Research And Development Design Engineer Jobs in Lafayette, LA

Company Overview

Ideal Steel is a leading manufacturer of custom metal building systems serving commercial, industrial, and institutional markets. We are committed to delivering high-quality products, exceptional customer service, and innovative engineering solutions that support our customers' success.

Core Value Expectations

• Actively pursue high character, high trust, and high performance personally, corporately, and in all aspects of the position.
• Provide distinctive quality and unparalleled customer service both internally and externally.
• Demonstrate and promote integrity, respect, accountability, and teamwork.
• Invite others to help you grow through living authentically with nothing to prove, lose, or hide.
• Evidence humility by actively receiving teaching and mentoring.
• Contribute to a culture focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Position Summary

The Design Engineer is responsible for the structural design and analysis of metal building systems, ensuring projects are engineered accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable building codes, customer specifications, and company standards.

This role works closely with Sales, Estimating, Detailing, Project Management, Manufacturing, and Customers to develop safe, cost-effective, and practical building solutions. The Design Engineer is responsible for evaluating design loads, performing structural calculations, reviewing project requirements, and providing technical support throughout the project lifecycle.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Engineering & Design

• Design complete metal building systems including primary and secondary framing components.
• Analyze structures for wind, seismic, snow, collateral, crane, and other applicable loading conditions.
• Perform structural calculations and engineering analysis in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Review architectural drawings, contract documents, and project specifications.
• Ensure designs meet customer requirements while maintaining manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Verify compliance with applicable building codes and industry standards.
• Review and approve engineering calculations and design outputs as assigned.

Project Support

• Provide technical support to Sales and Estimating during project development.
• Assist Detailing and Production departments with engineering-related questions.
• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) and engineering clarifications.
• Work with Project Managers and customers to resolve design-related issues.
• Participate in project review meetings when required.
• Support value engineering efforts to improve project efficiency and profitability.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accuracy and quality in all engineering deliverables.
• Support standardization and process improvement initiatives.
• Assist in developing engineering procedures, design standards, and best practices.
• Remain current on changes to engineering codes, standards, and industry requirements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering software and design tools.

Team Collaboration

• Work effectively within a team-oriented environment.
• Communicate clearly with internal departments, customers, architects, consultants, and contractors.
• Prioritize workloads to meet project schedules and departmental goals.

Support training and development efforts within the Engineering Department.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of three (3) years of structural design experience preferred.
• Experience with metal building systems, structural steel, or commercial construction strongly preferred.
• Experience utilizing Metal Building Software (MBS) or similar structural design software preferred.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred but not required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of structural engineering principles and building systems.
• Working knowledge of IBC, ASCE 7, MBMA, and AISC design standards.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, and construction documents.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and engineering software.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Accuracy and completeness of engineering designs.
• Compliance with applicable codes and standards.
• Timely completion of assigned projects.
• Responsiveness to internal and external customers.
• Contribution to team goals and departmental performance.
• Support of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Reduction of design-related revisions and rework.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

The requirements listed in this job description are representative of the essential duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Majority of work is performed in an office environment.
• Periodic visits to manufacturing facilities and project sites may be required.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing, and computer use.
• Ability to review drawings, calculations, reports, and technical documentation.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

Reporting Structure

Reports To: Chief Engineer

Direct Reports: None

Location:

Ideal Steel, LLC

1289 Smede Highway

Broussard, LA 70518

Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Career Path:

Design Engineer ? Senior Design Engineer ? Lead Design Engineer ? Chief Engineer