Structural Engineer

Job Title: Structural Designer
Job Description
This role focuses on heavy foundation and structural steel design for power generation and heavy industrial projects, with a strong emphasis on nuclear and conventional power plants. The structural designer will develop structural and civil designs for foundations, pipe racks, ductwork, and other structural components, performing detailed calculations and design studies to support large, complex projects in the energy sector. The position offers the opportunity to work on new, large-scale projects with significant professional growth potential within a well-established organization.
Responsibilities

• Design heavy foundations and structural steel systems for power plants and heavy industrial facilities, including foundations for tanks and other relatively small structural components.
• Develop structural and civil designs for nuclear power plants, fossil fuel facilities, and conventional energy projects, ensuring compliance with project specifications and industry standards.
• Design pipe racks and associated structural systems, including understanding and applying appropriate loadings and load combinations.
• Support conventional power generation projects, including simple cycle power plants, large rotating equipment foundations, and heavy industrial structures.
• Contribute to emission control projects by designing structural systems for power plant ductwork and related heavy industrial components.
• Perform structural calculations and design studies using industry-standard engineering software such as STAAD Pro, ANSYS, and Mathcad.
• Prepare and review engineering reports, technical studies, specifications, and detailed design drawings to support project development and execution.
• Review and interpret relevant codes, design documents, specifications, and construction documents to ensure the accuracy and constructability of structural designs.
• Prepare engineering designs and drawings based on contracted scopes of work and project specifications, while adhering to established budgets and schedules.
• Follow written and verbal instructions in accordance with established design practices, standards, and procedures to maintain consistency and quality across projects.
• Collaborate closely with multi-discipline engineers and designers to coordinate structural designs with other engineering disciplines.
• Utilize AutoCAD and other design tools to develop and revise structural drawings and details.
• Support dynamic analysis and deep foundation design for heavy industrial and power generation applications.
• Participate in project meetings and design reviews, communicating design intent and resolving technical issues in a timely manner.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by sharing technical knowledge and supporting less experienced team members as needed.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of structural and civil design and drafting experience, preferably in power plant, utility, or heavy industrial project environments.
• Demonstrated structural design experience with power plant and/or heavy industrial projects, including nuclear, fossil fuel, or conventional energy facilities.
• Strong experience in structural analysis and structural calculations for foundations, structural steel, and related components.
• Experience reviewing and applying relevant structural codes, design documents, specifications, and construction documents.
• Proficiency in preparing engineering reports, studies, specifications, and detailed design drawings for structural projects.
• Ability to fully understand and execute the process of preparing engineering designs and drawings based on contracted scopes of work and project specifications.
• Proven ability to work within established budgets and schedules while delivering accurate and complete design packages.
• Capability to follow written and verbal instructions in accordance with established design practices, standards, and procedures.
• Experience using industry-standard engineering software such as STAAD Pro, ANSYS, and Mathcad for structural analysis and design.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for developing and modifying structural design drawings.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with multi-discipline engineers and designers.
• Experience with utility, power plant, or industrial project scopes involving nuclear, fossil fuel, or conventional energy applications.
• Knowledge of dynamic analysis and deep foundation design for heavy industrial and power generation structures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Civil Engineering with a structural focus.
• Experience with seismic analysis and design of structures, systems, and components for nuclear power plants.
• Experience using AutoDesk Advance Steel for structural steel modeling and detailing.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license in any state within the United States, with the ability to obtain additional licenses through comity.
• Experience working on heavy industrial and power generation projects involving large rotating equipment.
• Familiarity with heavy industrial design and emission control projects, including power plant ductwork.
• Interest in working on large, new projects rather than backfill roles, with a focus on long-term project pipelines.
• Motivation to grow professionally within a team that includes both experienced engineers and mid-level engineers.

Work Environment
The role offers a hybrid work schedule with the primary office located in Mt. Laurel, allowing a mix of on-site and remote work, with the option to sit FULLY REMOTE where appropriate. The environment centers on large, complex power generation and heavy industrial projects, including nuclear and conventional energy facilities. Team members use industry-standard engineering software such as STAAD Pro, ANSYS, Mathcad, AutoCAD, and AutoDesk Advance Steel, collaborating closely with multi-discipline engineering teams. The organization has a long history and stable presence, with employees who have built decades-long careers and a robust mix of experienced and mid-level, engineers. New, large-scale projects provide significant opportunities for professional development and growth, supported by comprehensive PTO and benefits. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration, and long-term career development within a well-respected and established firm.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charlotte, NC.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.


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San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.



Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.