Structural Engineer – Steel Erection Engineering

Southern Steel Engineers; Lexington (SC); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Tuition assistance

401(k) with 6% company match

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Two weeks of paid vacation

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Remote work flexibility

Job summary

Southern Steel Engineers in Lexington, SC seeks a structural engineer to analyze erection stability, design temporary bracing, and develop site erection plans. You’ll lead lift plans, review BIM models, and coordinate with erectors. Travel to job sites monthly is expected.

A Civil/Structural degree and FE exam completion are required, with 3+ years in steel design. Proficiency with RAM Elements or similar 3D packages, plus the ability to read drawings, is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering is required.
• FE exam passed; PE/SE license (or in progress) is expected.
• Minimum 3 years of steel design experience, including erection/connection design.

Responsibilities

• Analyze framed steel structures for stability under construction loads and design temporary bracing.
• Prepare site-specific erection plans and sequencing.
• Develop lift plans for trusses and pre-assembled sections with pick points and spreader configurations.
• Coordinate with erectors and field crews; observe and resolve field conditions.
• Visit job sites to observe erection and troubleshoot on-site issues.
• Review 3D BIM models in Trimble Connect to support coordination.
• Prepare submittals, review shop drawings, and respond to RFIs.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Well organized

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

FE exam passed; PE/SE licensed or in progress

Tools

RAM Elements

RISA 3D

SAP2000

STAAD.Pro

Job description

What You’ll Do

• Analyze partially erected steel frames for stability under construction loads, and design the temporary bracing that holds them
• Prepare site‑specific erection plans and erection sequencing
• Develop lift plans for trusses and pre-assembled sections, including pick points, spreader configurations, and stability during the lift
• Coordinate directly with erectors and field crews, including conditions that don't match the plan
• Visit job sites to observe erection and work through issues in place
• Design steel connections for a wide variety of project types across the U.S.
• Use engineering software such as RAM Elements, MathCAD Prime, IDEA StatiCa, and Revit to support design work
• Review 3D BIM models in Trimble Connect to assist with coordination and connection detailing
• Prepare engineering submittals, review shop drawings, and respond to RFIs from clients, detailers, and erectors
• Contribute to the improvement of internal tools, calculation templates, and design processes

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
• Passed the FE exam and either working towards a PE or already licensed as a PE or SE
• At least 3 years of steel design experience, including meaningful time in erection engineering and/or steel connection design
• Working knowledge of AISC 303 erection provisions, AISC Design Guide 10 (erection bracing), ASCE 37 (construction loads), and OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart R
• Proficiency with a 3D structural analysis package (RAM Elements, RISA 3D, SAP2000, STAAD.Pro, or equivalent), including building and interpreting models of incomplete structures
• Ability to read construction drawings, erection drawings, and shop drawings
• Able to explain a bracing scheme to the person who has to install it
• Willingness to travel to job sites, roughly monthly or bi-monthly (not on the road for long lengths of time)
• Excellent attention to detail and a logical, problem‑solving mindset
• Well‑organized, self‑motivated, and able to manage tasks in a project‑driven environment

Bonus Skills (Not Required)

• Crane and rigging familiarity
• Experience on the fabrication or erection side of the industry
• Familiarity with software such as Tekla Structures, SDS2, RISA 3D, or Bluebeam
• Interest in process optimization, AI, or developing tools to improve engineering workflows
• Competitive salary based on skills and experience
• Quarterly bonus program based on company and individual performance
• 401(k) retirement plan with 6% company match (no vesting period)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance – 100% paid for employees
• Short‑and‑long‑term disability insurance – 100% paid for employees
• Family coverage available for medical, dental, and vision plans
• Two weeks of paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, and unlimited sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Relocation assistance may be considered
• Tuition assistance for graduate studies
• Casual, team‑oriented work environment at our Lexington, SC office
• Flexibility for limited remote work and adjustable schedules

About Southern Steel Engineers

Southern Steel Engineers (SSE) is a structural engineering firm specializing in steel design, with an emphasis on connection design, stair and rail engineering, and erection engineering. We work directly with steel fabricators, detailers, and erectors to provide efficient, code‑compliant solutions that support smooth fabrication and construction.

Our team contributes to a wide range of projects across the country, including schools, stadiums, data centers, hospitals, industrial facilities, and more. We support some of the nation’s top steel contractors and builders with practical, real‑world engineering solutions.

Learn more at www.southernsteelengineers.com

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. SSE is not able to sponsor work visas for this position.