Job Description

SME is seeking a Mid-Level Structural Engineer to join our Building Materials Group in our Plymouth, Michigan office. This position is performed in person and includes regular collaboration in the office and on project sites.

The Opportunity:

We are seeking a mid-level structural engineer with experience in existing buildings and forensic engineering to join our team. In this role, you will evaluate existing structural systems, perform field investigations, and contribute to the analysis, documentation, and development of repair or stabilization concepts for a variety of building types.

This position is well suited for an engineer who enjoys handson field work, has developed foundational engineering judgment, and is interested in understanding how structural systems perform, deteriorate, and are repaired over time. You will work both independently and in collaboration with senior engineers, supporting investigations, preparing calculations and technical documentation, and participating in client and project team coordination.

As this role develops, you will also begin to support sellerdoer efforts by assisting with proposal development, participating in client meetings, and helping maintain strong client relationships through reliable technical delivery and responsive communication. This position provides exposure to business development as a natural extension of project execution, with opportunities to gradually build confidence in client-facing responsibilities while remaining technically focused.

Qualifications

• Approximately five (5) or more years of experience supporting the analysis and design of structural systems, including concrete, masonry, steel, and wood elements and structures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis from an accredited engineering program.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred (or ability and intent to obtain licensure).

• Working knowledge of applicable industry standards, including AISC 360, ASCE 7, ACI 318, and related codes.

• Experience using industry‑standard structural analysis and design software, such as STAAD, RISA, IES, or equivalent.

• Effective technical, graphical, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Team‑oriented mindset with a willingness to take on varied technical and project‑support responsibilities.

Responsibilities:

• Perform and support structural engineering tasks for projects involving the assessment, investigation, and restoration design of existing structures, including preparation of calculations, sketches, repair details, and technical documentation.

• Participate in field investigations and observations of existing structural systems, documenting observed conditions and assisting with evaluations under the guidance of senior staff.

• Support the day‑to‑day execution of projects by assisting with task coordination, schedule tracking, and preparation of deliverables.

• Work collaboratively with senior engineers, project managers, architects, and contractors to support project goals and technical quality.

• Assist with proposal development, scope definition, and client communications as part of developing seller/doer skills and understanding how projects are procured and delivered.

• Provide technical support and informal mentorship to early‑career steam members as appropriate.

• Contribute to office and group initiatives, continuing education efforts, and professional development activities.

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Previous consulting experience involving existing buildings, assessments, or forensic investigations.

• Familiarity with structural rehabilitation, repair design, or construction‑phase services.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely use and operate ladders and stairs, scaffolds, lifts and other equipment to access existing or under-construction buildings recording the necessary field data to conduct structural analysis and produce technical documents for building systems and components.

• Ability to learn new concepts and adapt to challenges.

• Ability to work overtime, including weekends on an as-needed basis.

• Ability to work in an efficient and organized manner independently and with a team.

• Medically fit to use a respiratory protective device and other personal protective equipment.

• Ability to work in varied environments as dictated by the project, for example:

• Sitting and use of a computer for prolonged periods of time.

• Work in confined spaces and at heights greater than six feet (potentially on ladders, boom lifts, and swing stages).

• Travel locally and out-of- area; A valid driver’s license (good driving record) is required.

SME's Core Values:

• Honesty and Integrity
• Respect
• Selfless Service
• Teamwork
• Practical Solutions

Benefits:

At SME, we believe that taking care of our employees is the cornerstone of our success. Our commitment to your well-being goes beyond a job- it is about helping you thrive both personally and professionally. We offer a benefits package that is not simply meeting an expectation, but a key component of your overall job satisfaction. The following list highlights many of the benefits SME offers its employees.

• SME provides Medical, Dental, and Vision after 30 days of employment.
• SME covers the premium cost of medical insurance so that you and your families never have to worry about the costs of healthcare.
• 401k match
• Yearly profit sharing that goes directly into your 401k
• Yearly performance bonuses
• Yearly wage evaluations
• Flexible Spending Account
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Competitive Paid Time Off
• Volunteer Time Off