Design Engineer

About The Company
Knife River is a leading construction materials producer and contractor, recognized as one of the nation's largest in its industry. Committed to building strong communities, Knife River emphasizes fostering a supportive and innovative work environment for its teams. The company values safety, quality, accountability, and professional development, ensuring that employees are equipped to deliver exceptional results across a diverse portfolio of projects. With a focus on long-term growth and sustainability, Knife River continuously seeks talented individuals to contribute to its mission of constructing structures that stand the test of time.
About The Role
The Senior Design Engineer at Knife River is a pivotal technical role reporting directly to the Vice President of Engineering. This position involves leading complex precast and prestressed concrete design projects, providing expert technical guidance, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and codes. Unlike entry-level design roles, Senior Design Engineers operate independently, making critical engineering decisions, reviewing detailed calculations, and overseeing the technical integrity of projects from conception through execution. They serve as the primary technical liaison with clients, architects, contractors, and internal teams, representing Knife River’s engineering excellence in customer-facing discussions. Additionally, this role involves mentoring junior engineers and drafters, standardizing engineering practices across the organization, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department.
Qualifications
Qualified candidates should possess a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related field. A Professional Engineer (PE) license is mandatory, with multiple state licenses preferred or achievable within 24 months. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings, specifications, and codes effectively, while leading technical discussions with diverse stakeholders. Advanced knowledge of structural engineering principles, reinforced and prestressed concrete design, connection detailing, load paths, and constructability considerations is essential. Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are required to defend engineering decisions and explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Proficiency with common engineering software such as Revit, Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, or Inventor is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, professional, courteous, and capable of managing multiple priorities effectively.
Responsibilities
Lead complex precast and prestressed concrete projects by reviewing plans, specifications, and project requirements to establish an appropriate engineering approach. Prepare or oversee calculations and detailed support drawings to ensure project success.
Apply advanced judgment to analyze precast/prestressed behavior, reinforced concrete design, connection details, load transfer, safety, and code compliance. Address constructability issues, lifting and erection sequencing, and tolerances to optimize project execution.
Act as the senior technical representative for Knife River, engaging with engineering leadership, project managers, drafting teams, quality assurance, field personnel, external engineers, architects, contractors, and clients. Maintain high standards of technical integrity and professionalism in all interactions.
Evaluate non-standard conditions, field issues, technical risks, and design assumptions. Recommend practical, safe, and cost-effective solutions aligned with PCI standards and industry best practices.
Perform comprehensive reviews of drawings, calculations, submittals, and engineering documents to verify compliance with company standards, codes, and project specifications. Provide final engineering guidance where appropriate.
Mentor junior engineers and drafting team members, fostering professional growth and enhancing their technical skills, code understanding, and review discipline.
Contribute to the development and standardization of engineering tools, templates, calculation methods, detailing practices, and review processes across all KRPI locations to improve efficiency and consistency.
Support the company's safety initiatives, continuous improvement efforts, and other related duties as assigned, ensuring a culture of safety and quality excellence.
Benefits
Comprehensive health insurance options including medical, dental, and vision plans, along with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA).
Retirement plans such as 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing contributions to support long-term financial security.
Paid time off, paid holidays, life insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and opportunities for professional training and development.
Support for career advancement, licensure, and continuous learning to foster professional growth within the organization.
Equal Opportunity
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, or local laws. We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process. If you require assistance or an accommodation to participate fully in the application process, please contact your state employment agency or our human resources team. Pre-employment drug testing and background checks are part of our hiring process.

Work arrangement
No