Structural Engineer

This position offers a unique opportunity for a Principal Structural Engineer to join an expanding team in the Orlando, FL metro area and work in an atypical structural engineering role focused on custom operable systems. You will apply core engineering principles, building codes, client-specific requirements, and prototype testing to develop functional, safe, and economical designs for high-profile projects in the amusement, entertainment, and aerospace industries.

About the role

The role involves owning your designs from concept through commissioning, providing engineering leadership, and contributing across the full project lifecycle, including design, documentation, purchasing, fabrication, installation, and commissioning of mechanized structural systems.

Responsibilities

• Own structural designs from initial concept through final commissioning, taking responsibility for safety, functionality, and economic efficiency.
• Apply engineering principles, building codes, and client-specific codes to the design of custom operable and mechanized structural systems.
• Implement prototype testing when necessary to validate and refine designs and ensure they meet performance and safety requirements.
• Provide structural design support on a project basis, contributing to design, documentation, purchasing, fabrication, installation, and commissioning activities.
• Offer effective engineering leadership and technical guidance to project teams, ensuring alignment with project goals and technical standards.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with multidisciplinary team members, sharing technical insights and coordinating design decisions.
• Evaluate, vet, and integrate ideas from other disciplines and highly competent teammates to achieve robust, innovative solutions.
• Use strong analytical skills to solve complex technical challenges in situations where step-by-step codes or guidelines may not exist.
• Exercise sound engineering judgment and outcome-oriented self-direction to achieve ambitious project goals under limited prescriptive guidance.
• Utilize 3D modeling and finite element analysis (FEA) tools to develop, analyze, and optimize structural designs.
• Incorporate knowledge of current civil and structural engineering codes and requirements into project work.
• Participate in risk management activities related to custom structural designs, identifying and mitigating potential issues.
• Collaborate with clients to understand requirements, incorporate their input, and creatively solve multifaceted engineering problems.
• Coordinate with fabrication and machine shop personnel to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and aligned with fabrication techniques.
• Support on-site activities during design, installation, and commissioning phases, including limited domestic and international travel as needed.

Requirements

• 10+ years of structural engineering experience, including structural design and civil/structural project work.
• Ability to qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR due to access to export-controlled technical data.
• Proficiency in structural engineering and structural design for complex systems.
• Experience with 3D modeling and finite element analysis (FEA) software.
• Knowledge of current codes and requirements applicable to the civil and structural engineering discipline.
• Understanding of engineering software tools such as SAP2000, StaadPro, Risa3D, SolidWorks, SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, and MATHCAD.
• B.S. degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution with 5+ years of relevant experience, or M.S. degree in Civil/Structural Engineering from an institution with an ABET-accredited undergraduate program with 3+ years of relevant experience.
• E.I.T. certification.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing complex technical challenges.
• Comfort with taking ownership of designs, making informed engineering decisions, and accepting appropriate levels of risk.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• M.S. degree in Civil/Structural Engineering.
• P.E. and/or S.E. registration.
• Hands-on experience with SAP2000, StaadPro, Risa3D, SolidWorks, SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, and/or MATHCAD.
• Experience managing risks associated with custom structural or mechanized designs.
• Previous experience collaborating closely with clients to innovate and solve multifaceted engineering problems.
• Knowledge of fabrication techniques and prior machine shop experience.
• Exposure to mechanical equipment and systems and a general aptitude for hands-on work.
• Demonstrated ability to lead project teams and provide technical direction in a collaborative environment.
• Experience working on projects in the amusement, entertainment, or aerospace industries is beneficial.

Work Environment

This role is primarily on-site in the Orlando, FL metro area, working closely with engineering, fabrication, and project teams on custom mechanized structural systems. You will use advanced engineering tools such as 3D modeling and FEA software, including platforms like SAP2000, StaadPro, Risa3D, SolidWorks, SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, and MATHCAD. The position involves exposure to both office and shop or field environments, particularly during fabrication, installation, and commissioning phases. Limited domestic and international travel, up to approximately 5% of the time, may be required to support design, installation, and commissioning activities at project sites. The work environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and hands-on problem solving, with opportunities to contribute to high-profile projects in dynamic industries.

Schedule

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Orlando, FL.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $63.00 - $82.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)