Risevoic
Civil/Structural R&D Engineer
Company : Steel Dynamics
Location : Fort Wayne, IN
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 9 January 2026
Division
New MillenniumOverview
Manage R&D projects to fruition as new products or procedures.
Responsibilities
- Structural modeling for development of new design procedures
- Aid in development of design and detailing software by specifying project requirements and testing updates.
- Aid in obtaining and maintaining various certifications with independent bodies such as ICC-ES, City of LA, UL, FM, etc.
- Develop testing parameters and write test reports
- Perform physical testing of products and materials.
Qualifications
Required
- Thorough understanding of the SJI & SDI specifications and design guides
- Familiarity with IBC, AISC and AISI steel design specifications
- Capable of digging into the specifications to provide answers to plant personnel
- Proficient in use of Excel, MathCAD and AutoCAD
- Familiarity with structural design software such as STAAD, RISA, or MASTAN
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn ANSYS structural modeling
- Familiarity with or willingness to learn use of testing equipment
- Understanding of software development and data flow
- Understanding of engineering department processes
- Understanding of fabrication techniques for joist / bridging / deck
- Ability to gather input and earn buy in from plant personnel
- Current industry involvement, or willingness to get involved (SJI, SDI, etc.)
- Self-starter, passionate about research, able to work with minimal supervision
- Balancing economics with sound engineering practices
- Willing and able to drive projects and produce results
- Minimum of BS degree in Civil/Structural Engineering
- This is a non-remote position located in our Fort Wayne, IN office
Preferred
- Professional Engineer (PE) licensure
- Ability to understand and perform basic programming
- Ability to interact with academics in the industry and help with identifying which research and development projects to pursue
- PhD in Civil, Structural, or Materials Engineering
Steel Dynamics, Inc., and all affiliated entities are equal opportunity employers.
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Frequently asked questions
Fort Wayne's industrial growth has elevated demand for Civil/Structural R&D Engineers, especially with Steel Dynamics expanding its New Millennium division. While competition exists, candidates with expertise in structural modeling and certifications like SJI or SDI enjoy an advantageous position in this specialized local market.
Being onsite at Steel Dynamics in Fort Wayne means hands-on involvement with physical testing and direct collaboration with plant personnel. Unlike remote roles, it demands familiarity with fabrication techniques and immediate troubleshooting, offering immersive exposure to real-time structural R&D processes tailored to heavy steel production.
This role uniquely blends deep knowledge of steel design codes with software skills like STAAD and ANSYS, plus the ability to drive R&D projects from conceptual modeling through physical testing. It demands a hybrid of engineering analysis, software development understanding, and certification navigation uncommon in standard structural engineering jobs.
Professionals often progress from project execution to leading innovative design initiatives, influencing product certifications and software development. Companies like Steel Dynamics value continuous industry involvement, positioning R&D engineers for roles that blend technical leadership with strategic research collaborations.
Salaries in Fort Wayne for Civil/Structural R&D Engineers generally range from $75,000 to $95,000 annually, slightly below some coastal hubs but balanced by lower living costs. Specialized expertise in steel fabrication and R&D can push compensation higher, especially within industry leaders like Steel Dynamics.
Holding a PE license enhances credibility and autonomy in navigating complex design specifications and certifications at Steel Dynamics. It often leads to greater responsibility in project leadership and can accelerate involvement in high-stakes R&D initiatives requiring rigorous engineering accountability.
Daily responsibilities include developing new design procedures, specifying software requirements, conducting physical tests on materials, and coordinating closely with plant teams. Unlike routine structural roles, this position emphasizes innovation in design tools and compliance with diverse certification standards.
Steel Dynamics’ New Millennium division leverages Civil/Structural R&D Engineers to spearhead product innovation and procedural advancements. They blend structural modeling expertise with real-world testing to refine steel products, ensuring compliance and pushing forward the company’s competitive edge in steel design.