Structural Senior Designer I

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

100% Employee-Owned—ESOP vesting from

401(k) with employer match

Health, dental, vision coverage

Life insurance and disability

Flexible schedules; PTO and paid leave

Tuition reimbursement and professional

Job summary

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc is seeking a Senior Designer I to own discipline design delivery, developing concepts and layouts, and guiding documentation quality from kickoff through closeout. You will mentor designers and EITs while upholding standards and project commitments.

You’ll coordinate with owners, architects, and other disciplines, review drawings, and support project management tasks as needed. This role requires a technical degree and extensive design experience.

Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree plus six years applicable experience OR eight years applicable experience.
• Three years of experience with large scope projects.
• Experience reading and interpreting plans from multiple disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Own discipline design delivery from concept through closeout and coordinate across disciplines.
• Mentor designers and EITs while upholding standards, schedule, and fee commitments.
• Review and coordinate drawings, attend client and internal meetings, and communicate with the project team.

Skills

Mentoring

Reading plans

Communication

Project coordination

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Detail-oriented

Education

Two-year technical degree

Six+ years applicable experience

Eight years applicable experience

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Navisworks

TRACE

HASS

SKM

Job description

What You’ll Do

As a Senior Designer I, you’ll own discipline design delivery—developing concepts and layouts, coordinating across disciplines, guiding documentation quality, and communicating with clients and contractors from kickoff through closeout. You’ll mentor designers and EITs while upholding standards, schedule, and fee commitments.

• Process drawings received from the architect into models the design team can use; coordinate initial project set-up and keep models current with the architect.
• Prepare electronic drawings with accuracy, neatness, and efficiency using industry software; develop design approaches and concepts with the project engineer.
• Implement design requirements relayed by the team; perform system design layout and sizing; assist with studies, load calculations, and equipment selection.
• Anticipate problems and potential conflicts; propose solutions and communicate with team members and the project engineer.
• Review shop drawings, record changes, and keep all disciplines informed of details and schedules; attend client and internal update meetings.
• Coordinate with owners, architects, and other disciplines; answer contractor and supplier questions during bid and construction phases.
• Maintain detailed records of communications with clients, contractors, vendors, and team members.
• Coordinate contract documents with construction administrators; perform site observations as required and support CA as needed.
• Perform collision checks in Navisworks; visually review plans for defects and drive resolution with the team.
• Assist with development of manhour budgets and execute work to the plan; quantify effort and flag risks early.
• Help organize complete, well-structured drawing sets; maintain project design and construction files.
• Stay current on codes, design software, and industry trends; assist in mentoring designers and EITs; support field verification as needed.
• On select projects, support project management tasks—scope definition, scheduling, client communication, QA/QC plan, profitability oversight, and closeout.

Who We’re Looking For

Minimum Requirements:

• Two-year technical degree in an applicable discipline plus six years applicable experience OR eight years applicable experience
• Three years of experience with large scope projects
• Experience in performing system or project designs with only general technical supervision from engineering staff
• Capable of reading and interpreting plans from other disciplines (i.e., architectural, structural, civil, plumbing, electrical, mechanical)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated proficient knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and discipline-specific engineering software (e.g., TRACE, HASS, SKM).
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and applicable codes/standards and construction terminology.
• General knowledge of engineering theories/methodologies, systems integration, and the applicable engineering discipline.
• Clear written communication, technical writing, and speech clarity; strong comprehension and ability to convey requirements.
• Interpersonal influence, mentoring mindset, and organizational skills to marshal resources and manage multiple activities at once.
• Detail-oriented with sound judgment and decisionmaking; ability to foresee issues and propose solutions proactively.

What We Offer

• 100% Employee-Owned—Ownership from day one with immediate ESOP vesting.
• Retirement Savings—401(k) with immediate vesting and a generous company match.
• Health & Wellness—Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company‑funded HSA contributions for HDHP plans.
• Company-Paid Protection—Life insurance, AD&D, and short and long term disability at no cost to you.
• Work-Life Balance—Flexible schedules, paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid company holidays.
• Career Growth—Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development support.

SSR is an Equal Opportunity / Aff

EEO Disabled/Veterans

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.