a genuine interest in mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth
Preferred
- Experience with industrial facilities, marine, bridge, or heavy civil structures
- Practical experience with seismic analysis, design, and detailing, particularly for West Coast projects
- Familiarity with AISC 341 seismic detailing
- Experience with structural software such as RISA (3D, Foundation, Connection, Calc), Mathcad Prime, Bluebeam, and AutoCAD
- Experience supporting construction, evaluations, or retrofit projects
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is not required at hire. Candidates actively pursuing PE licensure are strongly encouraged to apply. We do expect that you will actively pursue licensure as an employee. Norwest provides mentorship, experience oversight, and support aligned with PE-track career development.
Benefits
We believe in taking care of our people so they can thrive professionally and personally. Our benefits include:
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Generous paid time off and company holidays
- Flexible, all-remote work environment with support for home office setup
- Professional development support, including licensure, training, and continuing education
- Relocation assistance for candidates interested in moving to the Portland area
If you’re looking for technically challenging work, real mentorship, and the opportunity to build a long-term career at a firm that values people as much as projects, we’d love to hear from you.
Qualifications Required
- Minimum 3–6 years of structural engineering experience (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
- Are already licensed OR have successfully completed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and are a practicing Engineer in Training (EIT)
- Hands-on experience designing structural steel and reinforced concrete.
- Experience preparing structural calculations and drawings suitable for permitting and third-party review
- Familiarity with applicable codes, standards, and best practices for occupied and non-occupied structures
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including participation in client-facing meetings
- A coachable mindset with a genuine interest in mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth
Preferred
- Experience with industrial facilities, marine, bridge, or heavy civil structures
- Practical experience with seismic analysis, design, and detailing, particularly for West Coast projects
- Familiarity with AISC 341 seismic detailing
- Experience with structural software such as RISA (3D, Foundation, Connection, Calc), Mathcad Prime, Bluebeam, and AutoCAD
- Experience supporting construction, evaluations, or retrofit projects
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is not required at hire. Candidates actively pursuing PE licensure are strongly encouraged to apply. We do expect that you will actively pursue licensure as an employee. Norwest provides mentorship, experience oversight, and support aligned with PE-track career development.