2026 - 41 Structural/Building Design Technologist Co-op

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: 2026 - Structural/Building Design Technologist Co-op

Company: Strik, Baldinelli, Moniz Ltd. (SBM)

Location: London, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Intern

Category: Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: Entry Level / Co-op

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This is a co-op position focused on supporting both structural engineering and building design departments, providing hands-on experience in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) industry.

• The role involves assisting with the design and drafting of various project types, including residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, to prepare drawings for permits and construction.

• Candidates will work within project teams, coordinating designs with other disciplines and gaining exposure to building codes, regulations, and office standards.

• This position offers opportunities for professional growth, including potential site visits, special project tasks to improve design efficiencies, and the possibility of full-time employment upon graduation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for a co-op student, indicating an educational focus with practical application. The "Operations" aspect is derived from the support function within engineering and design departments, managing project documentation, and contributing to workflow efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist structural engineers and building designers in creating detailed drawings and documentation for residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

• Develop proficiency in design guidelines, industry standards, and building regulations relevant to structural engineering and architectural design.

• Collaborate effectively within project teams, from initial design phases through to project completion, ensuring seamless integration of structural and building design elements.

• Coordinate structural and building design aspects with other engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical) to ensure cohesive project plans.

• Produce accurate drawings and documents that comply with building codes and established office standards, ensuring quality and adherence to regulatory requirements.

• Undertake special projects aimed at enhancing the efficiency of current design procedures and workflows, contributing to process optimization.

• Participate in occasional site visits to observe construction progress, gather site-specific information, and gain practical understanding of design implementation.

• Adhere to all company standards, policies, and procedures, maintaining a professional and compliant work ethic.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a supportive role within design and engineering, focusing on technical drafting, coordination, and adherence to standards. The "Operations" lens views this as managing project documentation flow and contributing to the operational efficiency of the design process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Currently enrolled in an Architectural Technology Diploma program.

Experience: Previous experience in design and drafting is considered an asset, but not strictly required for this co-op role.

Required Skills:

• Enrollment in a recognized Architectural Technology Diploma program.

• Eligibility for a 4 or 8-month co-op placement through a post-secondary institution (8 months preferred).

• Proficient in AutoCAD and Revit for design and drafting.

• Strong foundational knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook for general office tasks.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills for clear interaction with team members and supervisors.

• Demonstrated ability to be a productive team member and collaborate effectively.

• Commitment to ongoing professional and personal growth, with a strong willingness to learn new skills and processes.

• Adaptability and flexibility to manage changing project priorities and tasks.

• High level of attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills for precise documentation.

• Ability to work both independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in design and drafting.

• Proficiency with Twinmotion for visualization.

• Familiarity with building codes and construction regulations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications highlight a student role, prioritizing academic enrollment and technical software proficiency. The "operations" aspect is inferred from the need for strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow established procedures and standards.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of architectural drawings and structural designs created using AutoCAD and Revit.

• Include documentation that demonstrates adherence to building codes and office standards, highlighting accuracy and compliance.

• Present any projects that involved coordination with other disciplines, illustrating collaborative design processes.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how design processes were followed for academic projects, detailing stages from concept to final drawings.

• Documentation demonstrating understanding of drawing organization, layering conventions, and file management within CAD/BIM software.

• Evidence of how feedback was incorporated into designs, showcasing an iterative design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a co-op role, the "portfolio" is often academic projects. The emphasis here is on demonstrating technical proficiency in software and an understanding of design and documentation processes, which are foundational to operations within an engineering firm.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $23.00 per hour (CAD)

Benefits:

• Paid Overtime

• Paid Sick Days

• Flex Time

• Career Growth and Development Opportunities

• Regular Social and Team Building Events

• Potential for full-time employment upon graduation

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typically 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday-Thursday, with an early finish at 2:30 PM on Fridays.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary is clearly stated for this co-op position. The benefits are typical for a temporary role, with a strong emphasis on development and potential future employment, aligning with the company's investment in emerging talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering, Architecture, and Construction (AEC) Services. SBM operates as a multi-disciplinary firm, offering a broad spectrum of services that require seamless integration and coordination.

Company Size: Over 130 employees, indicating a mid-sized firm with established processes and a structured environment, yet retaining a collaborative and energetic culture.

Founded: The company was founded with a vision to provide innovative building solutions, fostering personal growth and forward-thinking within its team.

Team Structure:

• The Structural/Building Design department includes engineers, designers, and technologists.

• This role reports to a Structural/Building Design Lead or Division Manager, receiving technical guidance from senior staff.

Methodology:

• SBM emphasizes an innovative and collaborative approach to building solutions.

• Core values of drive, humility, and balance shape their methodology, encouraging ambitious goals alongside work-life harmony.

• Data-driven decision-making and process optimization are implied through the encouragement of special project tasks to promote efficiencies.

Company Website: http://www.sbmltd.ca

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as dynamic, energetic, and focused on growth and collaboration. The operations aspect is seen in the multi-disciplinary nature of the firm and the emphasis on efficient processes for project delivery.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level co-op position, designed as a foundational experience for students pursuing a career in architectural technology and building design. It's an opportunity to learn industry-standard practices in a professional setting.

Reporting Structure: The co-op student will report directly to a designated lead within the Structural/Building Design department, receiving mentorship and technical direction.

Operations Impact: While the direct impact of a co-op is on project support and learning, their contribution to design documentation and efficiency improvements indirectly supports the firm's operational capacity and project delivery timelines.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Gaining practical experience with industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, Revit) and understanding design workflows.

• Industry Exposure: Learning about building codes, construction materials, and project coordination from experienced professionals.

• Leadership Potential: Demonstrating initiative through special projects and strong performance could lead to increased responsibilities and a potential full-time role upon graduation, opening paths for further operational leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section frames the co-op role within a broader career trajectory, highlighting how the experience gained contributes to future operational roles in the AEC industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: In-office, full-time temporary position. The environment is described as energetic and collaborative.

Office Location(s): London, Ontario, Canada (N5X 4E8). SBM also has an office in Kitchener.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative workspace where team members interact and share knowledge.

• Access to essential operations tools and technology, including industry-standard CAD and BIM software.

• Opportunities for interaction with a passionate and enthusiastic team, fostering a supportive learning atmosphere.

Work Schedule: A balanced 40-hour workweek with a structured schedule that includes an early finish on Fridays, promoting work-life balance while ensuring sufficient time for core design and drafting tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description emphasizes a structured, on-site work environment conducive to learning and collaboration, with specific attention to the tools and schedule that support efficient operations for design professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Focus on your resume and academic standing to assess eligibility and basic qualifications.

• Technical Assessment (Potential): May involve a brief discussion or a small exercise related to AutoCAD or Revit skills.

• Interview: Likely a combination of behavioral questions to assess team fit and learning aptitude, and technical questions about your coursework and any prior design/drafting experience.

• Portfolio Review (if applicable): If you have academic projects to showcase, be prepared to walk through your design process, software usage, and adherence to standards.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Clearly demonstrate your skills in AutoCAD and Revit, showing examples of your technical drafting abilities.

• Showcase Process Understanding: If possible, explain the steps you took in your academic projects, from concept to final output, demonstrating an understanding of design workflows.

• Emphasize Accuracy & Detail: Present work that reflects strong attention to detail, as this is crucial for operations in design and engineering.

• Adaptability: Be ready to discuss how you’ve adapted to new software or project requirements.

Challenge Preparation:

• While not explicitly stated, be prepared to discuss how you approach learning new technical skills or solving design challenges encountered in your studies.

• Understand SBM's core values (drive, humility, balance) and be ready to articulate how you embody these in your academic and work approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides tactical advice tailored for a co-op student applying for a technical role, focusing on showcasing academic achievements and potential rather than extensive professional experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting and design. Proficiency is required.

• Revit: Key for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and 3D design. Proficiency is required.

• Twinmotion: Considered an asset for visualization and rendering, enhancing design presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this co-op role, but familiarity with project management tools or documentation systems used in engineering firms would be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is critical for a technical co-op role, clearly outlining the software tools that candidates must be proficient in to succeed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Drive: Demonstrated through a proactive approach to learning, completing tasks efficiently, and pursuing opportunities for growth.

• Humility: Shown by being receptive to feedback, learning from senior staff, and acknowledging areas for development.

• Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life approach, managing academic and work commitments effectively, and contributing positively to team dynamics.

• Collaboration: Actively participating in team projects, sharing knowledge, and supporting colleagues to achieve common goals.

• Efficiency: Contributing to streamlined design processes and accurate documentation to support project timelines.

Collaboration Style:

• Open communication and teamwork are encouraged, with an expectation of active participation in project discussions.

• Feedback is an integral part of the learning process, fostering continuous improvement.

• Knowledge sharing is valued, contributing to a collective learning environment within the design and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: Connecting company values to operational behaviors helps candidates understand how to fit into the team and contribute effectively from a process and collaboration standpoint.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Learning Curve: Adapting to professional design standards, office-specific workflows, and complex project requirements beyond academic assignments.

• Software Proficiency: Mastering advanced features of AutoCAD and Revit, and potentially Twinmotion, under project deadlines.

• Coordination: Effectively coordinating designs with multiple disciplines and stakeholders, requiring strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• Site Visits: Gaining practical experience and exposure to real-world construction challenges during site visits.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Skill Enhancement: Deepening expertise in AutoCAD and Revit through real-world application.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining comprehensive understanding of building codes, construction materials, and project lifecycle management in the AEC sector.

• Professional Networking: Building relationships with experienced engineers, technologists, and project managers.

• Career Path Exploration: Understanding potential career paths within a multi-disciplinary engineering firm and potentially securing a full-time role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Identifying potential challenges and linking them to growth opportunities provides a realistic outlook for the co-op student and highlights the developmental value of the position.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Tell me about a challenging architectural or structural design project you worked on in school. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on problem-solving, software use, and process.)

• "How do you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your technical drawings?" (Relate to your organizational skills and understanding of standards.)

• "Describe your experience with AutoCAD and Revit. What types of projects have you used them for?" (Be ready to discuss specific features and applications.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in SBM and this specific co-op role?" (Research SBM's projects and values, and align your interests.)

• "How do you embody our core values of drive, humility, and balance in your academic work?" (Provide specific examples.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by software or project type. Start with your strongest work.

• Process Explanation: For each project, briefly explain the objective, your role, the software used, key design decisions, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly point out examples that demonstrate your proficiency in AutoCAD, Revit, attention to detail, and adherence to standards.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant aspects for this role.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailoring interview preparation to a co-op level means focusing on academic achievements, learning potential, and alignment with company values, rather than extensive professional experience.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this co-op position:

• Submit your application through the provided online application system.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight your enrollment in the Architectural Technology Diploma program, relevant coursework, and any design/drafting experience. Emphasize proficiency in AutoCAD and Revit.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather academic projects that showcase your drafting skills, understanding of design principles, and use of CAD software. Be ready to explain your process and outcomes.

• Research SBM: Understand their services, project types, and company culture. Prepare to articulate why SBM is your preferred choice for this co-op experience.

• Practice Interview Responses: Rehearse answers to common interview questions, focusing on demonstrating your technical aptitude, eagerness to learn, teamwork abilities, and alignment with SBM's values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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