Mid-Level Engineer/Architect

SMEUSA; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Yearly profit sharing

Performance bonuses

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Paid Time Off

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan is seeking a mid-level architect or engineer to serve as a vital link between early career and senior professionals. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, strong technical skills, and a desire for continuous learning. Responsibilities include evaluating building enclosure systems, balancing project work with client interaction, and contributing to business development. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package and supports professional growth.

Qualifications

• Five plus years of similar experience required.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and work in variable conditions.

Responsibilities

• Balance technical project work with client engagement.
• Evaluate building enclosure systems and perform forensic assessments.
• Prepare proposals, reports, and technical specifications.
• Oversee project deliverables and execution.
• Interact productively with clients and subcontractors.

Skills

Excellent technical communication skills

Customer relations skills

Ability to adapt to new challenges

Desire for continuous learning

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, or related field

RA or PE license (pursuing or achieved)

Job description

We are seeking a mid-level architect or engineer to join our team, a role that offers the opportunity to build on your existing expertise while serving as a vital link between our early career and senior professionals. Ideal candidates will have prior experience at an engineering, architecture, or consulting firm and a strong desire to deepen their technical skills, including performing building evaluations and investigations and developing the technical documents needed to repair identified issues.

In addition to technical development, this role provides a pathway to grow as a seller doer, balancing hands‑on project work with client interaction, relationship building, and contributions to business development. Whether you already have seller doer experience or are eager to learn how to become one, you will be supported in developing the confidence and capabilities needed to engage clients, help identify opportunities, and contribute to the growth of our practice.

Responsibilities:

• Act as a seller-doer by balancing technical project work with client engagement and strategic growth initiatives.
• Evaluate building enclosure systems (e.g. cladding, fenestration, curtain wall, air barrier systems, roofing, waterproofing).
• Perform forensic assessments of building enclosure failures, including field diagnostic, testing and reporting.
• Prepare project deliverables such as proposals, reports, technical specifications and repair or replacement details.
• Oversee various aspects of projects, such as project schedule, deliverables, fees, and invoicing, and provide direct assistance to ensure timely project execution.
• Productively interact with client representatives and SME subcontractors.
• Collaborate with group to develop practical recommendations for the client.
• Support the growth of building enclosure services by staying engaged with your professional network and helping cultivate new client connections.
• Help maintain strong client relationships through reliable project delivery, responsive communication, and day‑to‑day collaboration.
• Work with junior and senior level staff to perform day‑to‑day project tasks.
• Contribute to company‑wide objectives through involvement in office and company development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Technology, Building Science, or related field.
• Pursuing or have achieved RA or PE.
• Five (5) plus years of similar experience.
• Excellent technical, written, graphical and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent communication, report writing and customer relations skills.
• Ability to adapt to new challenges and learn new concepts.
• Desire for continuous learning.
• Work well with others, courteous, patient, and respectful.
• Personal awareness of role as an SME ambassador.
• Fortitude required to stick with a problem until solved.
• Open‑mindedness to opinions of others.
• Ability to work overtime, including weekends on an as‑needed basis.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds, stand for long periods of time, work from heights, work in tight spaces and inclement weather.
• Ability to work in an efficient and organized manner independently and with a team.
• Ability to drive and safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Willingness to travel to cover out‑of‑town overnight projects. A valid driver’s license (good driving record) is required.

At SME, we believe that taking care of our employees is the cornerstone of our success. Our commitment to your well-being goes beyond a job- it is about helping you thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a benefits package that is not simply meeting an expectation, but a key component of your overall job satisfaction. The following list highlights many of the benefits SME offers its employees.

• SME provides Medical, Dental, and Vision after 30 days of employment.
• SME covers the premium cost of medical insurance so that you and your families never have to worry about the costs of healthcare.
• Yearly profit sharing that goes directly into your 401k
• Yearly performance bonuses
• Yearly wage evaluations
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Time Off

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.