R&D Structural Engineer; Research & Development

R&D Structural Engineer

Location:

Rock Hill, SC (Charlotte area)

The successful candidate will specialize in the design and development of unique structural steel components. Specific responsibilities include:

• Conduct analytical and applied research to develop new structural systems, components, and design approaches.
• Perform advanced structural analysis using hand calculations, spreadsheets, and finite element software.
• Design, plan, and evaluate laboratory or field‑testing programs to validate structural performance.
• Interpret test results and translate findings into practical design improvements or standards.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including design engineering, drafting, manufacturing, quality, and operations.
• Provide technical support for complex or nonstandard engineering challenges.
• Present research findings and recommendations to internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Occasional travel is required to company plants, utility offices, field locations, or to trade shows.

Safety is the most important part of all jobs within Nucor; therefore, candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability to initiate, lead, and uphold safety policies, practices, procedures, and housekeeping standards at all times.

• Judgement/Decision Making – Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Initiative – Being proactive with seeking out work that needs to be done and being willing to take on responsibilities and challenges.
• Dependability – Being reliable, responsible, and committed to fulfilling obligations.
• Communication – Effectively expresses ideas or tasks to an individual or group. Demonstrates effective listening skills through receiving feedback, following instructions and showing a genuine interest in others.
• Organizing, Planning & Prioritizing Work – Developing specific goals and plans for prioritizing, organizing, and accomplishing individual work and/or the work of the team.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or similar.
• Minimum 3 years of experience designing steel structures in SAP
  2000.
• Minimum 2 years of experience designing complex steel connections.
• Strong knowledge of structural mechanics, steel design, and applicable codes and standards.
• Ability to clearly document technical work and communicate complex ideas effectively.

• Master’s degree or PhD in Civil/Structural Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) license in any US state.
• Experience with structural engineering R&D projects.
• Experience with physical testing, material characterization, or experimental mechanics.
• Familiarity with manufacturing‑driven design, heavy steel structures, or industrial applications.
• Experience with Inventor, Ansys, and/or IDEA Stati Ca software.