Structural Designer at DOWL

Wayne State University; Billings (MT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Kickstart your engineering career as a Structural Designer, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in structural design and analysis under the guidance of licensed engineers. This entry-level role is designed for eager learners who want to apply critical thinking and grow their technical skills in a collaborative team.

You’ll tackle real-world challenges across infrastructure projects and may participate in construction support, inspections, and broader civil engineering tasks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or structural engineering required.
• Master’s degree preferred for larger projects.
• EIT/EI certification required within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist in basic structural design tasks with supervision.
• Prepare structural calculations with oversight.
• Support project delivery and coordination with senior staff.
• Contribute to drafting and documentation using AutoCAD or MicroStation.

Skills

Engineering fundamentals

Team collaboration

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree preferred

EIT/EI within 6 months

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

Kickstart your engineering career as a Structural Designer, where you’ll gain hands‑on experience in structural design and analysis under the guidance of experienced, licensed engineers. This entry‑level role is perfect for individuals who are eager to learn, apply critical thinking, and grow their technical skills in a supportive, team‑oriented environment. You’ll tackle real‑world challenges, contribute to a variety of infrastructure projects, and have the opportunity to explore tasks beyond structural engineering, including construction support, inspections, and broader civil engineering responsibilities. If you’re ready to learn, take initiative, and build a strong foundation in engineering, we encourage you to apply and be part of a team that’s shaping the future of infrastructure. This role may be based out of any of our DOWL Montana office locations (Billings, Bozeman, or Helena).

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Basic
• Market Sector Software (MathCAD, AutoCAD or MicroStation) - Basic

Technical Expertise

• Solid understanding of engineering fundamentals
• Performs basic design tasks with oversight
• Basic understanding of technical writing skills
• Clear internal communications (emails, meeting minutes, etc.)

Teamwork

Works on structural design teams performing simple tasks with oversight.

Project Delivery

• Prepares structural calculations with oversight
• Edits boilerplate special provisions
• Develops contract plans and cost estimates with oversight

Understanding Budget and Schedule

Basic understanding of scope, schedules, and budgets for simple tasks (i.e., identify when things are taking longer than planned).

Industry Standards and Regulations

Basic understanding of standard design codes (AASHTO, ACI, AISC, etc.).

Client Interaction

Performs requested tasks with oversight. Seeks oversight before external communications.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Performs basic levels of technical work on projects in support of more experienced staff within the market sector. Operates with minimal autonomy – work is closely supervised by more senior staff.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Master’s Degree preferred
• Years of experience required: none
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: none

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• EIT/EI required (within 6 months of hire)
• Driving is an essential job function or a valid driver’s license is required to support legitimate business purposes

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Position may include periodic site visits and inspection work on project sites.