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Freelance Structural Steel Designer Jobs in Virginia

Quanta Services

Designer - Structural

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

Designer - Structural Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group (QISG) is a rapidly growing ... Strong background in structural steel and reinforced concrete detailing as well as bill of material ...

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Freelance Structural Steel Designer information

What does a freelance structural steel designer do?

A Freelance Structural Steel Designer is a professional who creates structural designs and drawings for steel frameworks used in buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. They work independently, often collaborating with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure that steel structures are safe, functional, and cost-effective. Their responsibilities include analyzing load requirements, creating detailed blueprints, selecting appropriate materials, and ensuring compliance with building codes and standards. Freelance designers typically use specialized software like AutoCAD or Tekla Structures to produce their designs and may work on a range of projects from small renovations to large-scale constructions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance structural steel designer?

To thrive as a Freelance Structural Steel Designer, you need expertise in structural engineering principles, steel design codes, and a relevant degree in civil or structural engineering. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD or Tekla Structures), structural analysis programs, and familiarity with industry standards like AISC are typically required. Strong communication, project management, and problem-solving skills help you effectively collaborate with clients and other stakeholders while delivering accurate, timely designs. These abilities are essential to ensure safe, cost-effective, and compliant steel structures that meet client and regulatory requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by freelance structural steel designers when coordinating with project teams remotely?

Freelance structural steel designers often encounter challenges in communication and collaboration, especially when working remotely with architects, engineers, and contractors. Sharing complex design changes, ensuring everyone is updated with the latest drawings, and aligning on project timelines can be more difficult without face-to-face meetings. To overcome these challenges, it is essential to use reliable project management and file-sharing tools, maintain clear documentation, and schedule regular virtual check-ins. Building strong professional relationships and setting clear expectations from the outset also help facilitate smoother coordination.

What is the difference between Freelance Structural Steel Designer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectFreelance Structural Steel DesignerStructural Engineer
CredentialsDesign certifications, CAD skillsEngineering degree, licensure
Work EnvironmentFreelance projects, consultingEngineering firms, construction sites
Industry UsageDesigning steel frameworks, detailingStructural analysis, project oversight

Freelance Structural Steel Designers focus on creating detailed steel framework designs, often working independently or with clients. Structural Engineers have a broader role, including analysis, calculations, and ensuring safety compliance. While both roles require design knowledge, Structural Engineers typically hold licensure and perform more comprehensive structural assessments.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs in Virginia?

For Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Freelance Structural Steel Designer job openings:

Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Structural Steel Designer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Structural Steel Ironworker

Kinsley Steel, Inc.

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Kinsley Steel rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

A little about us

Since 1985, Kinsley Steel has been delivering unmatched quality steel on time and on budget. Our certified and highly-skilled teams specialize in structural steel design, engineering, detailing, fabrication, erection and retrofit to existing structural members.

DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Read specifications and blue prints to determine the locations, quantities, and sizes of materials required.
  • Verify vertical and horizontal alignment of structural-steel members, using plumb bobs, lasers equipment, transits, and/or levels.
  • Connect columns, beams, and girders with bolts, following blueprints and instructions from supervisors.
  • Hoist steel members into place using cranes or other equipment by means of proper signaling.
  • Bolt aligned structural-steel members in position for permanent riveting, bolting, or welding into place.
  • Field assemble metal parts such as steel frames, columns, beams, and girders according to blueprints and/or instructions from supervisors.
  • Push, pull, or pry structural-steel members into approximate positions for final attachment.
  • Cut, bend, and weld steel pieces using metal shears, torches, and welding equipment.
  • Safely operate and maintain equipment (personnel and material lifts) and small tools and equipment (welding machines, torch sets, saws, grinders, hoists, etc).
  • Report unsafe working practices and/or conditions
  • Check and maintain adequate gas, oil, or other fluid levels as required to keep machinery in good working order

REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to weld and currently maintains various weld certificates as applicable and required for the work and/or can show the ability to pass various weld proficiency tests proving their ability to pass weld certifications that are required to perform the task of the position
  • Ability to understand and apply varying levels of mathematics as applicable to the position
  • Ability to, at minimum, be able to speak and understand English in oral and written form
  • Understanding of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance
  • Knowledge of proper rigging and signaling
  • Knowledge of applicable and proper use for the following: transit, laser lever, torpedo, torque guns, welders, gas supplied equipment, rigging and components
  • Possesses at minimum the following tools: bolt bag, spud wrench, bull pins, weld hood (applicable to welders only), tape measure, plumb bob, cheater bar, pliers, clamps, hammers, Bessie clamps, vise grips

Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Kinsley Steel, Inc. is a Drug Free Workplace where post-offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteria is met as outlined in our policies.

Kinsley Steel, Inc. is a participant in the Federal E-Verify Program.

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