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Freelance Structural Steel Designer Jobs in Riverside, CA

The ideal candidate has experience designing steel and concrete structures within industrial ... Design, analyze, and review structural systems for manufacturing facilities, laboratories ...

The ideal candidate has experience designing steel and concrete structures within industrial ... Design, analyze, and review structural systems for manufacturing facilities, laboratories ...

The ideal candidate has experience designing steel and concrete structures within industrial ... Design, analyze, and review structural systems for manufacturing facilities, laboratories ...

Structural Designer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$81K - $100K/yr

... of concrete, masonry, steel, and wood structures of all types and sizes and their associated ... As a Structural Designer, you will... * Provide structural analysis, calculations, and design ...

Structural Designer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$81K - $100K/yr

... of concrete, masonry, steel, and wood structures of all types and sizes and their associated ... As a Structural Designer, you will... * Provide structural analysis, calculations, and design ...

Weld structural steel (c-channels) in flat, vertical, or overhead positions using welding ... Thorough understanding of machines and tools used in welding techniques including designs, uses ...

Structural Welder (2nd Shift)

Fontana, CA · On-site

$21.96 - $29.64/hr

Weld structural steel (c-channels) in flat, vertical, or overhead positions using welding ... Thorough understanding of machines and tools used in welding techniques including designs, uses ...

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Freelance Structural Steel Designer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$15

$49

$137

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance structural steel designer in Riverside, CA is $49.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.34 and $64.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Riverside, CA?

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

What job categories do people searching Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Freelance Structural Steel Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Structural Steel Designer job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,524 per year, or $49.8 per hour.

Structural Steel Shop Foreman

ALDERETTE DESIGNS INC

Riverside, CA • On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

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


Job description

Fabrication Manager / Working Shop Foreman
Paradigm Ironworks – Riverside, CA
Full-Time
 Pay: $35.00–$40.00 per hour, DOE

Position Summary
Paradigm Ironworks is seeking an experienced Fabrication Manager / Working Shop Foreman to lead day-to-day operations in our structural steel fabrication shop in Riverside, California.
 
 This is a hands-on leadership position. The successful candidate will work alongside the crew when needed while taking ownership of shop organization, workflow, productivity, quality, safety, and planning. We are looking for someone who naturally thinks ahead, understands what needs to happen next, and keeps multiple fabrication packages moving efficiently.

Responsibilities
·       Lead and coordinate daily shop production.
·       Plan work in advance and communicate priorities to the crew.
·       Read and interpret structural steel shop drawings.
·       Perform layout, fitting, welding, and fabrication when required.
·       Assign work based on employee skill level and project priorities.
·       Track fabrication progress and communicate status to management.
·       Coordinate with Operations, Project Management, Purchasing, and Quality Control.
·       Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient fabrication shop.
·       Ensure parts are identified, labeled, staged, and ready for delivery.
·       Monitor workmanship and company quality standards.
·       Train and mentor welders, fitters, and apprentices.
·       Enforce safe work practices and end-of-day shutdown procedures.
·       Identify improvement opportunities and implement practical solutions.
·       Take ownership of issues and always close the loop.

Qualifications
·       8+ years of structural steel or miscellaneous metals fabrication is a must.
·       Previous foreman, supervisor, or shop leadership experience is a must.
·       Ability to read structural steel shop drawings.
·       Strong fitting, layout, fabrication, and welding knowledge.
·       Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
·       Ability to think ahead and plan production.
·       Strong communication with shop and office personnel.
·       AWS certifications are a plus.
·       Dependable, accountable, and safety-minded.

What We're Looking For
We want someone who walks into the shop each morning and asks:
 
 • What are we building today?
 • What needs to be ready tomorrow?
 • What is coming next week?
 • What could stop us, and what do we need to do about it now?
 
 We're looking for a leader who takes ownership, develops people, communicates clearly, and continuously improves the shop.

Benefits
·       Medical benefits
·       Paid Time Off
·       401(k)
·       Overtime opportunities
·       Opportunity for growth within Paradigm Ironworks

About Paradigm Ironworks
Paradigm Ironworks is a Riverside-based structural steel fabrication company serving commercial construction throughout Southern California. We fabricate structural steel, stairs, railings, miscellaneous metals, architectural metalwork, and specialty steel projects.
 
 We value quality, accountability, communication, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.