Senior Structural Engineer

As a Senior Structural Engineer at our company in Muscatine, IA, you'll be primarily responsible for leading the design and execution of various civil engineering projects. This includes working on complex earth and water retaining structures, hydropower systems, and flood risk reduction initiatives. Your role will involve collaborating with geotechnical and civil engineers, ensuring that all designs meet regulatory standards, and applying your knowledge of USACE structural design specifications.

To qualify for the Senior Structural Engineer position at our company, you must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis. Additionally, a Master’s degree in structural or geotechnical engineering is preferred. Having at least 10 years of relevant experience and familiarity with Microstation, federal guidelines, and USACE design standards will also be vital for your success in this role.

The engineering group you'll be joining consists of diverse professionals specializing in geotechnical, civil, and water resources engineering. As a Senior Structural Engineer, collaboration is key—your input will be invaluable as you work closely with teammates to deliver impactful projects. We foster an inclusive culture, encouraging knowledge sharing and innovation, allowing you to grow alongside experienced professionals in a supportive environment.

In the Senior Structural Engineer position, you'll have the opportunity to work on a range of heavy civil engineering projects. These include designing and overseeing the construction of dams, locks, hydropower systems, flood risk reduction projects, and water control structures. You'll play a significant role in the planning and execution phases, ensuring that all designs meet rigorous standards while being environmentally responsible.

Absolutely! Our company values professional development and offers several paths for career advancement. As a Senior Structural Engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to lead projects and mentor junior engineers, which can pave the way toward roles such as Project Manager or Engineering Director. We support ongoing education and training to ensure that all our employees grow their skills and further their careers.

When answering this question, be specific about the types of hydraulic structures you've worked on, the design process you followed, and any particular challenges you faced. Highlight your familiarity with design standards relevant to hydraulic projects, especially those from USACE, and how you applied them in real-world scenarios.

Discuss reliable sources such as professional organizations, government websites, and industry publications that you follow to stay informed about changes in engineering guidelines. Mention any professional development courses or workshops you attend to further your knowledge.

Choose a specific project and detail the obstacles you encountered—be they technical, regulatory, or logistical. Explain how you overcame these challenges and what the outcomes were, focusing on your problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with Microstation, how you have used it in your previous roles, and any specific features of the software you find particularly useful for structural engineering designs. Providing examples can help reinforce your proficiency.

Talk about your systematic approach to ensuring compliance, including familiarity with USACE guidelines, conducting regular reviews, engaging with regulatory authorities, and how you've implemented feedback from design reviews to meet these standards in your projects.

In your response, mention key evaluation techniques, such as load testing, simulations, or peer reviews. Discuss how you incorporate safety factors into your designs and how these methods contribute to the overall integrity of the projects.

Explain your communication strategies for keeping clients informed throughout a project's duration. Emphasize the importance of setting clear project goals, providing regular updates, and being transparent about any potential issues that may arise.

Discuss how collaboration with other professionals—like geotechnical engineers and project managers—enhances your design process. Provide examples of successful projects that resulted from effective teamwork and how shared knowledge ultimately benefited the project outcomes.

Talk about your strategies for staying organized and meeting deadlines, such as utilizing project management tools, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining open lines of communication with your team. Provide an example of how your time management skills have positively impacted a project's timeline.

Share a personal story or experience that ignited your passion for structural engineering. This could be a project you found particularly inspiring or a mentor who guided you in your career path, illustrating your dedication to the field.