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Freelance Structural Steel Checker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

O Donnell Metal Deck

Detailer

Spokane, WA · On-site

Familiarity with steel designations on structural drawings strongly preferred. * Demonstrated ... Strong attention to detail and capability to serve as a project "checker," reviewing drawings and ...

The Wells Companies Inc.

SENIOR CAD TECHNICIAN

Wells, MN

$29.50 - $35/hr

... structural, and other trade documents (steel, mechanical, etc.) * Create and review job-specific ... Perform Project Checker responsibilities, ensuring accuracy of assemblies, details, and piece ...

The Wells Companies Inc.

SENIOR CAD TECHNICIAN

Wells, MN · On-site

$29.50 - $35/hr

... structural, and other trade documents (steel, mechanical, etc.) * Create and review job-specific ... Perform Project Checker responsibilities, ensuring accuracy of assemblies, details, and piece ...

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Freelance Structural Steel Checker information

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$15

$23

$28

How much do freelance structural steel checker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance structural steel checker in the United States is $23.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Structural Steel Checker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Structural Steel Checker, you need a strong understanding of structural engineering principles, steel fabrication standards, and proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, typically supported by relevant engineering qualifications or extensive industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and industry codes such as AISC or Eurocode is essential, along with experience using document management systems. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective communication with engineers and fabricators are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the accuracy, safety, and compliance of steel structures, minimizing costly errors and ensuring project success.

What does a Freelance Structural Steel Checker do?

A Freelance Structural Steel Checker is a professional who reviews and verifies structural steel drawings and fabrication details to ensure they comply with engineering specifications, codes, and project requirements. They work independently for various clients, often using their expertise to identify errors, omissions, or discrepancies in structural steel plans before construction or fabrication begins. This helps prevent costly mistakes, ensures safety, and streamlines the project workflow. Their work often involves close coordination with engineers, architects, and steel fabricators.

How do freelance structural steel checkers typically collaborate with engineers and fabricators to ensure project accuracy?

Freelance structural steel checkers often work closely with project engineers and fabrication teams to review and verify steel shop drawings against design specifications and industry codes. Communication is key—regular meetings, digital markups, and detailed reports are common tools used to resolve discrepancies and clarify complex details. Many checkers use specialized software to annotate drawings and share feedback efficiently, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned before fabrication begins. This collaborative approach helps prevent costly errors and promotes smooth project delivery.

What is the difference between Freelance Structural Steel Checker vs Structural Steel Draftsman?

AspectFreelance Structural Steel CheckerStructural Steel Draftsman
CredentialsOften requires certifications in structural design or engineering, with experience in steel detailingTypically holds a diploma or degree in drafting, CAD, or engineering technology
Work EnvironmentFreelance, project-based, working remotely or on-site at construction or fabrication sitesOffice-based, primarily using CAD software to create detailed steel shop drawings
Employer & Industry UsageHired by engineering firms, contractors, or as independent consultants in construction projectsEmployed by steel fabricators, engineering firms, or architectural companies

While both roles involve working with steel structures, a Freelance Structural Steel Checker reviews and verifies steel designs and drawings for accuracy and compliance, often on a freelance basis. In contrast, a Structural Steel Draftsman creates detailed steel shop drawings used for fabrication. The checker focuses on quality assurance, whereas the draftsman focuses on design creation.

More about Freelance Structural Steel Checker jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Structural Steel Checker jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Structural Steel Checker job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Steel Checker jobs? The most popular types of Structural Steel Checker jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Structural Steel Checker jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Structural Steel Checker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Structural Steel Checker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Structural Steel Checker jobs are:
Freelance Structural Steel Checker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Structural Steel Checker job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 25% Contract, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,166 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Physical Engineering Supervisor II

Mesa Accosiates

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

PDS 8 / Power Delivery Substation
This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.
Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our "mesainc.com" domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.
What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering (ABET Accredited).
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license - Required. Multi-state licensure or willingness to obtain reciprocity is a plus.
  • 6+ years in the substation/utility industry, with 4+ years in substation physical design across voltage ranges spanning 12kV to 230kV.
  • Deep substation physical expertise - Foundations, structural steel, grounding, cable routing, equipment power ratings, clearances, and conductor sizing across utility standards (IEEE, NESC, ASCE).
  • Experience with grounding, lightning, and lighting studies - both performing them and reviewing the team's calculations.
  • Design software proficiency - Expert with AutoCAD and Bentley MicroStation; comfortable with Bluebeam Revu for markups; working knowledge of grounding analysis tools (WinIGS, CDEGS, or ETAP).
  • Client-facing communicator - Able to lead design reviews, kickoffs, and scope discussions directly with utility clients and other consultants.
  • A coach's mindset - you find it as rewarding to develop the engineers around you as to ship your own deliverables.
  • Steady under pressure - comfortable balancing technical responsibilities with people responsibilities when project demand spikes.
  • Previous management experience is a plus, not a must - strong technical contributors ready to grow into leadership are encouraged to apply.
  • Knoxville-based or within commuting distance - this role is based in our Knoxville, TN office and works in-person with the team.
  • Travel availability - Willing to travel to client sites for periodic site visits, typically 3-4 single-night trips per month.

What You'll Lead
  • A small, cross-experience team of substation physical engineers, designers, and drafters - coordinate their assignments, mentor and develop them, and set technical direction for the group.
  • PE review and sign/seal - Review and sign/seal packages that require a PE seal as the licensed engineer on the team.
  • Client relationships on technical scope - Serve as the substation physical point of contact for assigned clients; lead design reviews, present rationale, and negotiate change in scope.
  • Standards and best practices - Shape Mesa's internal substation physical standards, calculation templates, QA checklists, and lessons-learned library.
  • Quality and safety culture inside the group - set the expectations, model the behavior, and make sure both show up in every package.
  • Hiring, onboarding, and development - Spot who's ready for the next stretch assignment; participate in interviews, review portfolios, and ramp new engineers onto active projects.
  • Proposal and estimating support - Partner with proposal teams to scope substation physical effort, contribute technical narratives for RFP responses, and help shape win-themes for new pursuits.

What You'll Do
  • Partner with program managers, project managers, and the engineering manager to staff projects, and coordinate design tasks across the team so workloads stay balanced and predictable.
  • Lead the design of equipment, structural, foundation, grounding, and cable routing plans and details for medium- to large-scale transmission substation projects.
  • Direct grounding, lightning, and lighting studies; review and approve calculations produced by the team.
  • Coordinate across Protection & Controls, Civil, Studies, Scoping, and other disciplines to keep multi-discipline packages aligned.
  • Step in as a designer or checker when workload demands it - this is a working supervisor role, not a pure people-management one.
  • Run technical oversight and final QA - own the checking and review process so packages leave the group right the first time, meeting code, client requirements, and Mesa's internal QA procedures.
  • Own client communication on substation physical scope: kickoffs, design reviews, RFI responses, change orders, and closeout documentation.
  • Hold regular team conversations, both 1:1 and group, to share company direction, surface blockers, and keep the team aligned.
  • Identify process improvements and develop internal time-saving tools, templates, and standards that scale across the group.
  • Approve timesheets, overtime, and vacation requests, and approve expense reports as appropriate.

What You'll Earn
  • Paid Time Off
  • Holiday Pay - 10 Days Annually
  • Group Medical/Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance (Company Paid)
  • Disability Insurance (Company Paid)
  • 401(K) Retirement Savings plan
  • 401(K) Matching Contribution
  • Section 125/Cafeteria Plan
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Fitness Center Reimbursement
  • Annual Performance Bonus
  • 9/80 Work Schedule Option

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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