Structural Engineer

Inspired Designs Engineering and Architecture (IDEA) is seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Structural Engineer to support the design, engineering, certification, and continuous improvement of steel-based modular building systems. This role ensures all structural systems meet applicable building codes, state approval requirements, manufacturing constraints, transportation demands, installation conditions, and long-term performance expectations.

About the Role

The Structural Engineer serves as a critical technical resource within the Engineering Department, collaborating closely with Architecture, Production Engineering, State Approval, Manufacturing, Project Management, Procurement, Quality Assurance, and Executive Leadership teams. The ideal candidate combines strong structural engineering expertise with practical manufacturing knowledge and a passion for innovation in off-site and modular construction.

Responsibilities

• Structural Design & Engineering
  • Design structural systems for modular buildings utilizing structural steel framing, cold-formed steel framing, hybrid steel structural systems, and modular chassis/transportation support systems.
  • Perform structural engineering calculations for dead, live, wind, seismic, snow, transportation, lifting/rigging, and installation loads.
  • Design module-to-module structural connection systems and module-to-foundation interface systems.
  • Develop anchorage and tie-down systems.
  • Verify structural integrity throughout manufacturing, transportation, installation, and occupancy.
  • Prepare stamped engineering documents when licensed and authorized.
  • Review and approve structural modifications and field engineering changes.
  • Evaluate structural performance and constructability during project development.
• Structural Manufacturing Optimization
  • Design structural systems that maximize manufacturing efficiency and repeatability.
  • Develop standardized framing systems to reduce engineering variability.
  • Optimize structural designs for CNC-driven fabrication processes.
  • Collaborate with Production Engineering to improve manufacturability and reduce production cycle times.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce material waste while maintaining structural performance.
  • Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Participate in production floor reviews and prototype evaluations.
• Transportation & Installation Engineering
  • Analyze transportation loads and road-induced structural stresses.
  • Design temporary and permanent reinforcement systems required during transport.
  • Develop lifting, rigging, and setting procedures for modular units.
  • Verify structural integrity during loading, transport, crane lifting, and installation activities.
  • Support field installation teams with structural setting requirements.
  • Investigate transportation or installation-related structural concerns and implement corrective actions.
• Engineering Documentation
  • Produce complete structural engineering packages including structural plans, calculations, details, connection details, framing layouts, foundation requirements, and specifications.
  • Develop and maintain standard structural details and engineering libraries.
  • Establish and maintain engineering design standards.
  • Ensure engineering documentation supports manufacturing efficiency and field installation requirements.
  • Coordinate drawing revisions and engineering change notices.
• Code Compliance & State Approvals
  • Ensure designs comply with applicable codes and standards (IBC, IRC, ASCE 7, AISC, AISI, AWS, ICC, state modular program requirements, and local jurisdiction requirements).
  • Support state approval submissions and third-party engineering reviews.
  • Respond to state agency and plan review comments.
  • Assist with obtaining approvals in new jurisdictions.
  • Monitor code changes and regulatory updates affecting modular construction.
  • Support certification and compliance initiatives across all approved states.
• Product Development & Innovation
  • Support development of new modular products and building systems.
  • Participate in value engineering initiatives.
  • Evaluate emerging materials, technologies, and structural systems.
  • Develop solutions to improve manufacturing efficiency, transportation performance, installation speed, structural durability, product quality, and cost competitiveness.
  • Contribute to research and development initiatives.
  • Assist in developing future standardized building platforms.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Architecture, Production Engineering, State Approval, Project Management, Procurement, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, third-party engineers, regulatory agencies, and franchise partners.
  • Participate in design reviews and project coordination meetings.
  • Provide technical guidance to internal teams.
  • Support customer, consultant, and franchisee technical inquiries.
  • Assist in resolving field-related structural concerns.
• Leadership & Professional Expectations
  • Demonstrate and model company core values: Creative, Honorable, Respectful, Innovative, Synergistic, and Total Ownership.
  • Maintain exceptional engineering accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Take ownership of engineering quality, compliance, and project outcomes.
  • Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Support a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Mentor designers and junior engineering personnel as appropriate.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering required.
• Experience: Minimum five (5) years of structural engineering experience, with commercial building design required. Experience with modular, prefabricated, manufactured, industrialized, or off-site construction preferred.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of structural steel design, cold-formed steel design, steel connection design, modular chassis engineering, concrete foundation systems, transportation/lifting analysis, building code compliance, modular construction methodologies, structural detailing practices, manufacturing-driven design principles, and value engineering methodologies.
• Software Proficiency: Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, RISA, RAM Structural System, STAAD, Enercalc, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) License required or ability to obtain within a defined timeframe.
• Multi-state engineering licensure preferred.
• Experience with state modular approval programs and third-party plan review agencies.
• Experience developing standardized steel modular building systems.
• Familiarity with BIM workflows and digital manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting CNC-driven fabrication processes.

Key Performance Expectations

• Deliver structural engineering packages accurately and on schedule.
• Maintain engineering quality with minimal revisions or review comments.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable codes and regulations.
• Support successful state approval and certification efforts.
• Reduce structural design-related production issues.
• Improve standardization and repeatability of structural systems.
• Reduce engineering-driven manufacturing delays.
• Support cost reduction and value engineering initiatives.
• Improve transportation and installation performance through optimized design.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and product development programs.
• Provide timely and effective technical support to internal stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to review drawings, calculations, and technical documentation.
• Ability to visit manufacturing facilities and construction sites.
• Ability to inspect fabrication and installation activities.
• Occasional travel may be required for project reviews, inspections, engineering evaluations, and state approval meetings.

Why Join IDEA

At Inspired Designs Engineering and Architecture, we are redefining how buildings are designed, engineered, manufactured, transported, and installed. The Structural Engineer plays a vital role in developing innovative modular building systems that improve quality, efficiency, scalability, and profitability across the organization. This position offers the opportunity to directly influence engineering standards, manufacturing excellence, product innovation, regulatory compliance, and the future growth of a nationally recognized modular construction platform.