Jared Plank

Southwest Chapter

The Southwest Chapter has a great program in store for the 2026-2027 year. We are planning some fantastic meetings, presentations, and site visits. We hope our members and guests will make it a priority to attend our events this year and build on the success we had last year. See below for some brief updates on what’s going on with the Southwest Chapter and see you ALL at our next event!

Next Event: Our next event is a combined meeting with the Seattle Chapter on October 20th, 4:00pm - 7:00pm. Come join us for a tour of the Nucor Steel Facility in Seattle. Register here!

Current Board: Below are the current board members. Please take a moment to thank and congratulate our board for their willingness to serve. Elections for next year will be held in April. Please let me know if you are interested in serving on the board or helping with activities.

The current Southwest Board is:

• President – Jared Plank
• Vice President – Kyle Gysler
• Secretary – Trevor Lafontaine
• Treasurer – Andy Pflueger
• Voting Directors – Jacob Baker, Hai Lin
• Non-Voting Directors – Andrew Boileau, Dylan Suddath, Alec Figgins

Lastly, mark your calendars for these future events:

• SW/SEA Combined Event – October 20th
• NCSEA Conference – October 27th - 29th
• SEFW Fall Forum (This is our November Chapter meeting) – November 12th
• Chapter Meeting – January
• 2027 SW Tradeshow – February
• Combined AIA SWW Event – May/June

We look forward to seeing you all soon! We know you are all busy, but taking some time out for yourself and seeing new and old friends will be worth it!

Katie Bohocky

SEFW

The 2026 SEFW Fall Forum is just weeks away! Join us on Thursday, November 12th at Town Hall Seattle for an inside look at one of the most remarkable seismic strengthening and historic preservation projects in North America.

This year’s presentation, Preserving History Through Seismic Innovation: The Salt Lake Temple Renovation, will explore the extraordinary engineering effort behind the extensive renovation of the Salt Lake Temple. After nearly 20 years of planning, design, and construction, the historic structure is expected to reopen in 2027 following a complex seismic strengthening and renovation project.

Hear From the Engineers Behind the Project

The evening will feature Brent Maxfield, Structural Engineer for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Rene Vignos, Principal with Forell Elsesser Engineers.

Brent brings 42 years of structural and seismic engineering experience and has been involved in preserving the Salt Lake Temple for more than 20 years. Rene has more than 30 years of experience evaluating, designing, and retrofitting new and existing structures, including historic projects such as the Utah State Capitol, Oregon State Capitol, and Salt Lake Temple.

Together, they will share the story behind the project, including its structural challenges, design innovations, construction complexities, and the engineering solutions used to strengthen the landmark while preserving its historic character.

Make an Evening of It

Start the evening by connecting with colleagues at the optional pre-Forum reception from 4:30pm – 6:00pm. Reception tickets are $40 per person and include light refreshments.

The Fall Forum lecture follows from 6–7:30 PM and is free and open to everyone —engineers, students, contractors, architects, and members of the public. Advance registration is encouraged.

• Thursday, November 12th, 2026
• Town Hall Seattle | 1119 8th Avenue, Seattle
• Reception: 4:30PM – 6:00PM | $40
• Fall Forum: 6:00PM – 7:30PM | Free
• Register Today

Whether you work in structural engineering, historic preservation, architecture, construction, or simply want to learn more about this extraordinary project, we hope you’ll join SEFW for an evening of engineering, innovation, and preservation.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

Degenkolb

KPFF Consulting Engineers

Magnusson Klemencic Associates

Steel Encounters

YA Group

Bronze Sponsors

BTL Engineering

Contech Services, Inc.

GLY Construction

Dibble Engineers

Walker Consultants

Lindsey Rath

Seattle YMG

On August 28th, Holland Construction and CKC Structural Engineers welcomed the SEAW YMG inside one of the city’s new additions to the skyline: the 45-story Sloane Tower, formerly known as 616 Battery.

The tour began with a ride up the construction hoist to the unfinished 45th floor, offering attendees a rare opportunity to experience the project from a perspective typically reserved for the teams bringing it to life. From sweeping views of Elliott Bay, South Lake Union, and the Space Needle, participants were guided through the tower's penthouse residences, rooftop amenity spaces, and the intricate details that transform a concrete structure into a place people will call home.

The Seattle YMG gather at the top of the 45-story Sloane Tower during a construction tour in August.

As impressive as the views were, the real story of Sloane lies beneath the finishes and floor plans. Throughout the tour, Holland Construction and CKC shared the engineering, coordination, and problem-solving required to deliver a project of this scale in the heart of Seattle.

Constructed on the former Elephant Car Wash site in the Denny Triangle, Sloane will bring more than 440 new residential units, retail space, parking, and luxury amenities to one of Seattle's fastest-growing neighborhoods. Holland Construction has successfully guided the project through an ambitious schedule while maintaining the design vision established by the architect and development team.

From a structural engineering perspective, CKC showcased several innovative solutions that helped make the tower possible. The building employs a performance-based seismic design featuring reinforced concrete shear walls and steel fiber-reinforced concrete coupling beams, improving resilience while enhancing constructability. Below grade, the project required a massive variable-thickness mat foundation reinforced with 100 ksi steel, all while navigating the challenges of construction adjacent to the SR-99 tunnel.

One of the final discussions of the tour focused on the building envelope, including the Talon Wall façade system selected for the tower. By blending characteristics of curtain wall and window wall construction, the façade delivers a clean architectural aesthetic while supporting constructability and energy-performance objectives.

As construction nears completion, Sloane stands as a testament to what can be achieved when architects, contractors, engineers, and developers work together toward a common vision. More than a new residential tower, it represents the innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence shaping the future of Seattle's built environment.



For the young engineers in attendance, the tour provided something even more valuable than a view from the 45th floor: a firsthand look at the challenges, creativity, and teamwork required to transform an ambitious concept into a landmark on the Seattle skyline.

Joyce Lem

Disaster Preparedness and Response Committee

In the aftermath of a disaster such as a major earthquake, structural engineers can play a major role in helping their communities as Building Safety Evaluators (BSEs). Trained BSEs (working in teams of at least 2 persons) determine which buildings are safe for occupancy. We currently have a registry of hundreds of engineers, architects, building inspectors, plans examiners, and other industry professionals in WAsafe, Washington’s program for organizing and dispatching BSEs to assist local building officials.

The first step is to get trained as a Building Safety Evaluator. This fall, there are several different classes being offered.

WAsafe Building Safety Evaluations (ATC 20/45 Plus). This training was developed specifically for the WAsafe program. It will cover the basics of post-disaster building safety evaluations following earthquakes, windstorms, landslides, and fires. Based on the internationally recognized ATC-20 (earthquake) and ATC-45 (windstorms and floods) post-disaster building safety assessment curriculums, the training will emphasize risks specific to Washington State.

The Nisqually Earthquake (February 2001) caused the parapet wall of the Washington Federal Savings Building in downtown Olympia to collapse onto the sidewalk. Photo Credit: Steve Bloom, The Olympian.

The WAsafe program will be introduced, including how to enroll as a WAsafe Building Safety Evaluator and how volunteer Building Safety Evaluators will be activated and deployed. There are two classes this fall, both being managed by the Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO).

• October 28th, 2026, 8:30am - 4:30pm, at in Spokane Valley, WA. Price for the training is $125. See details and registration on the WABO website: WAsafe Spokane
• November 19th, 2026, in Battle Ground, WA. Details are being finalized, but this will be a full-day, in-person training. You can send a message the Contact Us webpage of the wasafecoalition.org website to ask to be notified when the final class details and registration are published.

Combination ATC 20/45. The King County Office of Emergency Management is sponsoring two in-person trainings at the King County Emergency Operations Center in Renton, WA. These classes are for building inspectors, facility managers, architects, engineers, contractors, first responders and other building professionals that need to complete this training for their jobs. Both classes run from 8:00am - 4:00pm. Only register for one of these dates:

• October 20th ATC 20/45
• November 19th ATC 20/45

To be accepted in WAsafe, you need to complete the WAsafe Program and Processes module (approximately one hour) after you’ve taken one of the King County classes. Find out more about the WAsafe P&P module on the Get Training webpage on the WAsafe Coalition website.

If you’re already a member of WAsafe, your enrollment expires 5 years after your last training. See your ID badge for the expiration date. Complete the online Refresher training within 12 months after your WAsafe enrollment expires or you will be required to take the full-day BSE training to stay active in WAsafe. In comparison, completing the Refresher is expected to take 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours. For more details about the Refresher and to register, go to Refresher Training. Taking the full-day WAsafe BSE class is also an alternative to the Refresher.

For more about the WAsafe program and a link to the WAsafe registry, visit the WAsafe website.

If you have any questions about the Disaster Prep/Response Committee or the WAsafe program, please send an email to joyce.seaw@wasafecoalition.org

Jeff Dragovich

Seattle Chapter

SEAW Disaster Prep/Response Committee Meeting | Virtual

October 20th | 12:00PM - 1:00PM | Virtual

SEAW Seattle & Southwest Joint Event – Nucor Steel Seattle Facility Tour

October 20th | 4:00PM - 7:00PM | Seattle, WA 

WAsafe Building Safety Evaluations (ATC20/45 Plus)

October 28th | 8:30AM - 4:30PM | Spokane Valley, WA

SEAW Disaster Prep/Response Committee Meeting

November 17th | 12:00PM - 1:00PM | Virtual

Visit the SEAW website for other event dates and information.

Welcome New Members!

Dalisson Peterson Silva do Carmo, Member PE (MKA) | Seattle Chapter

Eliasib Apodaca, Member PE (BC Engineers) | Spokane Chapter

Emily Chen, Student (University of Washington) | Seattle Chapter

Kevin Danner, Associate (MKA) | Seattle Chapter

Liron Steiner, Student (University of Washington) | Seattle Chapter

Mason Wisen, Student (University of Wyoming) | Seattle Chapter

Samantha Wagner, Associate (SSF Engineers) | Seattle Chapter

Structural Engineer III/IV and Structural Engineer IV/V

MLA Engineering | Seattle, Washington

MLA Engineering is a growing consulting and design firm in Seattle, WA, hiring for two Structural Engineer positions — Level III/IV and Level IV/V. We design new buildings, renovations, and specialized facilities such as aquariums and zoos across the U.S. and internationally, plus county and state infrastructure projects.

We offer a collaborative, flexible environment that values creativity, problem-solving, and professional growth. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

Position Overview

We are hiring at two levels:

• Structural Engineer III/IV — 2–5 years of experience; design and analysis focus.
• Structural Engineer IV/V — 5–10 years of experience; includes project management and mentoring.

Both roles offer a clear path into leadership for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and analyze structures in concrete, steel, masonry, and wood framing.
• Collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients.
• Use structural analysis software and BIM tools.
• Prepare technical reports and communicate with clients and team members.
• Level IV/V: Manage projects from proposal through construction administration — scope, schedule, budget, and client contact.
• Level IV/V: Mentor and review the work of junior engineers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering with a structural emphasis from an ABET-accredited program. Master’s degree preferred.
• Structural engineering consulting experience at the level noted above; project management experience for Level IV/V.
• Licensure: EIT required at 2–5 years; PE required at 5+ years, SE preferred.
• Proficiency in REVIT and structural software such as RISA, ETABS, SAP2000.
• Strong technical, analytical, and communication skills.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Why Join MLA Engineering?

• Diverse Projects: Varied, unique work with real learning opportunities.
• Professional Growth: Growing market sectors open advancement and project management roles.
• Location: Downtown Seattle waterfront office with excellent transit access.
• Work Schedule: Four days per week in the Seattle office, up to one day remote, with added flexibility when you need it.
• Benefits:
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
• Generous HRA account
• 401(k) with up to 4% employer match
• Paid Time Off and Sick Leave
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Compensation: Competitive salary by level, plus bonus potential and comp time for hours worked over 40 per week.
• Structural Engineer III/IV: $75,000 – $115,000 per year
• Structural Engineer IV/V: $115,000 – $140,000 per year

How to Apply

Send your cover letter and resume to:

MLA Engineering, LLC

1109 1st Ave, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98101

or Email: info@mlaengineering.com (please include ‘Structural Engineer Application’ and the Level you are applying for in the subject line)

Learn more about us at www.mlaengineering.com.

MLA Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women and minority candidates to apply.

Structural Engineer | Associate Principal

WJE Seattle | Seattle, Washington

WJE Seattle is celebrating 40 years in the Pacific Northwest! Bring your problem-solving mindset, ownership mentality, and deep technical expertise to a team that is genuinely excited about their work and invested in each other’s success.

We are seeking a licensed Structural Engineer (Associate Principal) to join our team, centrally located in Pioneer Square.

This is a doer-manager role. You'll lead structural investigations, diagnostics, detailing, and rehabilitation projects across contemporary and historic structures—working directly with clients, contractors, and consultants from day one. You'll have a sharp team of associates supporting you and direct access to mentorship of your own from industry-recognized senior leaders across the company.

As an employee-owner at WJE, you will have the autonomy to shape your career while mentoring the next generation of structural engineers. You will be supported by an organization offering industry-leading benefits, dedicated administrative resources, a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment, and access to WJE’s collective expertise and state-of-the-art laboratory and testing capabilities

Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Project management and client relationship management
• Technical leadership and hands-on project execution for local projects and as a resource for others across the company
• Mentorship, including exemplifying WJE’s culture of shared destiny and knowledge sharing to better the team around you
• Active participation in industry organizations, conferences, and technical committees

View the full job posting at this link to learn more about WJE’s one-of-a-kind culture, robust total compensation structure, industry-leading benefits, and what it will take to be successful in this position.  

Structural Engineers Association of Washington 

5727 Baker Way NW, Suite 200 | Gig Harbor, WA 98332

206.338.7376

info@seaw.org

www.seaw.org

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