Lead Structural Engineer

What you'll do

As Lead Structural Engineer, you'll serve as the technical authority for the structural design of Giga's modular data center product line and associated site infrastructure. This role demands hybrid expertise in structural steel design for transportable modular enclosures and reinforced concrete design for critical facility foundations.

You'll own the Structural Plan of Record (POR), ensuring all designs meet Risk Category IV requirements for essential facilities while optimizing for Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA). You'll bridge the gap between innovative modular product design and traditional site infrastructure, creating standardized solutions that can scale across hundreds of deployments.

This is a high-impact technical leadership role where your designs directly enable our rapid deployment model. You'll work at the intersection of structural engineering, manufacturing optimization, and mission-critical infrastructure—designing systems that must perform flawlessly from factory floor to seismic zone.

Where you'll work

If based outside of our Houston, Long Beach, Reno, or San Francisco hubs, this role will be based remotely from your home office. You must be willing to travel as needed to our job sites and to one of our hub offices.

Responsibilities

Modular Product Design (Steel & Dynamics)

• Structural Analysis: Perform advanced static and dynamic analysis on modular steel enclosures. Calculate stresses for multiple load cases including transportation shock/vibration, crane lifting/rigging (pick points), and stacking configurations.
• Steel Detailing: Design and seal cold-formed and hot-rolled steel assemblies in accordance with AISC 360 and AISI S100.
• Connection Design: optimize connection details (moment frames, braced frames) for mass production, minimizing field welding in favor of bolted, verifiable connections.
• Equipment Support: Design integrated dunnage and support systems for heavy mechanical/electrical equipment (Chillers, Generators, Switchgear) within the module, accounting for seismic anchorage and vibration isolation.

Site Infrastructure (Concrete & Foundation)

• Foundation Design: Engineer shallow and deep foundation systems (mat slabs, spread footings, piles) for high-load industrial sites. Interpret geotechnical reports to determine bearing capacities and settlement limits.
• Seismic Engineering: Execute rigorous seismic analysis for high-seismic zones (SDC D, E, F) per ASCE 7-22. Design lateral force-resisting systems to ensure operational continuity post-event.

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• Plan of Record (POR): Develop standardized foundation templates that can be adapted by A&E firms for specific sites, reducing engineering cycle time.

Coordination & Compliance

• BIM Management: Maintain the Structural Revit model. Coordinate continuously with MEP disciplines to resolve clashes (pipe penetrations, duct routing) before fabrication.
• Code Compliance: Ensure full adherence to IBC, ACI 318 (Concrete), AISC 341 (Seismic Provisions), and local amendments.
• Third-Party Review: Manage external structural peer reviews and coordinate with local jurisdictions for permitting and plan checks.

Requirements

• Professional Engineer (PE) license required
• 8+ years of experience in industrial, power generation, or mission-critical facility design
• Expert-level proficiency in RISA-3D, SAP2000, ETABS, or STAAD.Pro for structural analysis
• Advanced skills in Autodesk Revit Structure and Navisworks for BIM modeling and coordination
• Deep knowledge of ASCE 7 (Minimum Design Loads, specifically Ch. 11-22 for Seismic)
• Mastery of AISC 360/341 (Specification for Structural Steel Buildings and Seismic Provisions)
• Strong understanding of ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete)
• Experience designing both structural steel and reinforced concrete systems
• Proven ability to design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA principles)
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with MEP, manufacturing, and field teams
• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering required

Bonus points

• Structural Engineer (SE) license, particularly for CA/NV
• Master's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering Experience with ANSYS or similar FEA tools for advanced connection analysis
• Knowledge of ISO 1496 (ISO Container Testing) relevant for modular transport
• Background in modular construction, prefabrication, or portable infrastructure
• Experience with data center or mission-critical facility design (Risk Category IV)
• Track record designing for high-seismic regions (SDC D, E, F)
• Startup or high-growth company experience
• Experience creating standardized structural templates for rapid deployment
• Familiarity with design-build or EPC project delivery methods

Benefits

• Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
• Significant equity in a profitable, IPO-bound company
• 401(k) with 4% employer match
• Unlimited PTO
• Parental leave
• FSA/HSA options
• Commuter benefits
• Monthly team on-sites across all offices