Sr. Structural Engineer

Paul J. Ford; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Paul J. Ford in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking a Project Engineer I to perform structural engineering tasks under guidance, focusing on technical execution and project management responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, a Professional Engineer license, and 3–5 years of relevant experience. This role emphasizes strong teamwork and communication skills.

The position offers opportunities for professional development and adherence to quality standards in engineering practices.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of structural engineering experience required.
• Strong knowledge of structural drawing preparation.
• Experience in team collaborations and project planning.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural engineering tasks and oversee project management duties.
• Prepare design calculations, drawings, and specifications.
• Coordinate with various stakeholders to ensure project success.

Skills

Structural engineering calculations

Communication

Problem-solving

Project management

Technical knowledge of engineering software

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

Engineering design software

Job description

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: Project Engineer I performs structural engineering tasks under the guidance of senior staff, executing routine to moderately complex designs using established principles, codes, and standards, with minimal supervision. In a role of a project leader, the Project Engineer I may begin to handle limited project management responsibilities while maintaining primary focus on technical execution, including developing and managing schedules to deliver smaller, less complex projects on time and within budget.

• Prepare design calculations, drawings, specifications, and structural reports using appropriate codes, standards, and engineering principles.
• Prepare engineer studies and schematic designs.
• Develop project objectives through review and evaluation of proposals and client requirements.
• With the assistance of the Project Manager (PM), develop fee proposals.
• Coordinate with engineers, CAD technicians, clients, project managers and other disciplines to ensure complete and accurate project deliverables.
• Review and check design drawings for accuracy, constructability, and compliance following established QA/QC procedures.
• Assist in mentoring and developing junior engineers while serving as a resource for technical and design-related questions.
• Actively pursue professional development opportunities to expand technical knowledge and maintain required Professional Development Hours (PDH) for PE licensure.
• Understand and comply with project-specific and state requirements for sealing and stamping engineering documents as a licensed Professional Engineer.
• Participate in project meetings and maintain professional communication with internal teams and external clients.
• Maintain organized project files, documentation, and calculations in accordance with company standards.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures as stated in the current PJF Employee Policy and Procedure Manual.

Corporate and Department Planning

Corporate planning contributes to or supports planning activities that affect the entire organization. Department planning entails establishing specific goals, budgets, staffing plans, and timelines that align with the department’s objectives.

• Support corporate and departmental goals by contributing to project planning, budgeting, and scheduling activities.
• Assist in developing project objectives by reviewing proposals, scope, and client requirements.
• Align project execution with company standards, policies, and strategic initiatives.

Measures

• Timely completion of assigned planning tasks
• Accuracy of project scope and budget development
• Alignment with departmental utilization and profitability goals

Business Development – Marketing and Sales

Process of identifying, creating, and expanding opportunities that drive growth.

• Assist in preparation of fee proposals, presentations, and marketing materials.
• Participate in client meetings and maintain positive client relationships.
• Support business development efforts through technical input and project experience.

Measures

• Contribution to successful proposal submissions
• Client satisfaction and repeat business
• Participation in marketing and outreach activities

Project Administration

Coordinate, organize, and support projects to ensure they are complete, on time, within scope, and on budget. Focuses on administrative, documentation, and communication that enable teams to work efficiently and achieve objectives.

• Coordinate, organize, and complete engineering tasks and deliverables to ensure projects are completed on time, within scope, and aligned with budget and quality expectations.
• Maintain organized project files and contribute to consistent document management practices.
• Track project progress, budgets, and hours in the company’s project management systems.

Measures

• Projects delivered on time and within budget
• Quality and completeness of project documentation
• Compliance with internal QA/QC standards

Technology

Application of technical knowledge and the use of specialized tools, software, or systems are required to perform job tasks efficiently and meet organizational goals.

• Perform structural design and analysis using engineering design software.
• Stay current with software updates and apply new features effectively.
• Utilize modeling software to develop plans, sections, and details.
• Support the development and refinement of models and deliverables for more complex structural framing systems.

Measures

• Efficient and accurate use of engineering tools
• Consistency of models and drawings with design intent
• Technical innovation and adaptability

Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)

The process and inspections used to ensure that all work meets established standards, specifications, and client requirements through the prevention, detection, and correction of errors.

• Review work for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with relevant codes and standards.
• Revise drawings and designs based on redlines, ensuring corrections are implemented accurately and use feedback to improve future work quality.
• Participate in maintaining project QA/QC documentation and standards.
• Support senior staff by identifying recurring issues and proposing improvements to maintain quality and consistency in project deliverables.

Measures

• QA/QC compliance rate
• Number of redlines per project
• Number of design revisions required by the client

Human Resources and Office Management

Supports the organization's resources and facilitates smooth administrative operations, enabling efficient operations.

• Support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of training materials to support onboarding and the technical development of engineering staff.
• Participate in cross-training and interdepartmental collaboration to support project delivery and assist with managing workloads.
• Support the development of junior engineers while serving as a technical resource for design-related questions and guidance.

Measures

• Timely and accurate completion of administrative tasks
• Team collaboration and communication effectiveness
• Contribution to staff development
• Compliance with company policies and documentation standards

Continuing Education –

Annual training programs that support company objectives and employee growth.

• Pursue opportunities for professional growth through training, webinars, and seminars.
• Maintain Professional Engineer (PE) license registrations and required PDH credits.
• Maintain current knowledge of evolving codes, materials, and emerging technologies relevant to structural design.

Special Project and Assignments

• Assumes responsibilities for special assignments delegated by the Engineering Manager or the Director of Engineering.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 3–5 years of structural engineering experience.
• Strong knowledge of structural engineering calculations.
• Experience with preparing structural drawings and supporting design deliverables for a variety of structural materials and systems.
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible, reasonable accommodation will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• This job is essentially a sedentary role; however, standing, walking, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, stooping or kneeling, talking, and hearing are required.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• This job operates in a professional office environment.
• Overtime may be necessary as workloads dictate. This may include weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Due to the collaborative nature of this position and accessibility for in-house and on-site client meetings, it is essential that the work be performed in the office and during regular business hours.
• Some travel may be required. The employee may occasionally be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, high places, fumes, or airborne particles, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and the risk of electrical shock.