Principal Designer C/S

Zachry Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zachry Engineering Corporation (ZEC) in Houston Westchase seeks a Principal Civil Structural Designer to drive engineering excellence. The role requires master-level CAD proficiency with AVEVA E3D, and leadership across steel and concrete design teams.

You will produce complex 2D/3D structures, mentor designers, and collaborate with engineers, clients and construction teams to meet codes and project specs in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required; 15+ years of drafting/design experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, Autodesk or Bentley software; AVEVA E3D/PDMS preferred.
• Proficiency with Navisworks, Bluebeam Revu and MS Office.
• Strong knowledge of ACI, AISC, OSHA, IBC codes.
• Ability to lead, train and motivate design teams.
• Solid civil/structural design and interdisciplinary coordination.
• Familiarity with construction standards and Advanced Work Packaging (AWP).
• Excellent organizational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel and work overtime in industrial settings.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior designer producing complex structural drawings and models.
• Train and mentor design teams in 2D/3D drawings and standards.
• Create detailed 2D/3D structural designs for steel and concrete systems.
• Prepare preliminary designs and support engineering approvals.
• Lead project design efforts or perform designated checker duties.
• Provide field support including retrofit verifications and as-built docs.
• Conduct internal/external 3D reviews and resolve interferences.
• Ensure QA, project specs and discipline guidelines are followed.
• Collaborate with engineers, clients and construction teams.
• Review vendor shop drawings and construction docs.
• Assist in estimating design/drafting manpower; participate in planning.

Skills

CADD proficiency

Project leadership

Team mentoring

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

Associate or bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

AVEVA E3D/PDMS

Navisworks

Bluebeam Revu

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

Zachry Engineering Corporation (ZEC) is seeking a Principal Civil Structural Designer to drive engineering excellence in our Houston Westchase office. We’re looking for a powerhouse in steel and concrete design who pairs master-level CADD proficiency with AVEVA E3D proficiency. If you’re ready to own high-quality engineering solutions and collaborate across diverse disciplines in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, your next big career move starts here.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior level designer in producing complex structural drawings and models aligned with client needs, codes, and specifications.
• Train and mentor design teams in developing complex structural drawings and 3D models using the appropriate CAD tools and design standards
• Create detailed 2D and 3D structural designs for steel and concrete systems.
• Prepare preliminary designs and recommend procedures for engineering approval.
• May serve as a Project Design Lead or designated checker, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance.
• Provide field support including retrofit verifications, as-built documentation, and installation oversight.
• Conduct internal and external 3D model reviews and resolve design interferences.
• Ensure adherence to QA standards, project specifications, and discipline guidelines.
• Collaborate with engineers, clients, and construction teams to integrate technical requirements.
• Review vendor shop drawings and construction documentation.
• Assist in estimating design and drafting manpower requirements.
• Participate in project planning and execution across multiple scopes.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum 15 years of engineering drafting/design experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, Autodesk, or Bently software, AVEVA E3D/PDMS is preferred.
• Proficiency with Navisworks, Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office.
• Strong understanding of ACI, AISC, OSHA, and IBC codes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, train, and motivate design teams.
• Solid technical knowledge of civil/structural design and interdisciplinary coordination.
• Familiarity with construction industry standards and Advanced Work Packaging (AWP).
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness to travel and work overtime in industrial environments.

Preferred

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience as Lead Designer.
• Senior-level AVEVA E3D expertise.