Structural Designer (Entry Level) - Summer 2027

Ghafari; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari Associates seeks a Summer 2027 New Graduate Structural Designer to support the Structural Engineering team in Dearborn, MI. Under supervision, you will apply fundamentals to design structural framing systems and assist in preparing construction documents.

You will perform field measurements, coordinate with other disciplines, and review shop drawings to ensure design intent. An internship or EIT is preferred for this entry-level role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field required.
• Master’s program in engineering preferred.
• Prior internship in building design consulting preferred.
• EIT license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design structural framing systems and perform basic calculations under supervision.
• Conduct field measurements at construction sites to verify conditions.
• Create construction documents and coordinate with disciplines for a coordinated set of drawings.
• Coordinate with other disciplines for clash detection and load determination.
• Review shop drawings to ensure design intent is met and maintain project files.

Skills

Field measurement

Structural design fundamentals

Education

Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering

Master’s program preferred

Tools

Autodesk Revit

RISA

RAM

ETABS

SAP2000

Job description

Job Description:This posting is for Summer 2027 New Graduate opportunities.General Summary:The Structural Designer, with supervision from the Manager of Structural Engineering and/or a project engineer, will provide the technical, organizational and communication skills for day-to-day support. He/she will be involved in the application of engineering fundamentals to design structural framing systems or components thereof at an entry-level basis.Essential Job Functions:With direction and assistance, formulate design and/or analysis of structural framing systems and perform necessary calculationsConduct field measuring and checking at construction site to verify existing conditionsWith direction and assistance, prepare construction documents and communicate with other disciplines to produce a well-coordinated set of construction documentsWith direction and assistance, coordinate with other disciplines for clash detection and load determination.With direction and assistance, review shop-drawing submittals to assure design intent is metMaintain project files containing project calculations, correspondence, appropriate reference material, and other itemsPerform related duties as assignedEmployment Qualifications:Education:Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field requiredMaster’s program in field of engineering preferredExperiencePrior internship experience in the building design consulting industry preferredEngineer in Training (EIT) License preferredSkills/Competencies:Basic knowledge in the use of Building Information Modeling (Building Information Model) software (Autodesk Revit)Strong technical and analytical skills including knowledge of principles relating to steel and concrete design as they relate to structural systems design for buildingsUnderstanding of how to apply building code standards and loading requirements (IBC, ASCE7, etc.).General knowledge of industry leading software, including structural analysis software such as Risa, RAM, ETABS and SAP 2000.Familiar with Bluebeam RevuFinite Element modeling (FEM) a plusAbout UsAt Ghafari Associates, we don’t just design buildings—we help shape the future of the industries we serve. As a global leader in architecture, engineering, and consulting, we partner with clients to deliver forward-thinking solutions that transform how people work, manufacture, and connect.Our strength lies in our people. We bring together curious minds, technical experts, and creative problem-solvers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. Whether supporting major industrial programs or advancing federal and commercial projects, our teams are empowered to make a meaningful impact—both for our clients and within our communities.We are committed to investing in our employees’ financial, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as their professional growth. Through robust training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement, we provide the resources our people need to build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the communities we are proud to call home.Ghafari Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. As a federal contractor, Ghafari Associates maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in accordance with applicable laws.Pay TransparencyGhafari Associates will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.AccommodationGhafari Associates is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. If you need an accommodation due to a disability to use our online system to apply for a position, you may also apply for positions in the following ways:By fax at: 313.436.8624, Attn: Human ResourcesBy mail at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126, Attn: Human ResourcesIn person at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126By email at: [e-mail] there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.