Structural Design Engineer

Role Summary

We are seeking a qualified and experienced Structural Engineer to join our solar energy project team. The candidate will be responsible for the structural analysis, design, and engineering of solar module mounting structures including ground-mounted, rooftop, and carport solar systems. The role demands strong competency in STAAD.Pro for structural analysis and a thorough understanding of foundation design for varying soil conditions and site environments.

Key Responsibilities Structural Analysis & Design

• Carry out detailed structural analysis of solar module mounting structures using STAAD.Pro

• Design steel and aluminium sub-structures including fixed-tilt, single-axis tracker, and ballasted rooftop systems

• Perform load calculations: dead load, live load, wind load (IS 875 / ASCE 7), seismic load (IS 1893), snow load as applicable

• Design connections, welds, and bolted joints as per IS 800 / AISC standards

• Validate structural adequacy against codal requirements and project specifications

• Conduct fatigue analysis for tracker structures subject to cyclic loading

• Ensure design complies with IS 875 Parts 1–3, IS 1893, and IS 800 for all applicable load combinations including dead, live, wind, seismic, and uplift

• Account for all critical load combinations including uplift, overturning, and lateral loads with specific attention to edge zones, tilt angles, and tracker stow conditions

Foundation Design

• Design shallow and deep foundations (isolated footings, raft foundations, pile foundations, helical piles, ground screws)

• Carry out soil–structure interaction studies based on geotechnical investigation reports

• Analyse and design pile caps, grade beams, and anchor bolt systems

• Review and interpret borehole logs, soil test reports, and geotechnical recommendations

• Optimise foundation solutions for varying soil bearing capacities and water table conditions

• Design foundations for seismic zones and expansive/soft soil conditions

• Ensure foundation adequacy against uplift, settlement, and lateral loads based on soil data provided, with minimum Factor of Safety of 2.0 for uplift

• Verify differential settlement remains within permissible limits to prevent misalignment of PV modules and mounting rails

• Design anchor bolt embedment depths and edge distances per IS 456 / IS 5624 and detail on fabrication drawings

STAAD.Pro Modelling & Analysis

• Create 3D structural models of mounting systems including columns, rafters, purlins, and bracing in STAAD.Pro

• Define appropriate member properties, section profiles (hollow sections, angles, channels), and material properties

• Apply load combinations as per IS / IEC / ASCE standards and perform linear and non-linear analyses

• Generate and interpret displacement, bending moment, shear force, and axial force diagrams

• Perform code-check routines within STAAD.Pro and optimise member sizes for economy

• Generate detailed STAAD analysis reports for internal review and client submission

• Optimise member sizes and section profiles in STAAD.Pro to minimise steel tonnage without compromising structural safety or deflection limits

• Model tracker stow conditions and worst-case wind angle scenarios to verify stability under all critical load cases

Drawings, Documentation & Deliverables

• Prepare and review structural General Arrangement (GA) drawings and fabrication drawings

• Develop detailed design calculation packages compliant with relevant codes

• Coordinate with civil, electrical, and procurement teams for multi-disciplinary alignment

• Support preparation of Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and material take-offs

• Review and approve vendor/supplier structural drawings and documents

• Maintain design registers, revision histories, and document control logs

• Ensure deliverables — design calculations, GA drawings, fabrication drawings, BOQ, and DBR — are issued in both editable and PDF formats, incorporating all review comments with proper revision marking

• Verify that all delivered designs are compatible with PV module specifications provided by the Company, avoiding stress or deformation to module frames

• Treat all technical data, drawings, and project documents as strictly confidential and not disclose to any third party without prior written consent of the Company

Site & Construction Support

• Provide technical support during construction and installation phases

• Review RFIs (Requests for Information) and resolve structural queries from the field

• Conduct site visits to verify structural works comply with approved drawings

• Participate in design review meetings, HAZOP sessions, and peer reviews

Required Qualifications Education

• Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) / Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering

• Master's degree (M.Tech / M.E.) in Structural Engineering is preferred

• Chartered Engineer (CE) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification is an advantage

Experience

equirements

Junior Engineer (3–5 yrs)

Minimum 3 years in structural design; at least 1 year in solar or industrial steel structures; working knowledge of STAAD.Pro

Senior Engineer (5–10 yrs)

Minimum 5 years in solar mounting structure design; proficient in STAAD.Pro, foundation design, and multi-MW project delivery; ability to lead design teams

Technical Skills & Competencies Mandatory Skills

- STAAD.Pro: Advanced modelling, analysis, and code-check for steel and concrete structures

- Foundation Design: Isolated, combined, raft, pile, helical anchor, and ground screw foundations

- Code Proficiency: IS 456, IS 800, IS 875 (Parts 1–3), IS 1893, IS 2911; IEC 61215, IEC

62817 (awareness)

• Module Compatibility: Verification of rail/purlin spans, clamp positions, and module frame deflection against PV module manufacturer specifications

• Design Optimisation: Member rationalisation, minimising unique profiles, and modular layout planning for fabrication efficiency and cost reduction

• Load Calculations: Wind, seismic, snow, dead, live, and thermal loads for solar PV structures

• AutoCAD: Structural drawings, GA layouts, foundation details

• MS Office: Engineering calculations, report writing, and project tracking

Preferred / Value-Added Skills

• Experience with SAP2000, ETABS, or ANSYS for supplementary analysis

• Familiarity with tracker system structural requirements (single-axis and dual-axis)

• Knowledge of corrosion protection systems (hot-dip galvanizing, powder coating) for outdoor solar structures

• Understanding of module mounting hardware: clamps, rails, brackets, splice joints

• Experience in preparation of IFC (Issued for Construction) drawing packages

• BIM/Revit Structure exposure is an added advantage

• Exposure to international codes: ASCE 7, Eurocode 3 (EN 1993), AS/NZS 1170

Professional Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset with attention to structural safety

• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and meet tight delivery timelines

• Clear and concise technical communication (written reports and verbal presentations)

• Collaborative approach with cross-functional teams (civil, electrical, procurement, O&M)

• Proactive approach to identifying structural risks and proposing cost-effective solutions

• Commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality of all project data, drawings, and technical documents as per Company requirements

• Ability to optimise designs for minimum steel consumption and ease of fabrication without compromising safety or code compliance

• Continuous learning mindset – staying updated with evolving solar technology and codes