Lead Structural Design Engineer

JAB Recruitment; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 145,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

An engineering recruitment firm is seeking a Lead Structural Design Engineer in Houston, Texas. This role requires overseeing design teams, ensuring project execution, and managing technical deliverables. Candidates should have over 10 years of offshore or subsea design engineering experience, along with proficiency in key engineering tools. The position offers a competitive salary range of $145,000.00 to $155,000.00 per year.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of offshore or subsea design engineering experience.
• Strong commitment to HSE and quality assurance.
• High-level understanding of offshore engineering principles.

Responsibilities

• Manage direct reports for project and tender execution.
• Develop, review, and check technical deliverables.
• Provide on-site technical guidance and support.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Technical aptitude

Communication

Education

Eligibility for membership in a recognized certifying body (PE, EA, IMechE, RINA)

Tools

CAD

Inventor

ANSYS

Orcaflex

Job description

Base pay range

$145,000.00/yr - $155,000.00/yr

Overview

The Lead Structural Design Engineer is responsible for guiding the Design team, providing technical expertise, and ensuring the successful execution of project and tender deliverables. This role combines hands‑on engineering, design oversight, leadership, and cross‑functional coordination to support safe, efficient, and compliant project execution.

Key Performance Measures

• Zero design‑ or project‑related safety incidents within scope of control
• On‑time, on‑budget completion of project and tender deliverables
• Minimal revisions to externally issued documentation
• Smooth delivery of assigned work packages
• Positive feedback from project teams, managers, and clients
• Growth in personal technical capability and team development

Primary Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Manage direct reports for project and tender execution, including workload planning, progress monitoring, and performance appraisals
• Communicate project Scope of Work to the design team
• Own assigned work packages and ensure timely, on‑budget delivery
• Report progress to functional leadership and Project Managers
• Identify and document contract or commercial variations tied to technical changes

Technical Execution

• Develop, review, and check technical deliverables including procedures, design reports, plans, technical notes, registers, schedules, RFQs, BoDs, and specifications
• Perform engineering analysis and design:
  • Complex: structural design, rigging systems, hydrodynamic analysis, installation aids, and specialized equipment
• Build and maintain hydrodynamic vessel models and in‑house engineering tools (Excel, Mathcad, calculation sheets)
• Compile internal and industry lessons learned to drive best practices
• Develop work requests, CTRs, and criticality ratings
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders—including clients, subcontractors, and technical authorities—to define methodologies and ensure technical compliance

Offshore & Site Support (as needed)

• Travel offshore or to remote sites to support mobilizations, FATs, SITs, audits, inspections, construction, commissioning, IMR, surveys, or decommissioning
• Provide on‑site technical guidance, documentation, and updates (DPRs, shift logs, 24‑hr updates, MoC documentation, etc.)
• Ensure offshore compliance with AFC procedures and standards
• Track project equipment status, location, seafastening, and manifest accuracy
• Capture technical records for close‑out (task plans, ITPs, logs, calibrations, registers, etc.)
• Coordinate logistics and communication between offshore and onshore teams

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare and deliver technical presentations for reviews, constructability assessments, risk assessments, readiness reviews, and project briefings
• Participate in workshops for project and tender development
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals (technical, commercial, and contractual)
• Support development of offshore execution strategies and schedules
• Manage design, procurement, fabrication, and performance of project‑specific equipment, tooling, rigging, and consumables
• Oversee major supplier or subcontractor packages
• Assemble installation records and close‑out documentation, including as‑built reports and lessons learned

Requirements

Education

• Eligibility for membership in a recognized certifying body (PE, EA, IMechE, RINA, etc.)

Experience

• 10+ years of offshore or subsea design engineering experience

Technical Knowledge

High‑Level Understanding & Promotion of:

• Company policies, values, and Code of Conduct
• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment methodologies
• Company IMS/Unisea systems
• Company vessel capabilities and systems

Working Knowledge of:

• Offshore engineering principles
• Leadership, negotiation, and conflict management fundamentals
• Commercial and contractual considerations during engineering and operations

Skills & Tools

• Proficiency with engineering and analysis tools (CAD, Inventor, ANSYS, Orcaflex, etc.)
• Familiarity with project management tools
• Strong commitment to HSE and quality assurance
• Excellent technical aptitude and structured problem‑solving capability
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Effective interpersonal and teamwork abilities
• Professional presence for client and industry representation
• Demonstrated alignment with company values: Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence, and Safety