Entry Level Structural Engineer Jobs in Reno, NV

Job Title: Detailer / Drafter

Job Description

This role offers opportunities for both entry-level and experienced detailers who enjoy translating structural concepts into precise drawings. You will focus on detailing joists and decking, using CAD tools and strong drafting fundamentals to produce accurate, buildable designs. A dedicated trainer supports new hires, and the organization emphasizes accuracy, speed, and continuous improvement, reinforced by a performance-based bonus structure and profit-sharing benefits.

Responsibilities

• Detail joists and decking with a high level of accuracy, ensuring drawings are clear, complete, and buildable.
• Prepare and revise detailed drawings using AutoCAD and other CAD tools, following established drafting standards and practices.
• Apply strong drafting fundamentals, including drawing straight lines, maintaining correct dimension placement, and avoiding improper use of tools such as exploding dimensions.
• Visualize how components fit and function in the overall structure and reflect this understanding in the drawings.
• Interpret and work from structural steel, steel joist, wood truss, and related fabrication or construction information, including blueprints and construction plans.
• Collaborate with a dedicated trainer and team members to learn and adopt new tools and workflows, including the transition from AutoCAD to Tecla and other 3D modeling programs.
• Use 3D modeling and CAD programs, where applicable, to create or review models that support accurate detailing.
• Identify and resolve potential issues in drawings by considering how design changes affect other components and downstream processes.
• Ask questions proactively to clarify requirements, resolve ambiguities, and ensure alignment with project expectations.
• Take ownership of assigned work, manage priorities, and drive tasks to completion accurately and efficiently.
• Support accurate and timely project delivery, contributing to the overall productivity and profitability of the office and plant.
• Leverage practical, hands-on understanding of how things are built or assembled to improve drawing quality and constructability.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency with AutoCAD for drafting and detailing tasks.
• Strong foundational drafting skills, including drawing straight lines, correct dimension placement, and proper use of drafting tools without misusing functions such as exploding dimensions.
• Ability to visualize how drawings reflect and affect physical structures and related components.
• Experience or familiarity with structural steel, steel joist detailing, fabrication, machining, mechanics, wood truss, or surveying.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and construction plans.
• Motivated, driven attitude with a willingness to take ownership of tasks and follow them through to completion.
• Proactive communication style, including asking questions and avoiding a passive approach to work.
• Comfort working with CAD and 3D modeling concepts, even if still developing expertise.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and speed in producing drawings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with 3D modeling and CAD programs beyond AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with Tecla or willingness to learn it as the organization transitions to this platform.
• Experience in civil drafting, engineering drafting, or drafting/design disciplines.
• Experience with tools such as SolidWorks or Civil 3D.
• Project management skills, including organizing work, coordinating tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Hands-on experience in machining, mechanics, or similar fields that involve building or assembling components.
• Ability to intuitively understand how items go together, similar to assembling furniture or equipment without detailed instructions.
• Interest in continuous learning and adapting to new software, processes, and standards.

Work Environment

The work environment includes multiple office locations with slightly different atmospheres. One office is described as fairly quiet, with each detailer having their own individual office, offering a focused and low-distraction setting. Another location features shared offices and a more dynamic environment, with greater interaction due to the proximity of the plant, sales, customer service, and shipping teams. Team members participate in occasional celebrations, such as birthdays, which help foster a sense of community. While formal team-building activities may be less frequent due to market conditions, a robust bonus structure, quarterly profit-based incentives, 401(k) match, and profit-sharing stock contribute to a strong collective focus on accuracy, speed, and overall performance. The organization supports growth and development with a dedicated trainer and encourages a culture of ownership, collaboration, and shared success.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Reno, NV.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $28.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Reno,NV.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 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.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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.