About American Ground Screw, Inc. (AGS)
AGS was established in 2017 in Des Moines, Iowa, by the founders of a family‑owned global manufacturer of ground screw systems. Through our national sales and distribution network, AGS brings these innovative, high‑quality products to U.S. customers with manufacturer‑direct costing and excellent customer service. AGS’s production facilities have been at the forefront of ground screw manufacturing since 2006 and are now one of the world’s largest producers of ground screws, serving demanding wholesale and construction customers across Europe and the Americas. With the addition of engineering services AGS is transitioning from a distributor of certified products to a source of technical expertise and innovation in ground screw foundations.
AGS’s Mission: To transform building and energy projects with simple, sustainable and accessible foundation solutions and the support customers need to proceed with confidence.
Director of Foundations Engineering
Location : Des Moines, IA (HQ), Pattison, TX (DC), On‑site not required.
Job Type : Permanent Full‑Time | (Hybrid/Remote)
Reports to : General Manager
Supervisory Responsibilities : None initially
The Director of Foundations Engineering will direct the design and development of ground screw foundation systems by establishing and implementing internal processes to ensure rapid growth of the company’s engineering services. Success in these initial responsibilities will lead to both leadership and stakeholder positions in a new, separate engineering services and construction company focused on ground screw foundations.
The Director will oversee development of product design, certification and testing plans and work with the GM to lead cross‑functional collaboration while providing technical guidance to internal teams and clients. The Director of Foundations Engineer drives innovation, advises regarding installation and field testing, and contributes to strategic planning for future product development. This position will lead the alignment of engineering efforts with the company’s growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
- Research and implement new materials, methods, and technologies for design of screw foundation systems.
- Drive improvements in product certification, performance, cost‑efficiency, and sustainability.
- Monitor industry trends and competitor products.
Regulatory & Quality Compliance
- Ensure all products meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
- Maintain documentation for certifications and approvals.
- Support quality assurance and control processes.
Product Design & Development
- Lead the design and engineering of ground screw foundation systems.
- Oversee CAD modeling, structural analysis, and prototyping.
- Ensure compliance with relevant building codes and standards.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide technical support to clients, contractors, and internal teams.
- Participate in client meetings to assess project requirements and propose solutions.
- Prepare and present engineering reports and documentation.
Project Management
- Manage engineering projects from concept through completion.
- Coordinate timelines, resources, and deliverables across teams.
- Provide technical leadership during installation and field testing.
Technical Oversight
- Review and approve engineering drawings, specifications, and calculations.
- Direct load testing and performance evaluations of foundation systems.
- Troubleshoot design and installation issues in the field.
Team Leadership
- Recruit, supervise and mentor junior engineers and technical staff, as needed.
- Foster collaboration between engineering, sales, and operations teams.
- Lead training sessions on product applications and installation techniques.
Travel Requirements : 15‑25% time depending on location
Pathway for Growth
Success in this position leads to a leadership and stakeholder position in a new, separate engineering services and construction company within 3 years’ time.
While specific outcomes indicating success in this role for the first 12 months would be determined in collaboration with the Director, they would be developed around developing internal processes, overseeing current product certification processes, reviewing and refining design tools, collecting and developing informational and technical materials, developing knowledge of existing markets for ground screw products (3‑6 months) to then design for new applications to both develop plans for any additional product testing and full integration of the Director and engineering services into the Company’s sales process (6‑12 months).
- Active PE (Professional Engineer) license in or ability to secure license in near future (required).
- Degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical
- Experience in foundation design, geotechnical systems, or construction
- Strong knowledge of ground pile or alternative foundation technologies is highly
- Proven ability to work cross‑functionally with sales, product, and field
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and
- Excellent communication and leadership