Lead Designer

Smith Seckman Reid, Inc. • Full-time • Houston, TX, US • 1w ago

At SSR, we’re more than a leading engineering design, consulting, and planning firm—we’re a team of owners committed to solving complex projects and delivering innovative solutions for facility and infrastructure challenges. With locations across the U.S. and expertise spanning diverse markets and services, our collaborative approach empowers us to build lasting partnerships with each other, our clients, and our communities.

We believe high performance and a people-first culture go hand in hand. As an owner from day one, our colleagues thrive in an environment that values accountability, celebrates achievement, and supports personal and professional growth. As owners, we take pride in our work and in each other—driving results while fostering a workplace where everyone feels seen, supported, and inspired.

Want to hear directly from our team? Visit http://www.ssr-inc.com/life-at-ssr and explore our culture on LinkedIn and Instagram.

What You’ll Do

As a Lead Designer, you’ll own discipline design delivery—developing concepts and layouts, coordinating across disciplines, guiding documentation quality, and communicating with clients and contractors from kickoff through closeout. You’ll hold responsible charge for assigned projects and mentor designers and EITs while upholding standards and schedule/fee commitments.

Develop design approaches and concepts with conceptual input/oversight from the Engineer of Record (EOR).
Lead preparation of drawings and hold responsibility for accuracy, neatness, and adherence to standards.
Perform studies, load calculations, and equipment selection appropriate to the project design; use industry software for analyses.
Coordinate equipment and overall design space requirements with the architect and other disciplines; integrate multi‑discipline inputs.
Assist or lead development of discipline man‑hour budgets; create work plans and plan work in accordance with project schedules.
Provide regular scope/schedule updates; communicate design requirements and respond to contractor/supplier questions during bid and construction.
Maintain detailed records of communications with clients, contractors, vendors, and team members; prepare clear technical comments and reports.
Conduct job‑site visits to monitor progress and observe installed construction; comment based on design specs, owner expectations, and codes.
Coordinate with authorities, utilities, and municipalities to incorporate construction, code, and government requirements.
Review and approve work for technical accuracy and completeness prior to QA/QC; review shop drawings and submittals.
Mentor and provide developmental guidance to designers and EITs; evaluate work and provide feedback; contribute to employee reviews.
Collaborate on standardization of design practices, procedures, and QA/QC; keep current with codes, software, and industry trends.

Minimum Requirements

Who We’re Looking For

Two-year technical degree in an applicable discipline plus 10 years applicable experience OR 12 years of practical design experience
Eight years of experience with large scope projects
Experience in performing system or project designs with little to no technical supervision from engineering staff
Capable of reading and interpreting plans from other disciplines (i.e., architectural, structural, civil, plumbing, electrical, mechanical)

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated proficient knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and discipline-specific engineering software (e.g., TRACE, HASS, SKM).
Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Knowledge of engineering theories/methodologies, applicable codes/standards, construction processes/terminology, and systems integration.
Clear written communication, technical writing, and speech clarity; strong comprehension and ability to convey requirements.
Interpersonal influence, mentoring mindset, and organizational skills to marshal resources and manage multiple activities at once.
Detail‑oriented with sound judgment and decision‑making; ability to foresee issues and propose solutions proactively.

What We Offer

100% Employee-Owned – Ownership from day one with immediate ESOP vesting.
Retirement Savings – 401(k) with immediate vesting and a generous company match.
Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus company‑funded HSA contributions for HDHP plans.
Company-Paid Protection – Life insurance, AD&D, and short and long term disability at no cost to you.
Work-Life Balance – Flexible schedules, paid parental leave, generous PTO, and paid company holidays.
Career Growth – Tuition reimbursement and ongoing professional development support.

SSR is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

EEO Disabled/Veterans

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

Recruiters or staffing agencies: SSR is not obligated to compensate any external recruiter or search firm who presents a candidate, their resume, or profile to an SSR employee without 1) a current, fully executed agreement on file and 2) being assigned to the open position via HR

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