
Senior Structural Engineer – Seismic & Equipment Qualification
Industrial Electric Mfg. (IEM) · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $130,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Lead seismic compliance for power distribution equipment.
- Manage seismic qualification programs and documentation.
- Collaborate with clients and AHJs on site-specific studies.
- Design and analyze equipment structures, frames, and enclosures.
- Support continuous improvement of engineering practices.
About the role
Senior Structural Engineer – Seismic & Equipment Qualification
At IEM, we’re not just building innovative electrical distribution systems, we’re shaping the future. IEM is dedicated to delivering world-class solutions for complex power needs. After 75 years, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact on industries that power the world’s most dynamic markets.
Position Summary
The Structural Engineer will lead seismic compliance and certification efforts for IEM’s low- and medium-voltage power distribution equipment, ensuring products meet regulatory, code, and customer requirements for high-seismic regions. In addition to seismic qualification, this role will support research & development and product engineering teams by assisting with the structural design of internal equipment structures, skids, frames and containerized power solutions. This position plays a critical role in enabling market access, improving product performance, and supporting innovation across IEM’s product portfolio.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate is a technically strong, hands-on professional who combines deep structural engineering expertise with practical experience in seismic testing, qualification and analytical studies. They thrive in cross-functional environments, working with engineering, sales, and customers to translate complex seismic requirements into executable testing and compliance strategies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage seismic compliance for low- and medium-voltage power distribution equipment, including both standard products and custom design-to-order offerings.
- Own the planning, execution, and documentation of seismic qualification programs in accordance with ICC-ES AC156, IBC, UBC, IEEE 693, and related standards.
- Manage HCAi (formerly OSHPD) seismic preapprovals, enabling maximum flexibility for custom design-to-order equipment.
- Collaborate with our clients’ Structural Engineers of Record (SEOR) and AHJs on site-specific studies and approvals for custom-engineered equipment.
- Coordinate the design, fabrication, and analysis of seismic test articles in collaboration with product development and manufacturing teams.
- Plan, schedule, and support shake table testing at external laboratories, including travel to witness and support tests.
- Review test data, evaluate results, and prepare technical reports and certification submittals.
- Support R&D and product development by designing and optimizing structural components within electrical equipment.
- Design and analyze equipment skids, frames, enclosures, and containerized or modular power solutions.
- Provide structural guidance on anchorage, load paths, vibration, and transport-related considerations.
- Support continuous improvement of structural design practices, seismic strategies, and internal engineering standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Structural or Civil Engineering (structural emphasis required); Master’s degree preferred.
- Active Professional Engineer (PE) license required; California licensure strongly preferred.
- 5–10 years of experience in structural engineering, with a focus on seismic design and nonstructural component qualification.
- Demonstrated experience with HCAi preapproval processes.
- Strong working knowledge of ICC-ES AC156, IBC, UBC, and IEEE 693.
- Experience designing structural steel components, frames, skids, and equipment support structures.
- Ability to translate code and test requirements into practical, manufacturable designs.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and customers.
Workplace Conditions
- Travel required to support seismic testing, customer engagement, and project needs (approximately 10–25%).
- Fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment supporting both compliance and innovation.
Why Join IEM
At IEM, you’ll join a team that powers some of the world’s most ambitious projects. We’re engineers, makers, and problem-solvers who thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions that keep industries moving forward. If you’re driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Your creativity and passion can help us achieve great things—come be part of the journey.
Learn more about IEM at https://www.iemfg.com
We offer comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and long-term success. View a snapshot of our benefits at https://www.iemfg.com/careers
Recruiting Scams
Beware of recruiting scams. IEM never charges candidates fees, and all recruiter emails come from an @iemfg.com address. If you suspect fraudulent activity, do not share personal information and report it to us at iemfg.com/contact
Non-Discrimination Statement
IEM does not discriminate against any applicant based on any characteristic protected by law.
Privacy
Information collected and processed as part of your IEM Careers profile, and any job applications you choose to submit is subject to IEM's Workforce Member Privacy Policy.
Key skills/competency
- Structural Engineering
- Seismic Design
- Equipment Qualification
- ICC-ES AC156
- IBC
- UBC
- IEEE 693
- HCAi Preapproval
- Structural Analysis
- Professional Engineer (PE)
Skills & topics
- Structural Engineer
- Seismic
- Equipment Qualification
- Power Distribution
- Structural Design
- Civil Engineering
- PE License
- Compliance
- Testing
- Analysis
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your PE license, seismic experience, and knowledge of relevant codes (ICC-ES AC156, IBC, UBC, IEEE 693).
- Showcase your expertise: Emphasize your experience with HCAi preapprovals and designing structural components.
- Demonstrate collaboration: Provide examples of working cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, and sales teams.
- Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss your approach to seismic testing, analysis, and structural design.
- Research IEM's values: Align your application with their focus on innovation, problem-solving, and powering critical industries.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What specific seismic standards are most important for the Senior Structural Engineer role at IEM?
- For the Senior Structural Engineer role at IEM, a strong working knowledge of ICC-ES AC156, IBC, UBC, and IEEE 693 is crucial. Experience with HCAi preapproval processes is also highly valued for enabling flexibility in custom designs.
- Is a Professional Engineer (PE) license required for this Senior Structural Engineer position?
- Yes, an active Professional Engineer (PE) license is required for this Senior Structural Engineer position. California licensure is strongly preferred, given the emphasis on seismic design.
- What is the expected travel percentage for the Senior Structural Engineer at IEM?
- The Senior Structural Engineer role requires travel for seismic testing, customer engagement, and project needs, estimated at approximately 10–25%.
- What kind of equipment structures will the Senior Structural Engineer be designing?
- The Senior Structural Engineer will be involved in designing and optimizing structural components within electrical equipment, including equipment skids, frames, enclosures, and containerized or modular power solutions.
- How does IEM support continuous improvement for its engineering teams?
- IEM fosters a collaborative engineering environment and encourages continuous improvement of structural design practices, seismic strategies, and internal engineering standards, as highlighted in the job description.
- What is the significance of HCAi preapprovals in this role?
- HCAi (formerly OSHPD) preapprovals are significant because they enable maximum flexibility for custom design-to-order equipment, a key responsibility for the Senior Structural Engineer at IEM.
- What kind of customer collaboration is expected for the Senior Structural Engineer at IEM?
- The Senior Structural Engineer will collaborate with clients’ Structural Engineers of Record (SEOR) and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) on site-specific studies and approvals for custom-engineered equipment.
- Does IEM offer opportunities for professional growth?
- Yes, IEM emphasizes opportunities for employees to contribute, grow, and make a lasting impact, as stated in their company overview. They also offer a comprehensive benefits package.