Structural Design Engineer

Pwiworks; Nappanee (IN); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401k with company match

Health insurance

Job summary

PWI in Nappanee, IN is seeking a Structural Engineer to develop fabrication-ready drawings for overhead crane systems, mezzanines, and fall-protection structures. You will translate customer and field data into accurate 2D/3D CAD models, ensuring code compliance and shop/field readiness.

The role requires experience with Inventor/SolidWorks/AutoCAD and strong attention to detail. On-site work in Indiana, with some travel for measurements and customer meetings.

Qualifications

• College degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Experience using Inventor, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar 3D modeling software.
• Understanding of steel structures, fabrication methods, and how drawings translate to production and installation.
• Experience creating clear, fabrication-ready drawings with appropriate views, sections, and details.

Responsibilities

• Interpret customer and field information to develop designs.
• Design and model overhead crane systems, mezzanines, and fall-protection structures using 2D and 3D CAD software.
• Create detailed drawings, cut sheets, and documentation for fabrication and PE review.
• Ensure designs follow PWI standards and applicable building codes and best practices.
• Export machine files and provide documentation needed for fabrication and PE review.
• Visit job sites to gather measurements and verify existing conditions.

Skills

CAD software

Structural design

Reading drawings

Communication

Education

College degree preferred in engineering/drafting or related field

Tools

Inventor

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Designing the future of material handling

As a Structural Engineer at PWI, you will develop and produce detailed drawings and cutsheets for customer projects and production in a steel manufacturing environment. Your work supports custom designs for overhead crane systems, mezzanine structures, and engineered fall protection systems, ensuring accuracy, code compliance, and quality. This role requires strong proficiency in CAD software and a solid understanding of steel structures, fabrication processes, and how designs translate to the shop and field.

Responsibilities

• Interpret customer, sales, and field information to develop accurate and practical designs.


• Design and model overhead crane systems, mezzanines, and fall protection structures using 2D and 3D CAD software.


• Create detailed drawings, cut sheets, and documentation that clearly communicate requirements to fabrication and installation teams.


• Ensure designs follow PWI standards, applicable building codes, and structural best practices.


• Export machine files and provide documentation needed for fabrication and PE review.


• Communicate proactively with sales and project coordinators regarding design questions or missing information.


• Revise drawings as needed while working within established engineering lead times.


• Visit job sites as needed to gather measurements and verify existing conditions.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education or Experience

• College degree preferred (engineering, drafting, or related field) or equivalent experience.


• Experience using Inventor, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar 3D modeling software.


• Understanding of steel structures, fabrication methods, and how drawings translate to production and installation.


• Experience creating clear, fabrication-ready drawings with appropriate views, sections, and details.


• Background in construction, steel fabrication, manufacturing, or industrial systems preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• May be asked to obtain certificates to aid in job responsibilities. Needed training will be provided.

Other Skills & Abilities

• Able to use measuring tools and interpret blueprints, layouts, and model views.


• Proficient with Microsoft and Google suite products for communication and documentation.


• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Physical Abilities

• Must be able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.


• May be required to stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, and handle objects during site visits.


• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Cognitive and Communication Abilities

• Able to perform basic math using measurements and distances.


• Able to communicate clearly in one-on-one and small group situations with customers and team members.


• Able to interpret technical information and apply sound judgment in design decisions.

Location

• Willing to work on-site at PWI in Nappanee, Indiana


• Minimal travel may be required to obtain accurate measurements and meet with prospective customers.

Job Details and Benefits

• Positive work environment where culture and Core Values are highest priority


• Full-Time status with weekly overtime. Standard operating hours are Monday-Friday from 6:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


• Paid time off, with up to 3 weeks paid vacation with tenure


• 401k retirement plan with up to 4% company match


• Employer-sponsored individual health insurance, with options for dental and vision


• Wellness Reimbursement


• Paid birthdays off and 7-years employed all-inclusive vacation package.


• Training will be provided as needed.

QUESTIONS?

Contact:

Austin Beachy | Human Resources Director

Starting Wage: $25-$32/HR + overtime and annual profit-sharing bonus

PWI’s most vital concerns are the safety, health, and wellbeing of its employees and all people who come into contact with its workforce, property, and/or its products, and services. In light of this, as a part of PWI's hiring process, PWI may make all job offers contingent upon results from various checks including background checks, drug screens, reference checks, previous employment checks, and driving record checks (dependent upon position applied for). Our PWI team also takes part in ongoing periodic drug screens whether through random draw, reasonable cause, or post-accident testing.

I understand and acknowledge that any job offer may be contingent upon additional screening as indicated above. *