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Structural Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Axiom Consultants, a Ruekert & Mielke company, is seeking an experienced Structural Designer to join our Building Services division based out of our Iowa City or Madison office. This role offers the ...

Are you ready to advance your structural engineering career with a firm that values innovation, collaboration, and ownership?Axiom Consultants, aRuekert & Mielke company, is seeking an ...

Structural Revit Designer

Coralville, IA ยท Hybrid

$100K - $125K/yr

... designers. * Foster a collaborative team environment, support continuous learning, professional development, and company culture. PROJECT TYPES * Structural steel industrial buildings * Concrete and ...

Structural Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Structural Engineer Your Role at BSI A key member of our Civil/Structural team, the Structural ... Coordinates and communicates with designers on projects and establishes clear direction * Writes ...

Structural Engineering Tutor

Ames, IA ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through computing member forces, designing beams and columns, analyzing lateral ... Familiar with structural engineering curricula and common challenges such as analyzing ...

PE - Structural Tutor

Iowa City, IA ยท Remote

$30 - $40/hr

Guides students through applying ASCE 7 load provisions, designing steel and concrete members using ... Familiar with PE Structural examination format and common challenges such as managing the breadth ...

PE - Structural Tutor

Ames, IA ยท Remote

$30 - $40/hr

Guides students through applying ASCE 7 load provisions, designing steel and concrete members using ... Familiar with PE Structural examination format and common challenges such as managing the breadth ...

Design projects as a structural engineer for industrial, commercial and education projects of ... Experience and willingness to provide direction to young engineers and designers, along with ...

Ensure designs comply with applicable codes and standards Qualifications & Skills The ideal ... Bachelors degree in Structural Engineering or related field (Masters degree a plus) * PE licensure ...

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Structural Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$19

$39

$61

How much do structural designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural designer in Iowa is $39.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.38 and $48.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Structural Designer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectStructural DesignerStructural Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering, often with certification or licensing depending on regionRequires a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and licensure (e.g., PE license)
Work EnvironmentDesign-focused, often working with CAD software, collaborating with engineers and architectsDesign and analysis, overseeing structural integrity, and ensuring code compliance
Industry UsageCommon in architectural firms, design consultancies, and construction planningFound in engineering firms, consulting agencies, and construction companies

While both roles involve structural design, Structural Designers focus more on creating detailed drawings and plans, whereas Structural Engineers perform analysis, calculations, and ensure safety standards are met. The roles often overlap, but engineers typically hold licensure and have broader responsibilities in structural safety and compliance.

Is AI replacing structural engineers?

AI is increasingly used to assist structural designers by automating tasks such as analysis, modeling, and optimization. However, the role of a structural engineer remains essential for interpreting results, ensuring safety, and making complex design decisions that require human judgment and expertise. AI tools complement rather than replace the critical thinking and creativity of professionals in the field.

Is structural design a good career?

Structural design is a viable career that involves creating and analyzing structural systems for buildings and infrastructure, requiring skills in engineering, mathematics, and computer-aided design (CAD). It offers opportunities in construction, consulting, and engineering firms, often requiring licensure or certification for advanced roles. The field provides steady employment prospects and the chance to work on impactful projects, with a typical work environment in offices and construction sites.

What does a structural designer do?

A structural designer develops and analyzes structural systems for buildings and infrastructure, ensuring they are safe, functional, and compliant with codes. They use engineering principles, CAD software, and structural analysis tools to create detailed plans and specifications for construction. Strong knowledge of materials, load calculations, and building codes is essential in this role.

What are some common challenges structural designers face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Structural designers often collaborate closely with architects, civil engineers, and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) professionals. A common challenge is coordinating design changes and ensuring that structural solutions align with evolving architectural concepts and system requirements. Effective communication and proficiency with design software are essential for integrating feedback and maintaining project timelines. Adapting to tight deadlines and balancing multiple priorities are also typical aspects of the role, especially when working on large or complex projects.

What are structural designers?

Structural designers are professionals who create the plans and specifications for buildings, bridges, and other structures to ensure they are safe, stable, and capable of withstanding various forces. They work closely with architects and engineers to design the framework and select appropriate materials for construction projects. Structural designers use specialized software and their knowledge of engineering principles to analyze loads, stresses, and potential weaknesses, ensuring the integrity of the final structure.

Can you make $500,000 as a civil engineer?

As a structural designer, which is a specialized civil engineering role, earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and typically requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and work in high-paying industries or senior leadership positions. Most civil engineers and structural designers earn significantly less, with top earners reaching high six-figure salaries in certain regions or firms. Salary potential depends on factors such as location, project complexity, and years of experience.

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

To thrive as a Structural Designer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering principles, proficiency in drafting, and typically a relevant degree or diploma. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis software, as well as knowledge of building codes, is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication skills help set top performers apart. These competencies are crucial for producing safe, efficient, and code-compliant designs that meet client and regulatory requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Structural Designer jobs in Iowa? For Structural Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Designer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Designer jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Structural Designer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,370 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Structural Designer

BSI Engineering LLC

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Structural Designer

Your Role at BSI

A key member of our Civil/Structural team, the Structural Designer possesses strong knowledge of steel, concrete, masonry, and wood design in industrial settings. They ensure our design packages follows client and industry standards. The ideal candidate works well in a team environment, has experience working with multi-discipline teams, and strives to provide quality designs to our clients.

To support collaboration, mentorship opportunities, and effective project execution, BSI Engineering has adopted a hybrid work schedule in which employees are in the office a minimum of three days per week.


Responsibilities and Scope

  • Developing, implementing, and maintaining BIM workflow and standards in Revit within our department and in coordination with those outside the department.
  • Support project start-up workflow, helping teams develop strategies for effective delivery of quality documents, and ensure that each one is setup correctly.
  • Oversee the use of BIM/Revit software within the department as well as analyzing and solving BIM user issues.
  • Provide end-user training, support, and leadership within the department.
  • Support the department by creating content libraries and template files and conducting intermittent model audits to ensure proper families and standards are being utilized and met.
  • Manage the implementation of supporting software and plug-ins for BIM.
  • Research and stay up to date on the best practices for use of Revit, AutoCAD, and BIM. Evaluate new BIM related software and technologies.
  • Ability to use Dynamo and Python for automation.
  • Development and enforcement of BIM documentation and workflow process standards.
  • Train and oversee the day-to-day activities of BIM users to ensure BIM standards are maintained in the creation of BIM models.
  • Ensures quality and technical accuracy of project deliverables
  • With supervision, performs or ensures applicable calculations and design effort to prepare drawings deliverables
  • Ensures discipline's design is accurate and coordinated within the 2D drawings and/or 3D model and/or site scans

Qualifications

  • Associate Civil/Structural Engineering Technology Degree and/or Computer Drafting and Design Degree preferred but not required; High School Diploma required
  • Proficient experience with Revit and Navisworks
  • BIM experience with generating and maintaining project drawings/models
  • Strong communication and decision making skills
  • 5+ years of industry experience preferred

What We Offer

  • Individualized Mentoring and Development program
  • Tuition Reimbursement and support with continuing education
  • Flexible Telecommuting Policy
  • Paid Time for Charitable Efforts
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Competitive base salary, paid overtime, generous bonus programs
  • PTO and Paid Holidays
  • Stock and 401(k) with company match
  • Health, Dental, and Vision


Our Values: Be Inspiring Be Invested Be Improving Be Innovative Be Impactful Be Involved Be In Demand

Who We Are

Our Purpose: Creating Solutions, Improving Lives. BSI lives by the mantra “Serve the client, satisfy the employee” and we hold true to it in all aspects of our company. Our employees have consistently voted us a Top Workplace, commenting specifically on our dedication to company culture, employee appreciation, and employee well-being.
Founded in memory of a friend, BSI carries on the legacy of Bryan Speicher, who had a vision to create a company that gives back to its employees and community. Our founding president, Phil Beirne, helped cultivate this legacy, and Beirne & Speicher Inspired continues to grow and succeed. At the heart of it all, we are our people, and we are grateful that you are considering a career with BSI Engineering.