Build Something Bigger Than a Job
Appalachia Design Services (ADS) is seeking an experienced licensed Structural Engineer to establish and lead our Structural Engineering Department.
This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial engineer who wants more than a traditional design role. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to build, lead, and grow a structural engineering practice within an established Architecture, Engineering, and Surveying firm serving industrial, commercial, institutional, and design-build clients throughout the region.
As our first in-house Structural Engineer, you will have the support of an experienced team of architects, civil engineers, surveyors, and construction professionals while helping shape the future direction of the company.
This position offers a clear path for professional growth, leadership responsibility, and participation in the long-term success of the firm.
About ADS
Appalachia Design Services is a full-service Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Surveying firm headquartered in Northeast Tennessee. Since 1997, ADS has provided planning, architecture, civil engineering, surveying, and design-build services for industrial, commercial, municipal, educational, and aviation clients.
Our team works closely with construction professionals from project conception through completion, allowing us to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and client service.
Position Summary
The Director of Structural Engineering will be responsible for leading all structural engineering services for the firm, including project design, quality control, client support, and future department development.
This role is ideal for a licensed Structural Engineer who wants to move beyond being another employee and become a key leader in a growing multidisciplinary firm.
Responsibilities
- Lead structural engineering design for commercial, industrial, institutional, and aviation projects.
- Design foundations, steel structures, concrete structures, retaining walls, equipment supports, and related structural systems.
- Coordinate closely with architects, civil engineers, surveyors, contractors, and owners.
- Prepare calculations, specifications, reports, and construction documents.
- Review and seal structural engineering documents.
- Participate in project planning, budgeting, and design-build collaboration.
- Support business development and client relationships.
- Develop standards and procedures for the Structural Engineering Department.
- Assist in recruiting and mentoring future structural engineering staff as the department grows.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- Ability to obtain licensure in Tennessee and surrounding states if not already licensed.
- Minimum 8 years of structural engineering experience.
- Experience with steel, concrete, masonry, and foundation design.
- Experience preparing and sealing structural construction documents.
- Strong communication and client relationship skills.
Preferred
- Design-build project experience.
- Industrial facility experience.
- PEMB (Pre-Engineered Metal Building) experience.
- Project management experience.
- Interest in leadership and department development.
What Makes This Opportunity Different
Many engineering positions offer a title.
This position offers the opportunity to build a department.
The selected candidate will work directly with company leadership to establish and grow structural engineering services within a firm that already maintains a significant annual structural consulting workload.
Rather than stepping into a large corporate environment with layers of management, this position provides the opportunity to make an immediate impact on projects, clients, and the future direction of the company.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance-based bonus opportunities.
- Professional development support.
- Company-paid professional licensing and memberships.
- Health and retirement benefits.
- Paid time off and holidays.
- Potential ownership participation opportunities for the right long-term candidate.
Join Our Team
If you are an experienced Structural Engineer looking for the opportunity to lead, grow, and help shape the future of a multidisciplinary design firm, we encourage you to apply.
Pay: $94,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
