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Entry-Level Structural Engineer – Steel Connection Design - Job Opportunity at ilocatum

Roswell, GA, US
Full-time
Entry-level
Posted: June 9, 2025
On-site
USD 50,000 - 65,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive structured mentorship program providing accelerated professional development beyond typical entry-level positions
Exceptional work-life balance with explicit no late nights and no weekend work policies, rare in engineering consulting
Regular travel opportunities (4-6 weeks quarterly) providing diverse project exposure and professional networking
Strong project backlog ensuring long-term job security and consistent workload
Early client-facing opportunities typically reserved for more senior engineers
Investment in professional growth with hands-on training in industry-leading software tools

Key Responsibilities

Execute critical steel connection designs for live projects from day one, gaining immediate hands-on experience with real-world engineering challenges that directly impact project success
Master industry-standard Tekla and RAM Steel modeling software through practical application, building expertise in tools essential for structural engineering career advancement
Collaborate strategically with project managers and fabricators to ensure seamless project delivery, developing crucial cross-functional communication skills that distinguish top-performing engineers
Participate in quarterly travel assignments providing exposure to diverse project sites and construction environments, building practical field experience that enhances design capabilities
Contribute to company growth through continuous learning and skill development in a structured mentorship environment designed to accelerate professional competency

Requirements

Education

BS in Civil Engineering (MS a plus)

Experience

0–2 years of experience (steel or structural design a plus)

Required Skills

Strong communication skills team-first attitude Interest or experience in Tekla and RAM Steel

Certifications

EIT certification – REQUIRED Authorized to work in the U.S. (no sponsorship)
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The structural steel industry is experiencing significant growth driven by infrastructure modernization initiatives and increased commercial construction activity, with the Biden Administration's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocating $550 billion for infrastructure improvements creating sustained demand for structural engineers specializing in steel design. Advanced modeling software like Tekla and RAM Steel are becoming industry standards, with companies increasingly requiring proficiency in these tools for competitive positioning. The integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D modeling capabilities is transforming traditional design workflows and creating premium opportunities for engineers with these skills. The fabrication and engineering sector is consolidating around companies that can offer integrated services, combining design expertise with fabrication capabilities. This trend is creating opportunities at firms that can provide end-to-end solutions, making experience at such companies particularly valuable for career development. Labor shortages in skilled engineering positions are driving companies to invest more heavily in mentorship and training programs, as seen in this role's emphasis on structured development, representing a shift from traditional sink-or-swim approaches to junior engineer development.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $50,000-$65,000 is competitive for entry-level structural engineers in the Atlanta market, positioning at approximately the 60th percentile for similar roles in the Southeast region. This range reflects the specialized nature of steel connection design and the company's investment in comprehensive training, with potential for rapid advancement given the structured mentorship approach.

Role Significance

Typical structural engineering teams at fabrication firms range from 8-15 engineers across different experience levels, with this role likely supporting 2-3 senior engineers while collaborating with project managers, detailers, and fabrication personnel. The cross-functional nature provides exposure to the complete project lifecycle from design through construction.
This entry-level position offers accelerated responsibility typically associated with mid-level roles, including immediate involvement in live project design work and client interaction opportunities. The role provides foundational experience while offering exposure to strategic project elements that will accelerate professional development and industry recognition.

Key Projects

Commercial building steel frame connections for office complexes, retail centers, and mixed-use developments requiring complex load transfer solutions Industrial facility structural systems including manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers with specialized connection requirements Infrastructure projects such as pedestrian bridges, transit facilities, and parking structures demanding both standard and custom connection designs Renovation and retrofit projects requiring innovative connection solutions to integrate new structural elements with existing building systems

Success Factors

Developing proficiency in Tekla and RAM Steel software will be crucial for career advancement, as these tools are becoming industry standards and companies increasingly value engineers who can maximize their capabilities for complex modeling and analysis tasks. Building strong relationships with fabricators and understanding constructability issues will distinguish top performers, as the best structural engineers bridge the gap between theoretical design and practical construction implementation. Cultivating excellent communication skills for client interaction and project coordination will accelerate career progression, particularly given this role's emphasis on client-facing opportunities typically reserved for more senior positions. Embracing the mentorship opportunities and structured learning environment will maximize professional development, as companies investing in comprehensive training programs typically promote from within and value employees who fully engage with development initiatives. Maintaining work-life balance while demonstrating strong technical competency will be essential, as this company's culture emphasizes sustainable career development rather than burnout-inducing overwork common in some engineering consulting environments.

Market Demand

High demand exists for entry-level structural engineers with steel design focus, particularly in growth markets like Atlanta where commercial and infrastructure construction activity remains robust. The combination of industry labor shortages and increasing project complexity creates favorable conditions for new graduates entering the field.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

EIT certification represents the fundamental professional credential required for career advancement in structural engineering, providing the foundation for future PE licensure and establishing professional credibility with clients and regulatory authorities. Tekla and RAM Steel proficiency has become essential for competitive positioning in the structural steel industry, as these platforms enable complex 3D modeling, clash detection, and automated drawing generation that significantly improve project efficiency and accuracy. Steel connection design expertise represents a specialized technical competency with high market demand, as the complexity of modern construction requires engineers who understand both theoretical principles and practical implementation challenges. Strong communication skills are critical for success in client-facing roles and cross-functional collaboration, particularly as this position offers early exposure to client interaction opportunities that can accelerate career development.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced degree (MS) in structural or civil engineering provides deeper theoretical foundation and research experience that becomes valuable for complex projects and technical leadership roles, though not required for immediate success in this position. Prior experience in steel or structural design, even through internships or academic projects, provides practical context that accelerates the learning curve and demonstrates genuine interest in the field to supervisors and mentors. Team-first attitude and collaborative mindset become increasingly important as engineers advance to project leadership roles, with early demonstration of these qualities creating opportunities for expanded responsibilities and mentorship roles. Travel flexibility and adaptability enhance professional development through exposure to diverse project types and construction environments, building practical experience that improves design decision-making and client service capabilities.

Unique Aspects

The combination of fabrication and engineering services under one roof provides rare exposure to the complete project lifecycle from initial design through final construction, offering practical insights typically unavailable in traditional consulting firm environments.
Structured quarterly travel programs provide controlled exposure to diverse project environments without the excessive travel demands common in larger consulting firms, balancing professional development with work-life considerations.
Immediate involvement in live project work represents an accelerated learning opportunity compared to typical entry-level positions that often involve extensive training periods before meaningful project contribution.
The explicit focus on Tekla and RAM Steel expertise provides specialized technical training in high-demand software platforms that create competitive advantages in the job market and command premium compensation.
Direct collaboration with fabricators offers practical constructability insights that distinguish engineers in their technical approach and make them more valuable to future employers seeking candidates who understand real-world implementation challenges.

Career Growth

Typical progression to senior engineer level occurs within 3-4 years given the accelerated learning environment and structured mentorship, with project management opportunities emerging around year 5-7. The combination of hands-on experience, software expertise, and client exposure positions graduates for faster advancement than traditional consulting firm career paths.

Potential Next Roles

Senior Structural Engineer specializing in complex steel connection design with project leadership responsibilities and client relationship management Project Manager for structural engineering projects, combining technical expertise with business development and team management capabilities Specialized Steel Connection Engineer focusing on seismic design, high-rise construction, or industrial applications requiring advanced technical expertise Business Development Engineer leveraging technical background to identify new opportunities and maintain client relationships in the structural engineering market

Company Overview

ilocatum

ilocatum operates as a specialized recruitment firm focusing on engineering and technical placements, representing established fabrication and engineering companies in the Southeast region. Their focus on structured career development and work-life balance indicates partnerships with mature, financially stable organizations that prioritize employee retention and professional growth over rapid turnover models common in some consulting environments.

The company's emphasis on representing firms with strong project backlogs and structured mentorship programs suggests relationships with established market players rather than startup or struggling organizations. Their ability to offer competitive compensation with comprehensive benefits indicates partnerships with financially healthy companies positioned for sustained growth.
The Atlanta metropolitan area represents one of the fastest-growing construction markets in the Southeast, with Roswell's location providing access to both urban commercial projects and suburban development opportunities. The region's business-friendly environment and population growth create sustained demand for structural engineering services.
The explicit emphasis on work-life balance, structured mentorship, and no-burnout policies indicates a mature organizational culture that recognizes the importance of sustainable employee development. This approach typically correlates with higher employee retention, better project outcomes, and stronger client relationships compared to high-turnover consulting environments.
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