Senior Structural Engineer – Modular Building Systems R&D
Company: SpaceTime 3D
Location: Remote (U.S.-based preferred) | Los Angeles / Texas area a plus
Note: We are only considering candidates who reside in the United States.
Job Type: Contract / Freelance
Job Description:
SpaceTime 3D is developing a revolutionary self-contained modular smart-panel building system — a single integrated panel that serves as the primary structural unit while housing MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) subsystems internally, with no reliance on traditional secondary framing, bolts, or external support members.
We are seeking an experienced structural engineer with a strong background in advanced materials, innovative structural systems, and performance-based design to help take this concept from feasibility through prototype.
Responsibilities:
- Evaluate and confirm the structural feasibility of a fully integrated, self-contained panel system using advanced materials (carbon fiber composites, GFRP, fiber-reinforced polymers, or similar, or new innovative structural systems)
- Perform FEA/FEM analysis to model panel behavior under gravity, wind, seismic, and lateral loads
- Develop load-path solutions that eliminate external fasteners through integrated connection strategies (interlocking joints, post-tensioning, structural adhesives, etc.)
- Design and validate panel-to-panel connection zones to handle tension, shear, and compression forces
- Coordinate MEP integration within panel cross-sections
- Guide the project toward California building code compliance via a performance-based design pathway
- Collaborate on prototype design and vendor selection
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. or M.S. in Structural/Civil Engineering with focus on advanced structural systems or materials
- Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) — California license strongly preferred
- 10+ years of structural engineering experience
- Demonstrated experience with novel or non-conventional structural systems (modular, prefab, aerospace, composite structures, or similar)
- Proficiency in FEA software (Abaqus, ANSYS, or equivalent)
- Familiarity with fiber-reinforced composites, carbon fiber laminates, GFRP, or advanced structural materials
- Experience with California building codes (CBC) and performance-based design
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with modular or prefabricated building systems
- Background in aerospace structural design
- Knowledge of ADU regulations or custom residential construction
- Patent or R&D publication record in structural innovation
Compensation: Competitive hourly or project-based contract rate, commensurate with experience
Software: Abaqus, ANSYS, ANSYS Fluent, SAP2000, ETABS, STAAD.Pro, Revit (BIM), AutoCAD, Rhino 3D, Grasshopper, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, MATLAB, Python, Navisworks, Tekla Structures, RAM Structural System, RISA-3D
Pay: $92,020.13 - $110,819.93 per year
Work Location: Remote
