Structural Engineer & Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Structural Engineer & Design Manager

Company: Champion Homes

Location: Athens, TX, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-20

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and mentor a team of CAD drafters and designers, establishing engineering standards and best practices for structural design.

• Oversee structural engineering projects for residential manufactured homes, ensuring compliance with all relevant building codes and regulations.

• Perform complex structural analysis and engineering evaluations using specialized software, and apply professional engineering seals to all documentation.

• Manage project lifecycles from concept through production, coordinating with cross-functional teams including Sales, Production, Quality, and Operations to ensure successful project execution and delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends technical engineering expertise with management responsibilities. The "Design Manager" aspect implies a focus on process, standards, and team development, crucial for operations professionals. The emphasis on residential manufactured homes and compliance with building codes highlights a specific niche within the broader construction and engineering sector.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of CAD drafters and designers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement within the design department.

• Review and approve all structural plans, calculations, technical documents, and design modifications for accuracy, compliance, and adherence to established engineering standards and procedures.

• Design and analyze structural systems for residential manufactured home building projects, performing detailed structural calculations and engineering evaluations utilizing approved software and industry best practices.

• Ensure strict compliance with all applicable local, state, and national building codes, such as IBC, IRC, and HUD standards, relevant to manufactured housing.

• Apply your Professional Engineer (PE) seal to construction drawings, calculations, and engineering documents, taking ultimate responsibility for the structural integrity and code compliance of designs.

• Coordinate closely with Sales, Production, Quality Control, and Operations teams to ensure seamless project execution, timely delivery, and alignment with manufacturing capabilities.

• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, managing timelines, resources, and quality expectations to meet deadlines and client requirements.

• Collaborate effectively with customers, third-party reviewing agencies, and regulatory authorities to navigate and secure project approvals.

• Provide essential technical support throughout the construction, manufacturing, and installation phases, troubleshooting issues and offering solutions to ensure project success.

• Identify and champion opportunities for continuous improvement, efficiency gains, cost savings, and innovation within the design and engineering processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate between leadership/management duties and hands-on engineering tasks. The emphasis on "establishing drafting and engineering standards, procedures, and best practices" points to a need for a candidate who can operationalize and standardize design processes, a core function in revenue and sales operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of progressive structural engineering experience, with a demonstrated track record in residential or manufactured housing design. Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role overseeing drafting and design teams is essential.

Required Skills:

• Current and active Professional Engineer (PE) license in the United States, with the ability to stamp and seal structural drawings and engineering documents.

• Proficiency in structural analysis and engineering calculations using industry-standard software (e.g., STAAD.Pro, RISA, SAP2000, or similar).

• Expertise in AutoCAD for creating and reviewing construction drawings and technical documentation.

• Strong knowledge of residential and commercial building codes (e.g., IBC, IRC, HUD Code for Manufactured Homes).

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and manage a team of CAD drafters and designers, fostering professional development and team cohesion.

• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects concurrently, manage timelines, and ensure quality deliverables.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills for effective interaction with internal teams, customers, and external agencies.

• Understanding of manufacturing processes and construction methodologies relevant to the building industry. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within the modular, manufactured housing, or light commercial construction sectors.

• Multi-state engineering licensure or a strong willingness and ability to obtain additional state licenses as required.

• Experience working directly with third-party reviewing agencies and code compliance organizations.

• Familiarity with design software beyond AutoCAD, such as Revit, for BIM modeling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license and the ability to stamp drawings are critical. The "5+ years" experience, combined with leadership experience, positions this as a mid-to-senior level role. The preferred qualifications suggest a company looking for a candidate who can immediately contribute to a specific industry niche and potentially scale their licensure for broader market reach.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing successful structural design projects, particularly within residential or manufactured housing, highlighting complexity and innovative solutions.

• Include examples of engineering calculations, structural analysis reports, and finalized construction drawings that have been reviewed and approved.

• Present documentation of established engineering standards, design procedures, or workflow optimization initiatives you have implemented.

• Showcase instances where your leadership contributed to the successful execution of projects, improved team efficiency, or enhanced design quality. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you document and standardize engineering processes, from initial design concept through final approval and implementation.

• Detail your approach to reviewing and approving technical documents, ensuring thoroughness and compliance with all relevant codes and standards.

• Illustrate your methods for tracking project progress, managing design modifications, and ensuring quality control throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused role like this, a portfolio should emphasize not just technical output but also process improvement, standardization, and team management. Candidates should be prepared to discuss how they've optimized design workflows, improved cross-functional collaboration, and ensured consistent quality through documented processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Structural Engineer & Design Manager with 5+ years of experience and a PE license in Texas, the estimated annual salary range is $95,000 - $130,000 USD. This estimate accounts for the required technical expertise, leadership responsibilities, and the strategic importance of the role within Champion Homes.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans designed to support employee well-being.

• Retirement savings plan (e.g., 401(k)) with potential company matching contributions.

• Paid time off (PTO) including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including support for obtaining additional PE licenses and attending industry conferences.

• Life insurance and disability coverage.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position, typically requiring approximately 40 hours per week. While the core hours will be during standard business operations, some flexibility may be available depending on project deadlines and team needs, with potential for occasional overtime during peak periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate derived from industry data for similar roles in Texas, considering the required PE license and management duties. Companies in the manufactured housing sector often offer competitive benefits packages to attract specialized engineering talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Champion Homes operates within the manufactured housing and modular construction industry, a significant segment of the residential building market focused on efficiency, affordability, and quality. This industry demands innovation in design, production, and supply chain management.

Company Size: Champion Homes is part of a larger organization, suggesting a stable and resource-rich environment. The specific team size for drafters and designers is likely to be a focused group, allowing for direct impact and close collaboration. A company of this nature typically has between 500-5,000 employees.

Founded: Champion Homes has been a manufacturer of manufactured homes for decades, indicating a history of established processes, industry knowledge, and a commitment to long-term growth and stability.

Team Structure:

• The design team, led by this role, will likely consist of several CAD drafters and designers responsible for executing structural plans.

• This position reports to a higher-level engineering or operations executive, such as a Director of Engineering or VP of Operations, who oversees broader departmental functions.

• Close collaboration is expected with Sales for initial project scoping, Production for manufacturing feasibility, Quality Assurance for compliance checks, and Operations for overall project lifecycle management. Methodology:

• The team likely employs a data-driven approach to structural analysis and design, using software to model and validate performance against code requirements.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be key, focusing on streamlining the design process from order to production-ready plans.

• Automation and efficiency practices are crucial in manufactured housing to maintain competitive pricing and production speed, suggesting a drive towards digital tools and streamlined workflows.

Company Website: https://championhomes.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Understanding the manufactured housing industry context is vital. This sector prioritizes efficiency and standardization due to the nature of factory production, which directly influences the operational demands on the engineering and design teams.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a significant step into engineering leadership and management within the operations domain. It bridges the gap between technical execution and strategic oversight, offering a platform to influence design standards, process efficiency, and team development. It is considered a senior-level position with managerial scope.

Reporting Structure: The Structural Engineer & Design Manager will report to a senior executive within the engineering or operations department. They will, in turn, manage a team of drafters and designers, creating a clear hierarchical structure that facilitates efficient communication and decision-making.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct impact on the company's profitability and operational efficiency. By ensuring accurate, code-compliant, and cost-effective designs, the manager minimizes production errors, reduces rework, and supports timely project delivery. Their leadership also influences the quality and innovation of the manufactured homes produced.

Growth Opportunities:

• Senior Leadership: Potential advancement to Director of Engineering, VP of Operations, or similar executive roles, overseeing larger departments or broader operational functions.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of structural engineering for manufactured housing, or expand licensure to cover more states, increasing market reach and strategic value.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives focused on digital transformation, automation of design processes, or implementing new engineering technologies to drive further efficiency and innovation.

• Cross-Functional Roles: Transition into roles focused on product development, manufacturing efficiency, or supply chain optimization, leveraging a strong understanding of the end-to-end product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential from this role is substantial, particularly within a company focused on manufacturing and large-scale production. It offers a clear path for operations professionals to move into strategic leadership positions by demonstrating impact on efficiency and profitability.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a traditional office setting within Champion Homes' Athens, TX facility. This environment is conducive to team collaboration, direct supervision, and access to necessary engineering resources.

Office Location(s): The primary work location is Athens, Texas. This offers a specific geographic context for potential candidates and may involve occasional travel to manufacturing facilities, project sites, or customer locations.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, encouraging interaction among the design team, engineers, and other departmental stakeholders.

• Access to essential engineering software, CAD workstations, and relevant technical documentation will be standard.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with drafters and designers will be frequent, fostering a hands-on management approach.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule will align with typical business hours (e.g., Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 5 PM), with potential for adjusted hours or overtime to meet project demands. This structure allows for consistent application of engineering principles and team oversight.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in manufacturing implies a structured, results-oriented environment. The emphasis on collaboration and direct access to resources is typical for engineering management positions in production-focused companies.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A phone or video call with HR or a hiring manager to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit. Be prepared to articulate your leadership philosophy and engineering approach.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with engineering leadership or peers focusing on structural analysis, code compliance, software proficiency, and problem-solving scenarios. This may include reviewing your approach to specific design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to present your portfolio, detailing key projects, your role, design decisions, and demonstrated impact. Focus on projects that showcase leadership, process improvement, and technical rigor.

• Management/Leadership Interview: An assessment of your management style, team leadership capabilities, and experience in mentoring and developing design teams. Discussions may involve hypothetical scenarios related to team management and conflict resolution.

• Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss strategic alignment, long-term vision, and overall fit within the company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight 3-5 impactful projects that demonstrate your expertise in structural engineering for residential/manufactured housing and your leadership capabilities.

• For each project, clearly articulate the challenge, your role, the design solutions implemented, the engineering principles applied, and the quantifiable outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, successful code approvals).

• Be prepared to walk through specific structural calculations, AutoCAD drawings, and analysis reports, explaining your methodology and decision-making process.

• Include examples of any standards, procedures, or process improvements you've developed or implemented to enhance design quality or team efficiency.

• Tailor your presentation to Champion Homes' focus on manufactured housing, emphasizing how your skills align with their production and market needs. Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for hypothetical design challenges or problem-solving scenarios related to structural integrity, code compliance, or manufacturing constraints.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, demonstrating how you would approach a problem, analyze options, and arrive at a solution.

• Prepare to discuss how you would manage team dynamics, delegate tasks, and ensure quality control under pressure.

• Familiarize yourself with common manufactured housing construction methods and relevant building codes to inform your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a role with both technical and managerial components will be multi-faceted. A strong portfolio that showcases both engineering prowess and operational leadership is crucial. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just what they've done, but how they've done it and the impact it had.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Structural Analysis Software: Proficiency with industry-standard software such as STAAD.Pro, RISA, SAP2000, or similar is essential for performing complex calculations and simulations.

• CAD Software: Expertise in AutoCAD is a mandatory requirement for creating, reviewing, and modifying construction drawings.

• Design & Engineering Software: Familiarity with other design tools or specialized engineering calculation software relevant to residential construction.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly stated, the role will involve analyzing project performance data, code compliance metrics, and team efficiency reports. Proficiency with data analysis tools for reporting and dashboard creation may be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• While a direct CRM is unlikely for this role, understanding how design data integrates with production or sales systems (like an ERP or project management software) would be advantageous. Automation in design processes (e.g., templating, scripting) is highly valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical tools are CAD and structural analysis software. The emphasis on "approved software" suggests the company has specific tools they use, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with those or comparable platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Precision: A strong commitment to accuracy in design and calculations, ensuring the structural integrity and safety of manufactured homes.

• Efficiency & Productivity: A focus on streamlining processes, optimizing workflows, and delivering designs within tight production timelines.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Encouraging open communication and cross-functional partnerships to achieve common goals and resolve challenges effectively.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: A drive to explore new design techniques, materials, and processes that enhance product quality, reduce costs, and improve manufacturing efficiency.

• Accountability & Ownership: Taking responsibility for designs, decisions, and team performance, with a clear understanding of the impact on the company's success.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative environment, with frequent interaction between the design team, manufacturing floor, sales department, and quality control.

• The culture likely promotes a proactive approach to problem-solving, where team members are encouraged to identify issues early and work together to find solutions.

• A strong emphasis on clear communication and documentation will be present, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and aligned throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a typical manufacturing environment where efficiency, quality, and teamwork are paramount. Operations professionals will find this aligns with a results-driven culture focused on continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Depth and Management: Juggling the demands of complex engineering analysis with the responsibilities of leading and mentoring a team.

• Code Compliance Across Jurisdictions: Navigating and ensuring compliance with a diverse and evolving set of building codes across different states and regions.

• Integrating Design with Manufacturing: Bridging the gap between theoretical design and practical, efficient manufacturing processes, minimizing production issues.

• Driving Process Improvement: Championing and implementing changes to established design workflows, which can sometimes face resistance.

• Scaling with Growth: Adapting design processes and team capacity to meet increasing production demands and market expansion.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Licensure: Support for obtaining PE licenses in additional states, expanding professional reach and company market penetration.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications related to specific building codes, materials, or advanced engineering methodologies.

• Leadership Training: Development programs focused on enhancing management, team-building, and strategic leadership skills.

• Exposure to New Technologies: Learning and implementing new design software, simulation tools, or manufacturing technologies to drive innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a hybrid technical-management role in a production environment. The growth opportunities are strong, particularly for those looking to advance into higher levels of operational leadership within the construction and manufacturing sectors.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your approach to leading a team of engineers and designers. How do you foster a collaborative and high-performing environment?" (Focus on your management philosophy, delegation, mentorship, and performance management strategies).

• "Walk us through a complex structural design project you managed. What were the key challenges, your technical solutions, and the outcome?" (Prepare a case study highlighting your engineering expertise, problem-solving skills, and leadership impact).

• "How do you ensure compliance with building codes and standards in your designs, especially when dealing with multiple jurisdictions?" (Explain your process for code research, application, and documentation). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Champion Homes and the manufactured housing industry?" (Research the company's history, products, market position, and recent news. Understand the unique aspects of manufactured housing construction).

• "How do you envision your role in improving our design processes and contributing to overall operational efficiency?" (Connect your experience with process optimization and efficiency gains to the company's goals).

• "How do you handle disagreements or conflicts within a design team or with other departments like Production or Sales?" (Demonstrate your conflict resolution and collaboration skills). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure your presentation logically: Introduction of the project, the challenge, your approach/solution, the results/impact, and lessons learned.

• Use visuals effectively: Show key drawings, calculations, and analysis outputs. Explain technical details clearly without being overly jargonistic.

• Quantify your impact: Use data and metrics whenever possible to demonstrate the success of your projects (e.g., cost savings, time efficiencies, reduction in errors).

• Highlight leadership: Specifically point out instances where you mentored team members, improved team processes, or collaborated effectively with other departments.

• Practice your delivery to ensure it is concise, engaging, and confident.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical acumen, leadership capability, and an understanding of operations and manufacturing principles. Be ready to discuss your experience with process improvement and team management as much as your technical engineering skills.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Champion Homes applicant portal.

• Tailor your resume: Emphasize your PE license, structural engineering experience, leadership roles, and any experience relevant to manufactured or residential construction. Use keywords from the job description such as "Structural Engineering," "Design Manager," "AutoCAD," "Building Codes," and "Team Leadership."

• Prepare your portfolio: Select 3-5 key projects that best showcase your technical skills, leadership abilities, and process improvement contributions. Be ready to discuss each project in detail, focusing on quantifiable achievements and your role.

• Research Champion Homes: Understand their products, market position, and any recent news or initiatives. Familiarize yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities within the manufactured housing industry.

• Practice your interview responses: Prepare for behavioral questions about leadership and problem-solving, as well as technical questions about structural analysis and code compliance. Be ready to articulate your management style and your vision for design process optimization.

⚠️ 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.