About Backyard Products
At Backyard Products, we design and manufacture beautiful, high-quality outdoor structures, including playsets, pergolas, and sheds, that help transform backyards into places people love to spend time. As building codes, engineering requirements, and customer expectations continue to evolve, we continue investing in engineering talent to support innovation, product quality, and an exceptional customer experience.
We are seeking a motivated Structural Engineer I to join our engineering team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career engineer to gain hands-on experience working on engineered wood structures and outdoor building products while learning from experienced engineering and product development professionals.
The Opportunity
As a Structural Engineer I, you will support the design, analysis, and continuous improvement of Backyard Products' portfolio of outdoor structures. Working closely with senior engineers, product development teams, and CAD designers, you will help ensure our products meet structural performance requirements, applicable building codes, and customer expectations.
You will gain exposure to structural calculations, engineering documentation, product testing, code compliance across the nation, and cross-functional product development initiatives while building the foundation for a successful engineering career.
This position is based in our Monroe and Ann Arbor offices with an in-office presence four days per week and one remote workday.
What You'll Do
Structural Design & Analysis
- Assist in performing structural analyses for outdoor structures, including wind, snow, and other loading conditions.
- Support the development of engineering calculations, design packages, and technical documentation.
- Participate in the design and improvement of gazebos, pergolas, sheds, and related products.
- Review drawings and specifications for accuracy and compliance with engineering requirements.
- Help evaluate materials, connections, and structural components to ensure product performance and durability.
Engineering Support & Compliance
- Assist with ensuring designs comply with applicable building codes and engineering standards, including IBC, IRC, ASCE, and local jurisdiction requirements.
- Support engineering submissions and documentation required for product approvals and permitting.
- Work with external engineering consultants and testing agencies as needed.
- Research building code updates and industry standards and communicate findings to the engineering team.
Product Development & Continuous Improvement
- Collaborate with Product Development, Manufacturing, Operations, and Quality teams to support product launches and improvements.
- Assist in investigating product performance issues and identifying engineering solutions.
- Support testing activities, data collection, and analysis of product performance.
- Help develop engineering standards, design tools, and documentation that improve efficiency and consistency.
What You Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Recent graduate or up to 2 years of relevant engineering experience.
- Understanding of structural engineering fundamentals and engineering analysis principles.
- Familiarity with engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Experience with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, or similar CAD software through coursework, internships, or professional experience.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a collaborative environment.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship, co-op, research, or project experience related to structural design, construction, building products, or manufacturing.
- Exposure to wood-frame construction or residential building systems.
- Familiarity with structural analysis software such as RISA, STAAD.Pro, ETABS, SAP2000, or similar programs.
- Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or plans to pursue professional licensure.
- Interest in building codes, product development, and structural engineering for consumer products.
Why Backyard Products
- Competitive compensation.
- Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement savings plans, and paid time off.
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and career growth.
- Mentorship from experienced engineering and product development professionals.
- A collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions make a direct impact.
- The opportunity to help design products that customers use and enjoy every day.
Join Our Team
If you're excited to launch your engineering career and want to help design innovative outdoor structures while developing your technical skills, we'd love to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the role.
Backyard Products is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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
Work Location: In person
