CFS Design Structural Engineer

Sterling St James LLC; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling St James LLC in Charlottesville, VA is seeking an experienced Structural Engineer / Project Manager to lead cold-formed/light gauge steel projects from inception to completion. You will perform analyses, prepare drawings, and coordinate across disciplines to ensure high-quality delivery. The role requires 8+ years in structural design with 5+ years in project management, and a valid U.S.

PE license. A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering is required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of structural engineering design experience, including cold-formed/light gauge steel.
• 4+ years of project management experience.
• Active U.S. PE license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute structural engineering design for CFS/light gauge steel projects.
• Manage multiple projects from kickoff to completion, tracking schedule and budget.
• Mentor and supervise junior staff, ensure QA/QC and on-time delivery.
• Develop and maintain client relationships, pursue repeat business and scope expansions.
• Oversee team performance, staffing decisions, and project profitability.

Skills

Structural engineering design

Project management

Cold-formed steel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

We are recruiting on purpose an experienced Structural Engineer / Project Manager handle Cold-Formed / Light Gauge Steel projects in Charlottesville, VA.

If you’re ready to manage CFS projects from start to finish , you’ll find this role both challenging and rewarding.

What You’ll Do

Lead and Execute Structural Engineering Design

• Perform engineering analyses, calculations, and complete structural project designs.

• Prepare and interpret drawings, layouts, and custom or standard details; redline and lay out full drawing sets for complex projects.

• Conduct field surveys, prepare field reports, and ensure compliance with engineering standards, policies, and best practices.

• Respond to reviewer comments and coordinate with other disciplines throughout the project lifecycle.

Manage Projects from Kickoff Through Completion

• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they remain on schedule and within budget.

• Lead kickoff meetings, monitor project progress, evaluate financial performance, and manage monthly billings and collections.

• Review contracts, scopes of work, proposed changes, and enforce project methodologies and quality control procedures.

• Support proposal development, bidding, additional service requests, and construction document production.

• Coordinate internal schedules with client expectations.

Lead, Mentor, and Develop a High-Performing Team

• Supervise, mentor, and coordinate a team of junior structural professionals.

• Assign work, manage production, and ensure project objectives are achieved efficiently.

• Perform quality control reviews and ensure adherence to engineering standards and project delivery processes.

• Manage team-related HR responsibilities while fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.

• Oversee the team’s financial performance and maintain project profitability.

Cultivate Client Relationships and Support Business Growth

• Develop and maintain long‑term client relationships while generating repeat business.

• Negotiate fees, initiate additional services, and collaborate with marketing and business development efforts.

• Serve as the primary client contact, ensuring exceptional service and successful project delivery.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Conduct annual performance evaluations for team members.

• Participate in hiring decisions and justify staffing additions when needed.

• Maintain project schedules, workload planning, billing goals, and resource allocation.

• Align project timelines with client expectations.

• Monitor financial performance and ensure departmental profitability.

Qualifications and Experience

• 8+ years of structural engineering design experience, including at least 5 years focused on cold-formed/light gauge steel.
• 4+ years of project management experience.
• Active U.S. Professional Engineer (PE) license required.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university.