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Freelance Structural Steel Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Substation Structural Designer

Houston, TX ยท Hybrid

$85K - $130K/yr

You know structural steel. But now you're ready for something bigger: * More ownership * More ... We are searching for a full-time Substation Structural Designer to join our Houston, TX-based team ...

Structural Designer III Location: Forest Park, GA Duration: 1 Year Work Schedule: Hybrid - Monday ... The ideal candidate will have strong experience in structural steel detailing, AutoCAD, 3D modeling ...

Structural Designer The Structural Designer independently develops and coordinates structural ... Perform structural 3D modeling for structural steel frames, equipment support structures, access ...

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Structural Steel Installer

Orlando, FL ยท On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Kalos Services is hiring experienced Structural Steel Installer to support commercial and ... That's why we offer a comprehensive and affordable benefits package designed to meet your health ...

Structural Steel Installer

Orlando, FL ยท On-site

$22 - $32/hr

Description Kalos Services is hiring experienced Structural Steel Installer to support commercial ... That's why we offer a comprehensive and affordable benefits package designed to meet your health ...

Structural Designer Responsible for developing the layouts, structural plans, elevation views, and ... Provide detailed structural concrete, steel structure, and installation drawings for varied ...

Structural Designer Location: Houston, TX / Remote Duration: 3-6 Months (Contract to Hire ... Configure structural projects in CAD/modeling tools (AutoCAD, Advance Steel, Tekla Structures ...

Substation Structural Designer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

You know structural steel. But now you're ready for something bigger: * More ownership * More ... We are searching for a full-time Substation Structural Designer to join our Houston, TX-based team ...

Substation Structural Designer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

You know structural steel. But now you're ready for something bigger: * More ownership * More ... We are searching for a full-time Substation Structural Designer to join our Houston, TX-based team ...

Experience designing structural steel connections or structural steel design Equal Opportunity Statement SC Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to ...

Experience designing structural steel connections or structural steel design Equal Opportunity Statement SC Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to ...

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Freelance Structural Steel Designer information

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$14

$47

$132

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

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance structural steel designer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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.
More about Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Structural Steel Designer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Steel Designer jobs? The most popular types of Structural Steel Designer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Structural Steel Designer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freelance Structural Steel Designer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.
Substation Structural Designer

Substation Structural Designer

Steel Con ,Inc.

Houston, TX โ€ข Hybrid

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 hours ago


Job description

What if your next role didn't just advance your career, but accelerated it?

You've built the fundamentals.

You know structural steel.

But now you're ready for something bigger:

  • More ownership
  • More visibility
  • More impact on large-scale infrastructure

At SteelCon, that's exactly what you get.

We are searching for a full-time Substation Structural Designer to join our Houston, TX-based team in a hybrid role. If you're a problem-solver with excellent communication skills, this is the designer job for you! Apply today!


THE PERKS OF JOINING STEELCON

When you join SteelCon, you join a company committed to your longterm success through advancement opportunities, career development, and a workplace where your contributions truly matter.


OUR EXCELLENT BENEFITS AND PERKS

  • Competitive salary between $85K โ€“ $130K (based on experience and expertise)
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
  • Career Growth
  • Opportunity to work on major utility infrastructure projects throughout North America
  • Direct involvement with engineering, manufacturing, and project execution
  • Advancement opportunities within a rapidly growing organization

If this sounds like a perfect fit, continue reading to learn more about our organization and the position!


MORE ABOUT US

At SteelCon Inc., we don't just fabricate steel - we build the backbone of America's progress. Our mission is to deliver cuttingedge structural solutions with unmatched reliability. We live by our core values: Excellence, Responsibility, Innovation, and Teamwork. These values shape our culture, guide our decisions, and create an environment where employees thrive.


YOUR DAY-TO-DAY

In this Substation Structural Designer role, you'll step into a dynamic workflow where no two days look the same. You might begin by designing and analyzing structural systems for substations up to 765kV, working on everything from H-frames and bus supports to gantries and tubular steel structures. As your day unfolds, you'll develop calculations, design base plates and anchor systems, and collaborate closely with outsourced detailers to refine drawings. You'll partner with fabrication teams to optimize designs for manufacturability, reviewing shop drawings and resolving technical questions in real time. Along the way, you'll coordinate with engineers, project managers, and operations leaders to keep projects on track, perform QA/QC checks, mentor junior designers, and even step into customer meetings as a trusted subject matter expert, playing a direct role in delivering complex infrastructure projects from concept to completion.


Here's what you need to become our Substation Structural Designer:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field
  • Minimum 5 years of structural steel design experience
  • Experience in utility, transmission, industrial, or heavy steel environments
  • Strong knowledge of structural steel design principles and loading conditions
  • Experience performing structural calculations and using FEA software
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Preferred qualifications:

  • Substation design experience
  • Tubular steel expertise
  • Fabrication collaboration
  • EPC or utility client experience
  • Involvement in proposal or business development efforts
  • Experience with software such as PLS-POLE, PLS-CADD, STAAD Pro, RISA 3D, RAM, AutoCAD, Tekla, or Bluebeam is highly valued

YOUR SCHEDULE

This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Houston, TX. You'll split your time between in-office collaboration and remote work, supporting project schedules and deadlines in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.


ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THIS DESIGN JOB?

If you're ready to make an impact, grow your career, and work on projects that truly matter, we want to hear from you. Apply today with our initial application process. It is quick, easy, and mobile-friendly!