Structural Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Grid (2027)
This entry-level Structural Engineer role involves applying knowledge of materials, structural analysis, and design to power transmission projects, including steel and concrete structures. The engineer will perform detailed design, calculations, and client communication while supporting construction coordination and design verification. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement and emphasizes the use of modern tools such as automation and AI to enhance engineering workflows.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering (Power & Energy - Transmission & Substations).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
This entry-level Structural Engineer will join a structural engineering and design team supporting transmission and substation projects. You will apply fundamentals of materials, structural analysis, and steel and reinforced concrete design to develop calculations, drawings, and technical specifications that support upgrades and modifications to power delivery systems.
- Perform structural analysis and detailed design for steel structures, connections, concrete members, platforms, and foundations.
- Produce integrated structural designs and supporting calculations for planned work.
- Prepare technical specifications for structural materials and produce drawing-level documentation.
- Review work completed by others (calculations, drawings) and provide constructive QA/QC feedback.
- Troubleshoot and solve structural engineering issues related to transmission and substation facilities.
- Communicate technical information directly with clients, contractors, and vendors.
- Travel to client and vendor offices and substation sites for design reviews, construction coordination, and field verification.
- Contribute to team knowledge-sharing and peer learning via established Communities of Practice.
- Use modern tools and automation (where appropriate) to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
Qualifications (Essential)
This role requires demonstrated academic and technical preparation in structural or civil engineering as well as practical software familiarity.
- Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Architectural Engineering.
- Solid academic background in materials behavior, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
- Ability to communicate technical details clearly to clients and project teams.
- Willingness and ability to perform occasional field walk-downs and site visits.
- Experience documenting structural engineering calculations and producing supporting reports.
- Ability to complete work accurately within schedule and budget.
- Working knowledge of structural analysis and design principles for supports, loads, and design integrity.
- Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
- Proficiency with one or more of: MathCad, STAAD.Pro, RISA 3D, RISA Floor.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- This role does not offer U.S. immigration sponsorship; candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred / Valued Skills
- ABET-accredited BSCE or MSCE.
- EIT certification (Engineer in Training).
- Programming or scripting for engineering automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) is valued but not required.
- Additional coursework or certificates in Computer Science, AI, or Software Engineering that enable automation or agentic-AI application to engineering workflows.
Work Arrangement & Location
- Hybrid schedule: typically three days per week in-office, two days remote.
- Primary location: Hanover / Elkridge area, MD (relocation assistance may be available depending on candidate location).
- Travel: periodic travel to client/vendor offices and substation/construction sites required.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $62,998 – $90,586 per year.
- Eligible employees may also participate in discretionary annual bonus programs.
- Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life/disability insurance, 401(k), FSA/HSA, paid time off, parental leave, tuition assistance, relocation support (where applicable), and employee assistance programs.
- Confidential Client emphasizes work-life balance and professional development.
Why This Role / Good Fit
This position is well suited to early-career structural or civil engineers who want hands-on experience designing for power delivery infrastructure. If you enjoy solving practical structural problems, working with teams, and applying modern tools and automation to engineering tasks, you will find strong learning and growth opportunities here.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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