Freelance Structural Steel Designer Jobs in Michigan

Structural Designer

Job Description

We are seeking a Structural Detailer/Fabrication Detailer to support structural steel detailing, fabrication drawings, and project design activities. This role is perfect for individuals with experience in structural steel, fabrication, detailing, or design who aim to grow beyond drafting and eventually take ownership of projects from concept through completion. Candidates may originate from structural steel fabrication shops, miscellaneous metals companies, structural engineering firms, or industrial contractors. Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, SDS2, Tekla, Advance Steel, or similar software is preferred. Prior fabrication experience or an engineering bkgd are both welcomed but not required.

Responsibilities

• Create 2D drawings and 3D models using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar software.
• Develop fabrication drawings, cut lists, and detailed part/assembly drawings from existing designs.
• Interpret blueprints, machine drawings, structural drawings, and specifications.
• Perform material takeoffs and maintain drawing revisions and project documentation.
• Support fabrication teams by preparing files for burn tables, plasma tables, or other fabrication equipment.
• Conduct occasional site visits to verify dimensions and installation conditions.
• Review fabricated components to ensure conformance with design standards.
• Develop complete 2D and 3D structural designs from customer and estimator concepts.
• Design structural steel systems and connections in accordance with AISC standards.
• Create engineer-ready submittal drawings and construction drawings.
• Understand OSHA requirements related to stairs, handrails, ladders, and access platforms.
• Collaborate directly with customers, engineers, field installers, and fabrication teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Perform site visits to validate design criteria and identify constraints.
• Complete material takeoffs and support fabrication through CNC, plasma, waterjet, and beam processing programs.
• Resolve design and construction issues during fabrication and installation.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and 3D modeling software; SDS2, SolidWorks, or similar programs preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret structural drawings and blueprints.
• Experience with structural design or detailing with an emphasis on connection design.
• 5+ years of experience in structural design or detailing.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil, structural, or mechanical engineering preferred.
• General understanding of industrial construction design techniques and concepts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Structural steel detailing, design, or fabrication experience.
• Experience in an AISC certified fabrication shop preferred.
• Trades experience in industrial construction preferred.
• Associate degree in drafting, design, engineering technology, or related field preferred; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams internally and externally.

Work Environment

The position is in-person, Monday through Friday, following shop hours. The role offers a great opportunity for leadership and to become a well-rounded designer, with employees wearing multiple hats and taking on various responsibilities due to the team size. The company is employee-owned (ESOP) and fosters an entrepreneurial culture where employees can directly impact company success. There are strong career growth and advancement opportunities, with exposure to multiple aspects of the business including design, fabrication, estimating, and client interaction.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Holly, MI.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Holly,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 7, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.