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Freelance Structural Steel Designer Jobs in Virginia

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

$26.71 - $36.17/hr

Engineering Designer - Steel America Purpose: Steel America, a division of Colonna's Shipyard, is ... Perform structural analysis and design for assigned projects in compliance with applicable codes ...

H&H

Structural Designer

Reston, VA · On-site

We are offering an exciting opportunity for an Entry-Level Structural Designer in our growing ... Ability to perform structural design calculations (beam design, reinforced concrete and steel ...

H&H

Structural Designer

Reston, VA

We are offering an exciting opportunity for an Entry-Level Structural Designer in our growing ... Ability to perform structural design calculations (beam design, reinforced concrete and steel ...

H&H

Structural Designer

Reston, VA · On-site

We are offering an exciting opportunity for an Entry-Level Structural Designer in our growing ... Ability to perform structural design calculations (beam design, reinforced concrete and steel ...

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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 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Engineering Designer - Steel America (Job ID: 1482)

Colonna's Shipyard, Inc.

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$26.71 - $36.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Engineering Designer - Steel America
Purpose:
Steel America, a division of Colonna's Shipyard, is seeking an Engineering Designer to support division operations in Norfolk, VA.
The Engineering Designer provides support to the industrial fabrication team by designing components or portions of systems and modifying existing designs to develop or improve products and facilitate manufacturing operations. This position utilizes computer-aided design equipment and/or graphic tools such as CAD, CAM, NX, or CATIA, to develop solutions to a variety of fabrication challenges.
Work is performed onsite in our shipyard/industrial fabrication facilities in Norfolk, Virginia, and may require hours beyond a standard workweek to support business needs.
Job Description:
Position is responsible for:
  • Prepare shop fabrication drawings, parts drawings, and erection drawings in accordance with customer supplied contract drawings and/or in-house designed structures and prepares 3D model for parts, sub-assemblies and assemblies.
  • Prepare CNC files to support steel processing of Burning Machine, Plate Roller, and Press Brake.
  • Prepare DSTV files to support steel processing of Beam Cutter Machine.
  • Prepare submissions of specific shop drawings to Client/Project Manager as required
  • Perform calculation and analysis to determine the amount of materials needed for a job.
  • Perform structural analysis and design for assigned projects in compliance with applicable codes for review when required.
  • Provide assistance in the development and maintenance of standard structural practices for drafting and fabrication of structures
  • Prepares Bill of Materials, Material Cutting Schedule, and Plate Nesting Summary.
  • Integrate quality and safety measurements and prevent any risks in the execution methods and sequence drawings
  • Identifies and selects materials needed for production.
  • Negotiates appropriate production processes
  • Assist Superintendents and Planners in preparing Build Plan for incoming Projects.
  • Assist to evaluate and review documents, drawings submitted by sub-contract detailers for approval process.
  • Directly support the Project Superintendents and Planning Team in which work is being Designed for.
  • Assist to Develop and implement processes, procedures and standards for Design Team.
  • Attend coordination/review meetings and assist on design and details and approval of the same
  • Maintain Project records through creation and management of document transmittal and recording system

Qualifications:
  • Must have a BS degree with minimum 2 years of relevant design experience. Experience should include design support of industrial fabrication and/or ship building/repair work, to include hands-on preparation of detailed plans, drawings and other documents for the manufacture and erection of steel assemblies.
  • Must have the ability to apply standard drafting standards, principles, symbols and engineering terms, ability to select mathematical formulas to complete drawings and visualize product, and be well versed in all technical aspects of structural steel detailing.
  • Must be able to read and understand blueprints, drawings, specifications and other written or verbal technical instructions with excellent attention to detail to ensure work is accurate, precise and compliance with all safety regulations and industry standards.
  • Position requires advanced computer proficiency to include Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Microsoft Project as well as experience with Autocad, Solidworks or other 3D modeling software.
  • Be able to identify and collect the necessary information required and accurately transform it into acceptable output.
  • Must have strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills (both verbal and written) with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of internal/external customers, at all levels, in an evolving and heavy work volume environment while meeting competing deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in AWS, AISC, NAVFAC, NAVSEA is a plus.

Travel Requirements:
  • Occasional Travel; 25% or less.

Physical Requirements:
  • Sit, Stand, Walk, Bend, Squat, Climb, Reach, Push and Pull, Stoop, Crawl, Kneel, Balance, Lift and Carry various objects and equipment.
  • General shipyard/industrial environment. Work is has physical demands that require frequent movement up to 65% of the time.
  • Lighting and temperature are adequate, and there is minimal exposure to hazardous or unpleasant conditions caused by noise, dust, etc. Hear, talk, and smell.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • Work is generally performed within an office environment, with standard office equipment available, but also requires safe navigation and regular partnership with operations teams within shipyard/industrial environments.
  • A considerable amount of time is spent operating a personal computer.
  • Must be able to climb up and down stairs and spend time moving throughout the facility and onboard marine vessels.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family - These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.
Colonna's Shipyard Inc., and its divisions, are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
Additionally, Colonna's Shipyard provides a variety of benefits to support your best health, wellness, and future, to include medical/dental/vision options, company paid disability insurances, 401k with match, legal services, as well as company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Pay Range: $26.71 - $36.17 /hr.
Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate's relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees' best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO)

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