Structural Design Engineer

Design Engineer

We specialize in manufacturing high-quality structural glued laminated timber (glulam) that delivers both strength and beauty. We're proud to be a single-source supplier capable of meeting our clients' exact requirements, no matter the size or complexity of their project. Our service is built on technical expertise, precision, and a commitment to materials that look as good as they perform.

We are looking for a driven Design Engineer who will shape the future of engineered wood products. In this role, you'll be responsible for designing wood structures and components that are structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective. You will work in collaboration with production, quality control, sales, and architectural clients to turn design requirements into buildable, beautiful, reliable wood products.

Develop designs, drawings, and specifications for engineered wood products (glulam beams, arches, trusses, joinery, etc.) that meet structural, aesthetic, and safety requirements.

Perform structural analysis (loads, stresses, deflections, connections, etc.) to ensure designs meet applicable building codes, standards, and best practices.

Collaborate with architects, contractors, sales teams, and production to ensure that design intent is achieved in the finished product.

Select appropriate species of timber, laminations, adhesives, finishes, connection hardware, etc., to balance performance, durability, visual appeal, and cost.

Use CAD / BIM tools and engineering software to generate detailed drawings, 3D models, and fabrication documentation.

Oversee prototype/model evaluation, material testing, and validation of design solutions; work with quality assurance to monitor tolerances, defects, and ensure compliance.

Optimize designs for manufacturability, structural efficiency, and cost effectivenessidentifying opportunities to standardize, simplify, or improve.

Keep up to date on wood engineering codes, new materials, adhesives, finishes, and construction practices.

Support sales and client consultation, providing technical guidance, proposals, and engineering reports, helping clients choose the right engineered wood solution.

Participate in continuous improvement of processes, tooling, production methods, and product quality.

Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Wood Science, or related field. Master's or specialized training in timber engineering a plus.

Minimum 3-5 years of experience in design of structural wood products or timber engineering, including glulam, laminated veneer lumber, cross-laminated timber, or similar.

Strong knowledge of wood properties, adhesives, connection design, load paths, moisture effects, durability, finish options, etc.

Proficiency with CAD / BIM tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks or equivalent) and structural analysis software.

Familiar with relevant building codes and standards (e.g., ANSI / APA / ASTM, NDS Wood Design, regional codes).

Excellent attention to detail, ability to produce clean, accurate drawings and documentation.

Strong problem-solving skills, ability to balance aesthetics, structural integrity, and cost.

Good communication skills; comfort working with internal teams and external clients or architects.

Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing project scope or requirements.

An opportunity to design premium structural wood products that are not only functional, but beautiful.

Collaborative, respectful work environment with skilled professionals who care about quality.

Competitive salary and benefits.

Room for professional growth and continuing education in timber engineering and architectural wood design.

Access to state-of-the-art production and testing facilities.

You'll be part of a company where wood is more than just building materialit's an expression of craftsmanship, engineering excellence, and visual impact. We're committed to supplying more than just glulam; we deliver engineered solutions that bring architectural visions to life, with integrity, reliability, and elegance. If you take pride in both strength and aesthetics, we want to talk to you.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.