Lead Structural Engineer

Backyard Products, LLC offers a collaborative culture that values engineering excellence and continuous improvement. Based in Monroe, Michigan with a hybrid work arrangement, this role leads the structural engineering function for outdoor structures and guides a team to deliver safe, high‑performing designs across development and deployment.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of engineers, designers, and drafters by setting clear goals, promoting accountability, and fostering collaboration and engineering excellence.
• Build organizational capability through coaching, performance management, succession planning, and professional development initiatives.
• Establish engineering best practices, design review processes, and quality standards to ensure consistent delivery across projects.
• Manage engineering priorities, resources, and timelines to align with business objectives and customer needs.
• Ensure gazebos, pergolas, and sheds meet building codes and performance requirements, including IBC, IRC, ASCE, and local regulations.
• Conduct and oversee analyses for wind, snow, and seismic loading, material selection, connection design, and foundation requirements.
• Collaborate with Product Engineers and CAD Designers to integrate sound structural principles into new and existing products.
• Coordinate with external licensed engineering firms to obtain approvals and certifications needed for deployment and permitting.
• Track changes in building codes, standards, and industry best practices to maintain compliance and competitiveness.
• Partner with Product Development, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and Customer Experience teams to resolve technical challenges and improve performance.
• Develop tools, templates, design standards, and QA processes that improve efficiency, scalability, and consistency.
• Support product innovation focused on safety, durability, sustainability, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.
• Provide technical leadership on strategic initiatives that enhance customer experience and support company growth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• 7+ years of structural engineering experience, preferably in residential or light commercial construction, building products, or wood‑frame structures.
• Experience preparing engineering plans, calculations, and supporting documentation for product approvals and permitting.
• Strong knowledge of structural engineering principles, building codes, and industry standards.
• Proficiency with CAD and structural analysis software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, RISA, ETABS, STAAD.Pro, or similar tools.
• History of leading or managing engineering and design teams, including project execution, technical reviews, and talent development.
• Experience establishing engineering standards, design processes, or quality systems to improve performance.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, allocate resources effectively, and deliver results in a fast paced product development environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across technical and non‑technical teams.

Technologies

• AutoCAD
• SolidWorks
• RISA
• ETABS
• STAAD.Pro

Join Our Team

We seek a structural engineering leader who builds teams, tackles complex problems, and designs durable outdoor products. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

Why Backyard Products

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, retirement savings plans, and paid time off
• Opportunities for professional development, continuing education, and career advancement
• A collaborative environment where engineering innovation directly influences product quality and customer success
• Chance to lead meaningful work that helps customers create exceptional outdoor living spaces

Work Location

Location: Monroe, Michigan, hybrid work arrangement