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Chief Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$91.53K - $129.33K/yr

NATURE OF WORK Under supervision of the Chief Structural Inspector, performs technical work ... Florida Board of Professional Engineers. Department of Business and Professional Regulations as an ...

As a Sr. Structural Engineer at Tutor Perini Civil -East, reporting to our Chief Engineer, you will have the opportunity to: * Perform tasks on projects requiring a broad and / or deep knowledge in ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$101.60K - $138.10K/yr

... has a CEO who cares enough to seek out one-on-one conversations ranging from 'How are you?' to ... Manage Structural Engineering projects and clients. Build a team of design engineers on structural ...

As a Sr. Structural Engineer at Tutor Perini Civil -East, reporting to our Chief Engineer, you will have the opportunity to: * Perform tasks on projects requiring a broad and / or deep knowledge in ...

Creating engineering specifications and controls sequences with support from Chief Engineer ... Structural Engineer (SE) Licensure is preferred or ability to obtain. * Professional Engineering ...

Chief Structures Engineer Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Orlando ... Direct planning, design and production of structural calculations, written reports, engineering ...

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Chief Structural Engineer information

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$50K

$99.4K

$152K

How much do chief structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief structural engineer in the United States is $99,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $113,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Structural Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Structural Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of structural analysis and design, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in civil or structural engineering and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Expertise with design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis tools like SAP2000 or ETABS is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and strong communication skills set outstanding candidates apart by enabling effective team management and client relations. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, compliance, and successful delivery of complex engineering projects.

What are some common challenges Chief Structural Engineers face when managing large-scale projects?

Chief Structural Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with evolving building codes, and managing timelines and budgets across multiple stakeholders. They need to balance technical oversight with effective communication, especially when resolving unforeseen design complexities or site issues. Successful Chief Structural Engineers leverage their leadership and problem-solving skills to keep projects on track while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

What does a Chief Structural Engineer do?

A Chief Structural Engineer leads the design, analysis, and oversight of structural engineering projects, ensuring that buildings, bridges, and other structures are safe, compliant, and efficient. They supervise engineering teams, review project plans, and collaborate with architects, contractors, and other stakeholders. Their responsibilities also include setting quality standards, providing technical guidance, and addressing complex engineering challenges throughout a project’s lifecycle.
Infographic showing various Chief Structural Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,400 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Director of Structural Engineering

Director of Structural Engineering

Nelson-Rudie & Associates, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$140K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Set the Direction. Set the Standard.

At Nelson‑Rudie, we elevate the built environment - together. The Director of Structural Engineering is a senior people and delivery leader responsible for developing structural engineering talent, supporting consistent project execution, and contributing to the continued growth of the structural practice. This role balances people leadership, delivery oversight, and business development participation with a strong commitment to technical excellence, quality, and consistency across structural work.

As a key member of the structural leadership team, the Director supports client relationships, participates in pursuits and proposals, and helps identify and advance growth opportunities while collaborating closely with Practice and Technical Leadership. This role is designed to strengthen day‑to‑day leadership capacity, enable scalable growth, and ensure accountability is distributed across a sustainable leadership structure.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

This role allows you to lead a practice while staying deeply connected to the technical work that matters. You’ll shape strategy, mentor engineers, guide standards, and influence the future of structural engineering at Nelson‑Rudie.

  • EmployeeOwned: Be part of a 100% ESOP firm with a legacy of excellence since 1976.
  • Leadership Impact: Contribute to the direction for the structural practice and influence firmwide growth.
  • Technical Excellence: Reinforce Nelson-Rudie's standards for structural quality.
  • Mentorship Focus: Develop and grow the next generation of structural engineers.
  • Collaborative Culture: Partner with discipline leaders across the firm.
  • Challenging Work: Lead and support complex, high‑profile projects.
  • Flexibility & Balance: Hybrid work model with a local office presence in Minneapolis (MN) or Overland Park (KS).


What You’ll Do

Support the Structural Practice
  • Support the execution of structural practice objectives and annual goals in alignment with companywide priorities.
  • Translate practice strategy into day‑to‑day team direction, delivery coordination, and execution.
  • Partner with Practice and Technical Leadership to support growth initiatives and evolving practice needs.
  • Provide input to staffing plans, workload forecasting, and resource planning in support of delivery and growth.
  • Actively contribute to business development efforts, including proposals, scope development, and pursuit strategy.
  • Build and maintain strong working relationships with clients, owners, and industry partners in support of repeat work and new opportunities.
  • Represent Nelson‑Rudie in professional and industry settings as a people and technical leader within the structural team.

Manage & Develop People

  • Provide direct people leadership for structural engineers and designers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and growth.
  • Conduct regular 1:1 meetings and participate in performance feedback and review processes for direct reports.
  • Support performance development, career progression, and staffing decisions in partnership with Practice Leadership.
  • Participate in recruiting, hiring, and onboarding efforts to build a strong and sustainable structural team.
  • Mentor team members to promote continuous improvement, technical growth, and the sharing of best practices.
  • Encourage professional development through continuing education, licensure, and industry involvement.
Support Technical Quality & Standards
  • Reinforce firmwide structural engineering standards, design guidelines, and QA/QC practices in day‑to‑day work.
  • Serve as a technical resource and mentor for engineers working on complex structural systems, in partnership with the Chief Engineer.
  • Support consistent application of codes, professional standards, client requirements, and company objectives across projects.
Support Project & Operational Delivery
  • Support structural engineering delivery on assigned projects and pursuits.
  • Coordinate staffing needs, delivery priorities, and workload balancing across the structural team.
  • Partner with Project Leads, Practice Leaders, and Chief Engineers to resolve delivery, resourcing, and technical challenges.
  • Participate in team meetings to support schedules, deadlines, and commitments.
  • Review project labor, staffing plans, and productivity metrics to help inform delivery and resource decisions.
What You’ll Bring
  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis or related discipline (required).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required; Minnesota licensure required or ability to obtain. Structural Engineer (SE) is a plus.
  • 15–20+ years of experience in structural engineering, including project and people leadership.
  • Advanced experience designing and analyzing complex building structures.
  • Strong working knowledge of national, state, and local building codes, including ASCE standards.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Revit, AutoCAD, and structural engineering software (e.g., RAM, RISA, ADAPT).
  • Working knowledge of Smartsheet, Unanet CRM (Cosential), and Deltek Ajera is a plus.
  • Proven leadership, mentoring, decision making, and communication skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
  • U.S. citizenship or U.S. residency with a valid Green Card.


Ready to Make Your Mark?


Apply for this opportunity today. At Nelson-Rudie & Associates, we are committed to integrity, collaboration, innovation, and empowering every team member to grow and succeed. If you share our values and want to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to take the next step.


Discover more about our culture, our people, and the difference you can make by visiting nelsonrudie.com.