Chief Design Engineer– Structural

Overview

SSOE is seeking a Chief Design Engineer– Structural to support international projects, mentor and grow a high-performing structural team in India, and contribute to the future of manufacturing facility design through technical excellence and AI-driven innovation.   

This role provides technical leadership for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of structural engineering processes across the organization. The Chief Engineer ensures high standards of quality, fosters collaboration across disciplines, and partners with company technical leaders to address complex, multidisciplinary challenges. 

AI and Innovation

At SSOE, we don’t just talk about the future, we build it. As a leader in industry AI adoption, we empower our team to work smarter by providing responsible access to the industry leading AI Large Language Models, vibe-coding platforms, and securely integrating advanced tools into every role. From day one, you’ll receive the training and support needed to leverage AI as a core tool for enhancing productivity, sparking creativity, and streamlining complex workflows.

Responsibilities

Key Goals 

• Provide advanced structural engineering support across SSOE’s key market sectors, including automotive, EV/battery, industrial, commercial, advanced manufacturing, data centers, semiconductors, and process industries (pharma, chemical, food, consumer products).   
• Support the growth and capability building of the Structural Practice in India.   
• Mentor and coach engineers at all levels to strengthen technical depth and leadership capability.   
• Enhance quality and ownership of design deliverables as India teams take on more complex projects with reduced reliance on U.S. oversight.

Technical Leadership 

• Lead and support the execution of large, complex structural engineering projects.   
• Ensure alignment with project budgets, schedules, and interdisciplinary requirements.   
• Provide independent technical judgment and guidance on critical engineering decisions.   
• Review, validate, and guide the work of structural engineers and designers.   
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and best practices.   
• Effectively communicate with internal stakeholders, global teams, and clients.

Team & Process Development 

• Build and shape a high-performing structural engineering team in India.   
• Promote collaboration and standardized practices across offices, disciplines, and regions.   
• Improve tools, software utilization, design workflows, and reference standards.   
• Mentor and coach team members, supporting career growth and succession planning.   
• Assess team capabilities and identify training and development needs.   
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and technical excellence.   
• Enhance quality and ownership of design deliverables as India teams take on more complex projects with reduced reliance on U.S. oversight. 

Engineering & Business Support 

• Provide high-level technical consulting and advisory support to clients and internal stakeholders.   
• Support business development initiatives through technical expertise and proposal input.  
• Conduct and participate in peer reviews of complex engineering projects.   
• Engage in professional organizations and contribute to technical publications (preferred).  
• Support the adoption and integration of AI-assisted engineering tools and automation.

Strategic Contributions 

• Identify opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and technical advancement.   
• Support workforce planning, including hiring, sub consulting, and capability development.   
• Champion best practices, knowledge sharing, and enterprise-wide engineering initiatives.   
• Contribute to long-term strategy for structural engineering growth and differentiation.   

Qualifications

Education & Professional Profile: 

• Master’s degree or PhD in Structural Engineering (Leading engineering institutes preferred). Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; additional certifications or global registrations are advantageous.   
• Strong leadership, communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.   
• Self-driven, detail-oriented, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment.   
• Fluent in English with the ability to collaborate across global teams.   

Experience 

• 15+ years of structural engineering experience with demonstrated leadership.   
• Experience supporting projects in the U.S.A. region (U.S. B1/B2 visa is an advantage due to potential travel requirements).  
• Broad expertise within the A/E (Architecture/Engineering) industry.   
• Proven track record of improving technical quality and team capability.   
• Experience mentoring teams and leading multidisciplinary coordination.   

Technical Skills 

• Strong knowledge of international building codes and standards (U.S. preferred), including IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, ACI, AISC 341. Expertise in structural analysis and design tools such as RISA, RAM, or STAAD. Working knowledge of BIM tools such as Revit or Tekla.  
• Experience in peer reviews of complex engineering designs.   
• Familiarity with AI-driven engineering tools and automation initiatives.   

Compensation & Benefits- Compensation – as per market standards  

• Eligibility for performance-based bonuses, incentives, and recognition programs.   
• As an employee-owned firm, we offer ownership opportunities to all employees at the associate level and above. This associate-level role will allow you to become a shareholder of SSOE.
• Comprehensive health insurance (Employee, spouse, two kids and one set of parents (and accident coverage, Employee Assistance Program, Parental leave, Paid time off, retirals - Provident Fund and gratuity.   

Additional Perks 

• Flexible and hybrid work options (role-dependent).   
• Opportunities for international exposure and travel.   
• Structured mentorship and leadership access.   
• Learning and development support, including certification reimbursement.   
• Employee engagement initiatives, clubs, and collaborative culture.