Design Engineer

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Grid Structures, a division of Southland Steel, manufactures engineered steel pole and structural solutions for electric utility and renewable energy infrastructure. Our Louisiana operations support transmission, distribution and substation projects across the United States.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Design Engineer performs structural analysis and develops safe, code-compliant, manufacturable designs for transmission poles, substation dead-end and static structures, and equipment supports. This hands-on engineering role supports estimates and customer projects from requirements review through released design, working closely with Detailing, Project Management, Operations and Quality to ensure accuracy, constructability and customer commitments.

CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES

· Analyze and design steel pole shafts, arms, attachments, baseplates, anchor connections and other structural components using applicable load cases, customer specifications and approved engineering methods.

· Develop technically sound, cost-conscious concepts for quotations; refine designs for awarded projects while balancing structural performance, manufacturability, material utilization and delivery needs.

· Apply the relevant editions of ASCE/SEI 48 and other project-required standards, codes and customer design criteria; document assumptions, calculations, checks and engineering decisions.

· Create, review and maintain PLS-POLE models, structural calculations, bills of material and design deliverables; support CAD drawings and detailing with clearly defined dimensions and requirements.

· Partner with drafting/detailing to verify released drawings accurately reflect the approved design; review design changes, revisions and technical questions before fabrication proceeds.

· Work directly with shop-floor teams to resolve fit-up, welding, forming, connection, galvanizing and assembly issues through approved, documented engineering dispositions.

· Communicate with customers and Project Management on technical clarifications, submittals, approvals and design changes; identify risks early and escalate conflicts in requirements or schedule.

· Support root-cause investigations and corrective actions for design or detailing-related nonconformances; improve standards, checklists and mistake-proofing to prevent recurrence.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & CAPABILITIES

· Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural or Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

· Demonstrated ability to perform structural engineering calculations and interpret design criteria, fabrication drawings, connection details and weld symbols.

· Understanding of structural steel behavior, connections, welded fabrication, dimensional tolerances and design-for-manufacturing practices.

· Strong Excel capability, technical documentation discipline, attention to detail and ability to work across engineering and manufacturing teams.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

· Design of tubular steel utility poles, transmission and distribution structures, or substation steel; familiarity with ASCE/SEI 48 and utility customer specifications.

· AutoCAD or comparable CAD tools; experience coordinating with external detailers and production personnel.

· Working proficiency with PLS-POLE or directly comparable structural modeling tools; ability to learn and apply Grid Structures design methods.

· Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to progress toward licensure; experience with formally reviewed or sealed engineering deliverables.

HOW SUCCESS WILL BE MEASURED

On-time, accurate design releases | Minimal engineering-driven rework and customer revisions | Clear, buildable details and attachment orientations | Responsive support to Operations and Project Management | Consistent application of design standards and document control

LEADERSHIP STANDARD

Demonstrates a safety-first mindset, ownership, curiosity and a willingness to work where problems occur. Communicates clearly, challenges assumptions constructively, respects the expertise of shop-floor employees and continuously improves how engineering supports execution.

BENEFITS & EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION

Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, vision and 401(k), subject to plan terms. Grid Structures is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment screening is required