Structural Designer (Entry Level) - Summer 2027

Ghafari As; Grand Rapids, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari Associates in the Dearborn/Grand Rapids area is seeking a Summer 2027 New Graduate Structural Designer to join our team under supervision of the Manager of Structural Engineering.

This entry-level role focuses on applying engineering fundamentals to design structural framing systems, performing calculations, and contributing to construction documents while gaining hands-on experience across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field required.
• Master’s program in field of engineering preferred.
• Prior internship experience in the building design consulting industry preferred.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Formulate design and/or analysis of structural framing systems and perform necessary calculations.
• Conduct field measuring and checking at construction site to verify existing conditions.
• Prepare construction documents and communicate with other disciplines to produce a well-coordinated set of construction documents.
• Coordinate with other disciplines for clash detection and load determination.
• Review shop-drawing submittals to assure design intent is met.
• Maintain project files containing project calculations, correspondence, appropriate reference material, and other items.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Skills

BIM knowledge

Code compliance understanding

Structural design knowledge

Analytical skills

FE modeling awareness

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

Master’s program in engineering preferred

Tools

Autodesk Revit

RAM

ETABS

SAP2000

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Hybrid

Dearborn, MI

Grand Rapids, MI

Full time

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 calculations

• Conduct field measuring and checking at construction site to verify existing conditions

• With direction and assistance, prepare construction documents and communicate with other disciplines to produce a well-coordinated set of construction documents

• With 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 met

• Maintain project files containing project calculations, correspondence, appropriate reference material, and other items

• Perform related duties as assigned

Employment Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field required

• Master’s program in field of engineering preferred

Experience

• Prior internship experience in the building design consulting industry preferred

• Engineer in Training (EIT) License preferred

Skills/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 buildings

• Understanding 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 Revu

• Finite Element modeling (FEM) a plus

About Us

At 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.

Ghafari is a community where talent thrives. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to deepen your skills, collaborate with industry leaders, and work on transformative projects around the globe.

Pay Transparency

Ghafari 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.