Civil Structural Lead Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Civil Structural Lead Designer

Company: Quest Global

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Design & Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-20

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is pivotal in the detailed design and drafting of civil and structural components for complex industrial facilities, particularly within the oil & gas and petrochemical sectors.

• The Lead Designer will be responsible for translating engineering requirements into accurate, compliant, and constructible 2D drawings and 3D models.

• It requires extensive experience with industry-standard design software and a deep understanding of relevant engineering codes and standards.

• This position involves significant coordination with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure seamless project execution and adherence to project specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Civil Structural Lead Designer," the core responsibilities and required skills described lean heavily towards a Senior Designer or Drafter role focused on technical drawing production rather than a lead engineer with design authority. The emphasis is on the execution of drawings and models based on provided engineering parameters.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare comprehensive 2D drawings using AutoCAD, including detailed General Arrangement (GA) drawings, site layouts, plans, sections, and elevations for civil and structural elements.

• Develop intricate 3D models and plant layouts utilizing AutoCAD Plant 3D, ensuring accurate representation of structures, equipment, and piping.

• Produce detailed structural drawings for various components such as foundations (pile, raft, isolated footing), steel structures (pipe racks, platforms, supports), and concrete structures.

• Generate precise Bill of Materials (BOM) for structural components, ensuring accurate quantity take-offs for procurement and fabrication.

• Create and maintain "as-built" drawings, reflecting any modifications or deviations from the original design during the construction and commissioning phases.

• Ensure all drawings and models strictly adhere to specified project codes and standards (e.g., ACI318, AISC360, ASCE 7, IBC, Eurocodes).

• Collaborate closely with Civil/Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Piping Engineers, and other disciplines to integrate designs and resolve clashes or discrepancies.

• Review and interpret engineering calculations, schematics, and specifications to accurately translate them into design documentation.

• Participate in design review meetings, providing technical input and addressing queries related to drafted elements.

• Maintain version control and ensure proper documentation management for all design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the technical execution of drawings and models. A "Lead" role typically implies more responsibility in design decision-making, team supervision, and client interaction. This description focuses on the hands-on technical output of a senior-level designer or drafter.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in civil and structural design drafting, specifically within the oil & gas, petrochemical, or EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) sectors.

Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD (2D Drafting) for detailed engineering drawings.

• Expertise in AutoCAD Plant 3D for 3D modeling and comprehensive plant layout development.

• Strong command of Tekla Structures for detailed RCC and Steel structural design and detailing.

• Experience with Navisworks Freedom for design review and clash detection.

• In-depth understanding and practical application of international codes and standards, including:

  • ACI 318 (Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete)
  • AISC 360 (Specification for Structural Steel Buildings)
  • ASCE 7-10/15/22 (Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures)
  • IBC (International Building Code)
  • Eurocodes (European standards for structural design)

• Ability to prepare detailed drawings for various structural elements: foundations (pile, raft, isolated footing), steel structures (pipe racks, platforms, supports), and concrete structures.

• Competency in producing accurate Bill of Materials (BOM).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other 3D modeling or BIM (Building Information Modeling) software.

• Familiarity with project management principles as they relate to design deliverable timelines.

• Strong understanding of fabrication and construction processes related to civil and structural works.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "advanced level" for AutoCAD 2D Drafting and specific software like Plant 3D and Tekla Structures indicates a high technical bar for this role, suggesting a need for hands-on expertise rather than just theoretical knowledge. The emphasis on specific codes also points towards a need for practical, code-compliant drawing production.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated collection of past projects showcasing expertise in civil and structural design documentation for industrial environments.

• Demonstrations of proficiency in creating detailed 2D drawings (GA, layouts, sections, elevations) and complex 3D models using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant 3D, and Tekla Structures.

• Examples of detailed structural drawings for foundations, steel structures (pipe racks, platforms), and concrete structures.

• Inclusion of accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) examples and "as-built" drawing samples.

Process Documentation:

• Showcase ability to document design processes, from interpreting engineering inputs to final deliverable output.

• Examples of workflow management for design projects, including version control and revision management.

• Documentation of how design checks and reviews (internal and interdisciplinary) are conducted.

• Evidence of how design clashes are identified and resolved using tools like Navisworks Freedom.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role emphasizing detailed drawing production, the portfolio should strongly feature visual examples of technical drawings and 3D models. The "process" aspect would relate to how these deliverables are created, managed, and reviewed efficiently and accurately according to project requirements and standards.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

• Provident Fund (PF) and Gratuity contributions as per Indian labor laws.

• Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, including training on new software and industry standards.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses and increments.

• Access to company-provided transport or transportation allowance, depending on company policy.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week (e.g., 9 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Friday), with potential for overtime depending on project demands.

• The role requires on-site presence, necessitating adherence to the office's schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical compensation for a senior designer with 10-15 years of experience in India's engineering sector, particularly in a hub like Bengaluru, and for specialized industries like oil & gas. Actual compensation will depend on Quest Global's specific pay scales, the candidate's negotiation skills, and the precise scope of responsibilities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Technology, Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, Healthcare, Energy, and Industrial sectors. Quest Global operates as a global provider of engineering and digital solutions, serving a diverse range of industries.

Company Size: Quest Global is a large enterprise, employing over 15,000+ professionals globally. This scale suggests a structured environment with established processes and diverse career opportunities.

Founded: 1997. With over 25 years of experience, Quest Global has a significant history and established presence in the engineering services market.

Team Structure:

• The Civil & Structural Design team likely operates as a specialized unit within Quest Global's broader engineering division.

• Team members typically report to a Design Manager or a Lead Engineer, with this role potentially overseeing junior designers or drafters on specific project tasks.

Methodology:

• Quest Global likely employs a structured project management methodology, possibly incorporating Agile or Waterfall principles depending on the project and client.

• Emphasis is placed on adhering to client specifications, international engineering standards, and best practices for quality and efficiency.

• Data-driven decision-making is implied through the need for accurate modeling and adherence to codes.

• Continuous improvement and adoption of new technologies are likely part of their operational ethos, given their focus on digital solutions.

Company Website: https://careers.quest-global.com/global/en

📝 Enhancement Note: Quest Global's extensive experience and global presence suggest a professional, process-oriented culture. For an on-site role in Bengaluru, candidates can expect a structured work environment with opportunities to engage with diverse, large-scale projects. The company's focus on "doing things differently" implies an openness to innovative solutions within established engineering frameworks.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a senior individual contributor level (10-15 years of experience). While titled "Lead Designer," the responsibilities focus on advanced technical execution rather than team management or ultimate design authority. It represents a significant step up from a standard designer role, requiring deep technical expertise and project experience.

Reporting Structure: The Civil Structural Lead Designer will likely report to a Civil/Structural Engineering Manager or a Senior Design Lead. They will collaborate with engineers from various disciplines and may guide or mentor junior designers and drafters on specific project tasks.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is critical to the successful execution of large-scale industrial projects. Accurate and compliant civil and structural designs are foundational for the safety, integrity, and functionality of facilities like refineries, plants, and offshore platforms. Errors in design documentation can lead to significant cost overruns, project delays, safety hazards, and regulatory non-compliance.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of civil/structural engineering design, advanced modeling techniques, or specialized industry codes.

• Lead Designer/Senior Engineer: Progress to roles with greater design responsibility, potentially leading design teams on smaller projects or specific work packages on larger ones.

• Project Management: Transition into project management roles, leveraging their technical understanding to oversee project scope, schedule, and budget.

• Client-Facing Roles: Develop skills in client interaction, technical proposal development, and stakeholder management.

• Software Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in specific design software (e.g., Tekla Structures, Plant 3D), potentially leading training or implementation efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Lead" in the title might be more about technical leadership and mentorship within the design team rather than formal people management. Growth paths are likely to involve either further technical depth or a shift towards project coordination and management.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, meaning the work will be conducted from Quest Global's office in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, typical of a large engineering services company.

Office Location(s): Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. This location is a major technology and engineering hub in India, offering access to talent and infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be an open-plan office or cubicle setup designed to facilitate collaboration among engineering teams.

• Access to high-performance workstations equipped with the necessary design software (AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Tekla Structures, Navisworks) and robust IT infrastructure is expected.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues from various engineering disciplines will be abundant, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-sharing environment.

• This on-site setup allows for immediate feedback, quick problem-solving sessions, and team synergy crucial for complex design projects.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will be full-time, likely Monday to Friday, aligning with typical business hours in India (e.g., 9 AM to 6 PM IST). Project deadlines may occasionally require flexibility or overtime.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a major city like Bengaluru offers a stable work environment with direct access to team members and resources, which is often preferred for complex design work requiring constant collaboration and immediate problem resolution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter will conduct a preliminary call to assess basic qualifications, experience, salary expectations, and cultural fit.

• Technical Assessment: A technical interview focusing on civil/structural engineering principles, software proficiency (AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Tekla), and knowledge of industry codes (ACI 318, AISC 360, ASCE 7, IBC, Eurocodes). This may include a coding or software-based test.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present and discuss their portfolio, highlighting specific projects, their role, challenges faced, and solutions implemented. Emphasis will be on the accuracy and compliance of their design documentation.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the direct hiring manager to delve deeper into experience, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and alignment with team/company culture.

• Final Round (if applicable): May involve senior leadership or a panel interview for final assessment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most relevant and impactful projects that best showcase your skills in civil/structural design for oil & gas/petrochemical/EPC projects.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define:

  • Project scope and your specific role/responsibilities.
  • The engineering challenges and how you addressed them.
  • The software and codes utilized.
  • Key deliverables produced (drawings, models, BOMs).
  • Quantifiable achievements or outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, error reduction).

• Highlight Technical Proficiency: Be prepared to walk through specific drawings or model segments, explaining your design choices and adherence to standards.

• Demonstrate Code Compliance: Explicitly point out how you applied ACI 318, AISC 360, ASCE 7, IBC, or Eurocodes in your designs.

• Showcase Software Skills: Be ready to discuss your workflow in AutoCAD, Plant 3D, and Tekla Structures, including any advanced features or techniques you employed.

• Prepare for "As-Built" and BOM: Be ready to discuss your process for generating these crucial documents.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Problem-Solving: Expect questions that require you to solve a hypothetical civil/structural design problem, potentially involving load calculations, foundation design considerations, or steel connection detailing.

• Software Scenarios: You might be asked how you would approach a specific modeling task in Plant 3D or how to resolve a clash identified in Navisworks.

• Code Application: Be ready to interpret scenarios based on specific code requirements.

• Process Explanation: Prepare to explain your design process, quality control measures, and how you ensure accuracy and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the technical nature and the "Lead Designer" title, expect a rigorous interview process that heavily scrutinizes technical skills, software proficiency, and understanding of industry codes. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD (2D Drafting): Essential for preparing detailed engineering drawings, layouts, plans, sections, and elevations. Advanced proficiency is required.

• AutoCAD Plant 3D: Critical for developing 3D models of plant layouts, including structural components, equipment, and piping integration.

• Tekla Structures: A core tool for detailed design and detailing of reinforced concrete (RCC) and steel structures. Expertise is mandatory.

• Navisworks Freedom: Used for model viewing, coordination, and clash detection, ensuring integration across disciplines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus for this drafting role, understanding how design data feeds into project reporting and cost estimation (e.g., via BOM generation) is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design production role, but understanding how design deliverables integrate into broader project management and engineering workflows is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on specialized CAD and BIM software essential for detailed structural and plant design. Proficiency in these tools is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy & Precision: A fundamental value, ensuring that all drawings and models are technically correct, dimensionally accurate, and free from errors.

• Compliance: Strict adherence to project-specific requirements, international engineering codes (ACI 318, AISC 360, ASCE 7, IBC, Eurocodes), and company standards.

• Collaboration: Working effectively with engineers from various disciplines, project managers, and potentially clients to achieve project goals.

• Efficiency: Delivering high-quality work within project timelines and budget constraints, leveraging software and processes for optimal output.

• Continuous Improvement: A willingness to learn new software, adapt to evolving project requirements, and refine design methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Synergy: The role demands strong collaboration with Civil/Structural Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Piping Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Instrumentation Engineers to ensure integrated and clash-free designs.

• Structured Communication: Communication will likely follow established project protocols, including design review meetings, RFIs (Requests for Information), and formal documentation.

• Feedback Integration: Openness to receiving and incorporating feedback from engineers and peers to enhance design quality and constructability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture likely emphasizes technical excellence, rigorous adherence to standards, and effective teamwork within a project-driven environment. For this role, precision and compliance are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Project Demands: Working on large-scale, intricate oil & gas or petrochemical projects with tight deadlines and stringent quality requirements.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Effectively managing design inputs and potential conflicts from multiple engineering disciplines.

• Code Interpretation: Navigating and applying complex international engineering codes and standards accurately in detailed designs.

• Software Proficiency: Mastering and efficiently utilizing advanced features across multiple specialized software packages (AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Tekla, Navisworks).

• Maintaining As-Builts: The meticulous effort required to accurately document "as-built" conditions throughout project phases.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to gain deeper expertise in Tekla Structures, Plant 3D, and potentially other BIM or advanced 3D modeling tools.

• Code Specialization: Developing specialized knowledge in specific sections of codes like ASCE 7 or Eurocodes relevant to advanced structural analysis and design.

• Industry Best Practices: Learning and applying the latest design methodologies and workflows used in leading EPC companies.

• Project Lifecycle Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of the entire project lifecycle, from conceptual design to construction and commissioning, and how civil/structural design fits in.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and potentially mentor junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to high-stakes industrial engineering projects. Growth is primarily focused on deepening technical expertise and mastering complex design tools and standards.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex structural element you designed or detailed. What were the key challenges, and how did you ensure its integrity and compliance with codes like AISC 360 or ACI 318?" (Focus on technical problem-solving, code application, and detail execution.)

• "How do you approach the creation of detailed foundation drawings (e.g., raft, pile, isolated footing)? What information do you typically require from the engineer, and how do you ensure accuracy?" (Focus on process, information gathering, and detail accuracy.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing a 3D plant layout in AutoCAD Plant 3D, specifically focusing on integrating structural elements like pipe racks and platforms." (Focus on software workflow and integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Quest Global emphasizes doing things differently. How do you see yourself contributing to this philosophy in a design role?" (Focus on proactive problem-solving and embracing new methods.)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a difficult stakeholder or resolve a design conflict with another discipline. What was your approach?" (Focus on teamwork and conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be Prepared to Annotate: Have digital copies of your portfolio readily accessible and be ready to zoom in on details, explain dimensions, material callouts, and code references.

• Quantify Your Contributions: For each project, be ready to state your specific involvement, the scope of drawings/models you produced, and any positive outcomes (e.g., "I produced all the foundation drawings for this refinery unit, which were approved on first review," or "My detailed steel structure drawings for the pipe racks minimized site fabrication issues.")

• Showcase Software Workflow: Briefly explain your process within AutoCAD, Plant 3D, or Tekla for specific elements. For example, "Here, I used Tekla's steel detailing tools to automatically generate these connections based on AISC 360 requirements."

• Highlight Code Application: For each relevant project, explicitly mention which codes were used and how they influenced your design decisions or drawings.

• Focus on Results: Frame your experience in terms of delivering accurate, compliant, and constructible documentation that supports project success.

Challenge Preparation:

• Structural Detailing Scenarios: Be ready for questions like "How would you detail a moment connection for a critical pipe rack beam under specific wind and seismic loads?" or "What are the key considerations for designing a concrete foundation for a large rotating equipment?"

• Software Application: Expect questions about specific commands or workflows in AutoCAD, Plant 3D, or Tekla, such as "How would you place a complex steel column base in Tekla?" or "What are the steps to create a piping isometric from a 3D model in Plant 3D?"

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview preparation emphasizes demonstrating deep technical knowledge, practical software skills, and a clear understanding of industry codes. The portfolio is the primary tool to prove these capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Civil Structural Lead Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Quest Global careers portal link provided.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of 3-5 key projects that best showcase your civil and structural design capabilities, focusing on oil & gas, petrochemical, or EPC environments. Ensure it includes examples of 2D drawings, 3D models, BOMs, and "as-built" drawings, highlighting your application of relevant codes (ACI 318, AISC 360, ASCE 7, IBC, Eurocodes).

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 10-15 years of experience, specific software proficiencies (AutoCAD, Plant 3D, Tekla Structures, Navisworks), and experience with the mentioned industry codes and project types. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio, focusing on explaining your role, technical challenges, software usage, and code compliance for each project. Be ready to answer detailed technical questions.

• Research Quest Global: Understand the company's mission, values, and the types of projects they undertake. Familiarize yourself with their engineering services and digital solutions offerings.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding salary, benefits, and specific interview processes, should be verified directly with Quest Global during the application and interview stages.