Freelance Residential Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job description

Lead Structural Engineer (PE)

Jacksonville, FL (In-Office)

Fortress Engineering Group LLC

Full-Time

About Fortress Engineering Group LLC

Fortress Engineering Group LLC is a growing engineering and design firm based in Jacksonville, Florida. We specialize in residential and commercial projects throughout Florida and the Southeast.

Our company is built around accountability, high standards, and technical excellence. We are a driven, fast-moving team that values leadership, ownership, and individuals who take pride in building systems, mentoring teams, and delivering exceptional design deliverables.

We are seeking an experienced, licensed Structural Engineer to lead and strengthen our structural department while helping shape the future growth of the company.

Position Overview

This is a leadership role for a seasoned Professional Engineer with extensive experience managing structural teams and overseeing complex residential and light commercial projects. The ideal candidate is a proven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, holds themselves and others to a high standard, and has a track record of successfully managing projects, mentoring engineers/designers, and improving internal systems and processes. This individual will be responsible for leading the structural engineering department, reviewing and sealing structural plans, managing project execution, and continuously improving design standards, workflows, and operational efficiency across the team.

This is not an entry-level management role. This role will require a candidate that can immediately step in, lead with confidence, and elevate the performance of the department.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and manage a team of structural engineers, designers, and drafters

• Mentor and develop junior engineering staff

• Establish accountability, performance expectations, and quality standards across the department

• Coordinate workloads, deadlines, and team deliverables to maintain project efficiency and profitability

• Foster a positive, high-performance, team-oriented culture

Engineering & Technical Oversight

• Review, manage, and seal structural engineering projects in the State of Florida & Georgia

• Oversee structural design and analysis for residential and light commercial projects

• Ensure projects are code-compliant, practical, and efficient

• Perform and oversee structural calculations, analysis, and construction document production

• Review drawings, specifications, shop drawings, and engineering deliverables for accuracy and quality

• Coordinate with architects, contractors, consultants, and clients throughout all project phases

• Provide technical guidance and problem-solving support to project teams

Process Improvement & Standards Development

• Develop, improve, and maintain structural design standards and drafting protocols

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, communication, and project execution

• Help implement scalable systems and processes as the company continues to grow

• Contribute to long-term strategic planning for the engineering department

Qualifications

• Active Florida Professional Engineer (PE) license REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering

• 7+ years of structural engineering experience preferred

• Proven experience leading and managing engineering teams

• Extensive experience with residential structural design and detailing

• Strong understanding of wood, masonry, steel, and reinforced concrete systems

• Strong knowledge of Florida building codes and residential construction practices

• Ability to review and seal structural plans

• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Experience

• Experience with high-volume residential production workflows

• Experience developing internal engineering standards and QA/QC processes

• AutoCAD proficiency required

• Experience with structural analysis software such as ENERCALC, ETABS, RISA, RAM, or similar

• Experience interacting directly with contractors, builders, and clients

• Experience with forensic evaluations, inspections, or structural repairs is a plus

What We’re Looking For

• A self-starter who takes ownership without needing constant oversight

• A strong leader who can motivate and hold a team accountable

• Someone who is organized, efficient, and solutions-oriented

• A high-level communicator who can effectively manage both internal teams and external clients

• A professional who genuinely cares about quality, consistency, and continuous improvement

• Someone who wants to help build and shape a growing engineering department long-term

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Performance and leadership growth opportunities

• Health and dental insurance

• 401(k) with employer matching

• Paid vacation and sick leave

• Long-term career advancement opportunities

• Stable, growth-focused company culture

Work Environment

This is a full-time, in-office leadership position located in Jacksonville, Florida.

Remote work is not available for this role.

This position is for direct hire only. No third-party recruiters or staffing agencies will be considered.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume along with examples of relevant structural engineering project experience, leadership experience, and software proficiency.