Civil/Structural Designer 5 - Houston, TX

S&B; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

S&B is seeking a mid-to-senior level design lead in Houston to oversee design teams and develop detailed construction documentation. The role requires deep knowledge of design standards, material properties, and cross-disciplinary coordination with engineers, clients, and vendors.

You will mentor junior staff, establish design criteria, and ensure high-quality deliverables across project phases, interfacing regularly with project stakeholders and field teams.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in civil/structural design
• Proficiency in manual and computer-assisted drafting; 3D CAD
• Ability to lead technical design across complex projects
• Experience coordinating field activities and teams

Responsibilities

• Lead design teams and coordinate with lead engineer
• Collaborate with engineers, clients and vendors for project execution
• Develop design criteria and 3D models for detailed drawings
• Review vendor/fabricator documentation for compliance
• Mentor junior staff and ensure deliverable quality

Skills

Design leadership

Team coordination

Construction docs

Mentoring juniors

Education

Drafting/design tech degree

Tools

3D CAD

Job description

OVERVIEW

Leads design teams and oversees project execution. Mid to senior-level technical role responsible for leading complex design efforts across multiple project phases. Operating with minimal supervision, the incumbent applies advanced design techniques and engineering principles to develop original and detailed construction documentation. Requires a deep understanding of design standards, material properties, and construction practices, and serves as a technical resource for multidisciplinary coordination. Key in establishing design criteria, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring the quality and accuracy of deliverables. This role reflects nearing a complete transition from mid to senior-level technical responsibilities and may include regularly interfacing with engineers, clients, and vendors, contributing to project technical execution.

ABOUT S&B

S&B is an exceptional full-service Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company, proudly maintaining private ownership and operation for over five decades. With our extensive experience, we have successfully undertaken diverse projects across various industries, including Oil & Gas, Chemicals, Petrochemicals, Energy Transition, Power, and Pulp & Paper. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to safety, timely project completion, and cost-effective solutions. Our proven track record speaks for itself, as we consistently deliver outstanding results while adhering to the highest industry standards. Moreover, our company culture is unparalleled, fostering an environment of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. At S&B, we understand the value of our talented team, and we ensure they are rewarded accordingly. We offer a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive benefits program to attract and retain the best professionals in the field.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct supervision of designer staff assigned to a project. Provides technical guidance and coordination of assigned staff with other multidisciplinary teams. Responsible for performance management and professional development of assigned staff.

EDUCATION

High school diploma with vocational or technical training in drafting/design technology, or a 2-year degree in drafting/design technology with advanced coursework or certification in CAD or structural design is preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Typically requires 8+ years of progressive experience in civil/structural design. Demonstrated expertise in manual and computer-assisted drafting, including specialist-level proficiency in 3D CAD applications. Proven ability to develop design solutions with minimal engineering input and lead technical design efforts across complex project scopes. Competent in providing construction support and coordinating field activities. Requires demonstrated ability of effectively managing teams.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead design teams in the planning and execution of projects by collaborating with the lead engineer, working in close partnership for technical direction, resource coordination, and delivery of high-quality outcomes.
• Work jointly with the lead engineer to proactively resolve challenges, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence within the team.
• Share responsibility with the lead engineer for project scope, schedule, budget, and staffing plans contributing to performance outcomes while supporting the engineer’s final technical authority.
• Ensure alignment with strategic objectives, proactively identifying risks and resource needs, and implement corrective actions to maintain project delivery targets.
• Collaborate with engineers, clients, and other disciplines to support project execution.
• Assist in writing procedures, specifications, and estimating design scope and effort.
• Contribute to project planning through conceptual design input and resource forecasting.
• Establish 3D models and design criteria to develop detailed engineering and construction drawings for complex and original design concepts.
• Apply basic principles and construction knowledge to determine material requirements and perform design calculations.
• Review vendor and fabricator documentation for compliance with specifications.
• Provide design sketches and guidance to junior staff for layout and refinement.
• Check and verify design work produced by others for accuracy and completeness.
• Lead field walkdowns and support site coordination activities to validate design intent.
• Provides conceptual design input for preliminary project estimates, including estimate documentation and engineering estimates for work hours required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before clients or employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Occasionally may conduct or participate in a field trip to an operating plant or construction site. This requires normal hearing, the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb and balance, clear close and distance vision, depth perception and the ability to focus. Lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Normal work environment will be a business office with moderate noise. Occasionally may visit or be temporarily assigned to work in an operating plant or at a construction site. This may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, work near moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, construction equipment, vibration, fumes, chemicals and airborne particles.