Lead Structural Engineer

The Lead Structural Engineer will oversee the structural engineering of Backyard Products' outdoor structures, guiding a multidisciplinary team from concept through deployment. Based in Ann Arbor, MI with a hybrid work arrangement, this role ensures code compliance, performance adherence, and collaboration across product development, manufacturing, and installation teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of engineers, designers, and drafting professionals by establishing clear goals, driving accountability, and fostering collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Build organizational capability through mentoring, performance management, succession planning, and professional development initiatives.
• Establish engineering best practices, design review processes, and quality standards to ensure consistent execution across projects and deliverables.
• Manage engineering priorities, resources, and timelines to support business objectives and customer needs.
• Ensure designs for gazebos, pergolas, and sheds comply with applicable building codes, engineering standards, and performance requirements, including IBC, IRC, ASCE, and local regulations.
• Perform and oversee structural analyses related to wind, snow, and seismic loading, material selection, connection design, and foundation requirements.
• Partner with Product Engineers and CAD Designers to integrate sound structural principles into new and existing products.
• Collaborate with external licensed engineering firms to obtain engineering approvals and certifications required to support product deployment and municipal permitting.
• Monitor changes in building codes, engineering standards, and industry best practices to ensure ongoing compliance and competitiveness.
• Partner with Product Development, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and Customer Experience teams to resolve technical challenges and improve product performance.
• Develop engineering tools, templates, design standards, and quality assurance processes that improve efficiency, scalability, and consistency.
• Support product innovation initiatives focused on safety, durability, sustainability, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• 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 discipline.
• 7+ years of structural engineering experience, preferably within residential construction, light commercial construction, building products, or wood-frame structures.
• Demonstrated experience preparing engineering plans, calculations, and supporting documentation for product approvals and permitting processes.
• 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 platforms.
• Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, or managing engineering and design teams, including responsibility for project execution, technical reviews, and talent development.
• Experience establishing engineering standards, design processes, or quality systems that improve organizational performance.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, allocate resources effectively, and deliver results in a fast-paced product development environment.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.

Technologies

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

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