Assistant Chief Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer – Structural Steel Fabrication

PVS Structures (Owen Industries) – Carter Lake, IA (Near Downtown Omaha) | Full-Time | Exempt

Lead the Engineering Operation Behind One of the Industry's Most Respected Structural Fabricators.

PVS Structures is looking for a Chief Engineer to provide overall leadership of our structural fabrication operations — spanning production, project management, engineering, and detailing. This is a senior leadership role with real P&L responsibility, direct influence on strategic planning, and the opportunity to shape the future of a growing, AISC-committed structural steel fabricator.

If you're an experienced structural engineering leader who thrives at the intersection of technical excellence and operational performance — and you're ready to own it — this is your role.

What You'll Do

Operations Leadership

• Provide overall management responsibility for structural fabrication operations including production, project management, engineering, and detailing
• Develop and maintain a shop loading system to support sales and production planning
• Work in close cooperation with internal departments to ensure projects are properly administered and completed on schedule
• Drive continuous improvement in production processes and product quality
• Carry out all duties in accordance with ISO standards and company procedures

People Leadership

• Recruit, train, manage, and motivate engineering, project management, and detailing personnel
• Professionally manage the Engineering Department, encouraging high productivity and professional development
• Foster a team-first culture that supports the broader PVS / Owen Industries mission

Financial & Strategic Responsibility

• Share bottom-line P&L responsibility for structural fabrication performance with the Structural Fabrication Sales Manager and President of Owen Industries
• Develop strategic business plans and annual budgets in conjunction with senior leadership
• Assist in the development and implementation of systems to accurately collect shop production data and compare actual vs. estimated job costs

Engineering & Technical

• Provide engineering design and support for structural fabrication projects
• Ensure accurate, timely engineering designs in full compliance with required design standards
• Support the company's commitment to AISC standards and certification
• Assist customers and sales teams with technical information and representation to support business development

Project Management

• Supervise the project management process from contract commitment through execution
• Communicate directly with customers on contract performance and delivery
• Provide technical sales support to prospective customers as needed

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in structural steel fabrication — engineering, operations, or a combination of both
• Proven leadership ability — you've managed engineering and project management teams and developed people
• Strong understanding of structural engineering design, detailing, and fabrication processes
• Experience with shop loading, production planning, and scheduling in a fabrication environment
• Familiarity with AISC standards and certification requirements
• Demonstrated ability to manage P&L responsibility and contribute to strategic planning
• Excellent organizational, communication, and prioritization skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally and build productive relationships across departments
• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering strongly preferred — equivalent experience considered
• PE license is a plus but not required

What's In It For You

✅ Competitive compensation — commensurate with experience ✅ Senior leadership role with direct influence on strategy, operations, and culture ✅ Shared P&L responsibility — your decisions have real business impact ✅ Health, Dental & Vision insurance ✅ Life/AD&D and Disability coverage ✅ 401(k) with company match ✅ PTO and paid holidays — accrual begins immediately ✅ Wellness program with premium incentives ✅ Opportunities for continued growth within Owen Industries

Benefits begin the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment.

Why PVS Structures?

PVS Structures is part of Owen Industries, a decades-long leader in the structural steel industry. We're committed to the highest standards of fabrication quality, AISC certification, and on-time delivery for our customers. We work on complex, high-profile structural projects — and we need a Chief Engineer who matches that level of commitment.

This is a company where leadership is trusted, decisions matter, and the right person can make a lasting impact on the organization.

???????? Veterans — You Belong Here

The leadership, technical discipline, and mission-driven mindset developed in service translate directly to this kind of senior operations and engineering role. PVS Structures and Owen Industries are proud to be Veteran-friendly employers committed to supporting those who have served.

Apply Now

Senior engineering leadership opportunities at established structural fabricators don't come around often. Apply today and let's have a conversation about what you bring to the table.

Owen is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs — without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.