Lead Structural Engineer - Carports

Senior Structural Engineer - Solar InfrastructureAbout the CompanyOur client is a North American leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems for the renewable energy sector. The company focuses on innovative, cost-effective solutions that help customers maximise value while reducing the overall cost of solar energy.
Its portfolio includes rooftop and ground-mounted solar mounting systems for residential, commercial and utility-scale applications, supported by engineering collaboration tools, technical services and installation support. The business serves customers across North America.
The company is expanding its solar carport engineering capabilities and is seeking a Senior Structural Engineer to lead the technical design and delivery of its carport product portfolio. This is a hands-on, customer-facing role involving structural calculations, connection design, technical reviews and construction support, working closely with the company's Structural Engineering Manager, who retains final authority over company-wide structural standards.
Key Responsibilities
Lead structural calculations and connection design across a range of solar carport configurations.
Design and size wide-flange steel members based on project-specific loading conditions, spans, tilt angles and structural requirements rather than relying solely on standardised catalogue specifications.
Prepare structural design packages for review and final approval by the Structural Engineering Manager.
Review the work of drafters and designers to ensure technical accuracy, constructability and compliance with applicable standards.
Act as the primary technical reviewer for solar carport-specific designs.
Collaborate with senior engineering leadership on structural standards, design approaches and technical decisions.
Work directly with customers and their engineers of record (EORs) to understand site constraints and develop practical, buildable solutions.
Address challenges involving sloped terrain, clearance requirements, utility conflicts and foundation conditions.
Present and defend structural design decisions under technical scrutiny from customers and their engineering teams.
Manage requests for information (RFIs) during construction, addressing foundation deviations, connection modifications, damaged or broken fasteners, and discrepancies between site conditions and design drawings.
Provide engineering guidance on field changes and determine when issues require escalation to senior engineering leadership.
Support construction teams with technical clarifications and appropriate solutions to installation challenges.
Coordinate with geotechnical engineers and foundation contractors to ensure structural designs account for soil bearing capacity, frost depth and other site-specific conditions.
Support projects involving challenging or non-standard sites, including landfills, brownfield locations, variable soil conditions and sloped terrain.
Serve as the technical escalation point for installation teams, clarifying design details and assessing routine field modifications.
Partner with Sales during quoting and feasibility assessments.
Collaborate with Supply Chain Management (SCM) on constructability, fabrication tolerances and practical manufacturing considerations.
Requirements
Professional Engineer (PE/P.Eng.) license in structural engineering, or actively working towards licensure.
At least 7 years of structural engineering experience, including direct exposure to steel structures and on-site erection or construction activities.
Demonstrated experience performing structural calculations for real-world, built projects.
Project management experience, with the ability to own a technical workstream from design through construction close-out.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to respond to technically sensitive RFIs and explain design rationale to customers and their engineers.
Experience working with engineers of record, responding to structural design review comments and supporting construction administration, including RFIs, submittals and field changes.
Comfortable working collaboratively with senior engineering leadership in a role that combines independent technical responsibility with established approval and sign-off processes.
Desirable Experience
Experience with solar carports, canopies, ground-mounted solar structures or PV mounting systems.
Familiarity with ASCE 7, IBC, NBC, OBC or equivalent regional standards for wind, snow and seismic loading.
Experience coordinating geotechnical requirements on challenging sites, including landfills and locations with variable soil conditions.
What the Company Offers
Competitive compensation.
Comprehensive benefits, including retirement contributions.
Generous vacation allowance.
Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
A collaborative working environment that encourages innovation, teamwork and technical excellence.
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