Structural Engineering Designer I - Lifestyle - Building Design

As a Structural Engineering Designer I, you will model, calculate, and document real structures, from the first concept scheme through the final set of construction documents. You will work under licensed structural engineers on buildings that vary in type, size, and material, which is the fastest way to learn how load actually travels through a structure and how a drawing turns into something a contractor can build.

This is a learning job and the firm treats it as one. You will sit close to the engineers whose work you are supporting, ask them questions during the day, and get your own documents back marked up, which is how technical judgment gets built. The path from here runs through the FE exam and engineer in training toward licensure and a structural engineer role.

Progressive is employee owned, with profit sharing and an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). In this role, you will: Build the structural models and construction documents for assigned projects. Work in Revit and AutoCAD to produce building models, drawings, and details for a range of project types and delivery methods, on the scope and schedule your project team sets.

Run the structural calculations behind the design. Analyze dead, live, wind, and seismic loads and trace how they move through a structure, using RISA, RAM, and hand calculations, and learn how steel, concrete, and timber behave under those loads. Turn the engineer's design intent into detailing that can be built. Take the structural concept and work it into the level of detail a contract document needs, asking what the field actually requires rather than copying the last project's detail.

Check your own work before anyone else does. Review your calculations, models, and drawings for accuracy against the design approach and the firm's standards, and flag inconsistencies in the design or documentation to the senior engineers instead of leaving them for the next reviewer. Coordinate the structural work with the rest of the project team.

Work through technical items with architects, other in-house disciplines, and outside consultants, keep the shared electronic project documentation current, and stay in front of scope, design changes, and budget adjustments by talking with the senior engineers and PEs on the job. Draft project specifications alongside the drawings.

Prepare specification sections that match what the drawings show and follow the firm's standards, so the two do not tell the contractor different things. Sit for the FE exam and get on the licensure path. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam if you have not already, and use the requirements for licensure as the frame for what you take on next.

Learn quickly by asking and by taking correction well. Bring questions to the licensed engineers rather than guessing, participate in team meetings and reviews, and treat the red marks on your documents as the shortest route to knowing what the code and the field require. P eople Matter Each individual’s background, knowledge, ability, and experience contributes to strengthening our organization and projects.

Our dedication to diversity includes company provided training and education, equitable recruitment, a grassroots employee DEI committee, and robust community partnerships. Progressive Companies is comprised of people with a variety of abilities, races, colors, religions, genders, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, veteran statuses, and more.

As an equal opportunity employer, we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements of innovative design. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Transforming Spaces. Empowering People. The talented professionals of Progressive Companies are designers of a bold new future, creating high-performance structures and pathways, delivering on today’s needs and preparing for what’s to come.

We live by the idea that design isn’t simply about beauty, it’s about improving strategic outcomes—what we call P erformance B ased D esign. Our work spans across the nation, allowing team members to work on a variety of exciting projects and maximize impact as trusted partners to our clients and communities. Sustainable and Inclusive We are dedicated to human-centered, sustainable, and inclusive design practices.

We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to building trust, respect, and truly innovative design making spaces welcoming and accessible to all. Our sustainability approach embraces the AIA 2030 Commitment, together with a range of high performance, restorative, and regenerative strategies with a focus on climate responsive results to maximize positive impact in our industry.

Employee Owned We act like owners—because we are. From modest beginnings of four original engineering partners in 1962, to almost 300 architects, engineers, designers, and consultants across multiple regional offices today, the energy, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial mindset you expect from a CEO come standard with every team member.

Culture of Excellence The firm is continually ranked as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation®, with comprehensive benefits including an award-winning wellness program, hybrid work schedule, summer hours, profit-sharing, and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). We take our work seriously, but have fun along the way, which fuels the creative spirit and supports a focus on work and life integration.

Progressive Companies is committed to development and growth of team members through continuing education, mentorship, growth opportunities, and more. We are dedicated to giving back to our communities, with paid service-learning hours available to every employee and corporate sponsorship for a wide range of community organizations and activities.