Job Description

The Project Engineer I is an entry-level structural engineering position focused on developing the fundamental technical skills necessary to become a successful structural engineer. Working under the direction and guidance of experienced engineers, Project Engineer I team members support projects through structural calculations, analysis, design, documentation, and construction administration.

This position is intended for recent graduates and engineers early in their careers who are developing practical engineering judgment while learning Apex's design processes, standards, preferred design software, and approach to project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform entry-level structural engineering calculations and design for individual structural components, including slabs, steel deck, beams, joists, columns, walls, foundations, steel connections, and other common structural elements under the guidance of an experienced engineer.
• Determine gravity, wind, seismic, snow, rain, and other applicable building loads using ASCE 7 and project-specific design criteria.
• Calculate tributary areas, loads, load paths, and reactions for individual structural components and systems.
• Apply calculated loads to structural analysis and design software and use resulting forces to design individual structural components.
• Develop and use basic structural analysis models for individual members, components, and straightforward structural systems.
• Prepare structural calculations and supporting engineering documentation for assigned design tasks.
• Assist with the development of structural drawings and details by communicating design information, member sizes, reactions, dimensions, and other engineering requirements to the project team.
• Assist with reviewing shop drawings, submittals, Requests for Information (RFIs), and other construction-phase documentation under the guidance of an experienced engineer.
• Participate in internal project meetings to understand project requirements, design decisions, coordination issues, and assigned engineering tasks. Project Engineer I team members may participate in external project meetings for exposure and development but are generally not responsible for representing Apex in those meetings.
• Learn and apply applicable building codes, design standards, material standards, and fundamental structural engineering principles to assigned work.
• Learn and follow Apex's engineering standards, design procedures, calculation requirements, QA/QC processes, documentation practices, and preferred design software.
• Incorporate review comments and feedback from mentors and experienced engineers into calculations, designs, and project documents.
• Work closely with an assigned mentor or experienced engineer who provides ongoing technical guidance and review. Ask questions and seek clarification when additional information or direction is needed to complete assigned work.
• Develop an understanding of how individual structural components interact within the overall structural system and how engineering decisions affect constructability and the completed structure.
• Assist with calculation development, steel shop drawing reviews, submittal preparation, RFI responses, and the development of calculations or tools that improve project efficiency.
• Utilize structural engineering and project software, including Tekla Structural Designer, Excel, IDEA StatiCa, Bluebeam, RISA Suite, Revit, and RAM Connection.
• Review 3-D BIM models to support building design, connection design, coordination, and shop drawing reviews.
• Develop practical engineering judgment through hands-on project experience, mentorship, technical training, and exposure to a variety of structural systems and project types.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architectural Engineering from an accredited university.
• Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering is a plus.
• Typically 0–2 years of relevant structural engineering experience; recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Engineer Intern (EI/EIT) certification or ability to obtain certification.
• Basic knowledge of structural analysis, design principles, and engineering fundamentals.
• Basic understanding of structural load paths and how loads are transferred between structural components and systems.
• Ability to calculate tributary areas, determine tributary loads, and apply loads to structural members and components.
• Basic knowledge of ASCE 7 and an understanding of how to determine applicable dead, live, roof live, snow, rain, wind, and seismic loads with appropriate guidance.
• Basic understanding of the behavior and design principles of common structural materials and components through academic coursework or practical experience.
• Ability to apply engineering fundamentals, mathematics, and problem-solving skills to structural engineering calculations.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work through technical problems methodically.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to learn structural analysis and design software, construction documents, building codes, engineering standards, and practical aspects of structural engineering.
• Willingness to ask questions, accept feedback, and learn from mentors and experienced engineers.
• Ability to follow established procedures, meet deadlines, and manage assigned tasks with appropriate guidance.
• Strong desire to develop technical knowledge, practical engineering judgment, and proficiency in structural design.

Why Join Us?

• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a diverse and talented team of professionals who are passionate about what they do.
• Cutting-Edge Projects: Be part of groundbreaking projects that challenge conventional engineering practices by utilizing Accelerated Project Deliver™.
• Paid Parental Leave: Receive paid maternity and paternity leave to support your growing family.
• Tuition Assistance: $5,000 in tuition assistance annually to payoff student loans.
• Health and Wellness: Enjoy a membership to Orange Theory or access to in-house gym, and three dedicated hours each week for mental and physical health.
• Generous Time Off: Benefit from generous vacation, sick, and personal time.
• Relocation Assistance: Receive support for relocation expenses if moving to the Nashville or St. Louis area up to $5,000.
• Professional Growth: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and career development programs.

Requirements

• Diploma/Certificate.
• American Citizenship/Legally able to work in the United States of America.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apex Structural Engineering, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join us at Apex Structural Engineering, Inc. and help us build a future where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of structural engineering.