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Chief Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The selected candidate will assist the Chief Inspector/Resident Engineer in overseeing construction activities related to structural repairs, masonry restoration, and building envelope rehabilitation ...

$91K - $129K/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 ...

Structural Engineer Belong, Connect, Grow, with KBR! Program Summary KBR's Readiness and ... Support CEO Structures Shop as required. Engineering and Planning: * Perform engineering and ...

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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 Jul 17, 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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,400 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Structural Engineer III

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Sierra Nevada Corporation rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

The ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Aviation, and Security (IAS) business area is a leader in ISR and aviation, it is a leading prime manned and unmanned aircraft systems integrator for innovative, high-performance ISR and aviation systems. Its end-to-end Command, Control, Computers, Communications and Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities encompass design, integration, test, certification, ground/flight training and complete logistics support. IAS tailors solutions to customer cost, performance, and schedule requirements and designs to consistently exceed expectations - with an unrivaled record of on time and on (or under) budget deliveries.

SNC has led thoughtful and disruptive change in the aerospace and defense industry for the past 60 years and now, we're applying this tenacity and expertise to the U.S. Air Force's (USAF) Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC) mission. Join the SNC-led SAOC team and be a part of exciting and meaningful work to modernize and deliver the next-generation SAOC aircraft trusted by the President, Secretary of Defense and Chairs of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to ensure continued critical command, control and communication during national emergencies. If you're passionate about building the airborne command post of the future, consider SNC for your next mission. Learn more about NC3 and SAOC here.

If you like solving problems and working with complex materials and systems, join our amazing team! As a Structural Engineer III, you will lead the design, analysis, and certification of advanced aerospace and defense structures. This role requires in-depth expertise in structural engineering, project management, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the design and analysis of advanced metallic and composite structures.
  • Oversee the development and execution of structural test plans.
  • Perform detailed structural analysis and identify areas for improvement.
  • Mentor and guide junior engineers on structural engineering practices.
  • Ensure all designs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate structural designs into overall systems.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
  • 6+ years of experience in structural engineering or a related role.
  • Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
  • Advanced understanding of structural analysis and design principles.
  • Understanding of engineering principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of Computer Aided Engineering tools.
  • Ability to work in multi-disciplinary design and development teams.
  • Experience to Static and/or Dynamic Analyses.

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Master's degree in a related field.
  • Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certification.
  • Experience in Engineering Simulation using Finite Element structural analysis (FEA) tools such as MSC Patran, Nastran, FEMAP, or ANSYS.
  • Experience performing fatigue and damage tolerance analysis utilizing tools such as NASGRO or AFGROW.
  • Ability to perform classical analysis using industry standard hand calculation methods.
  • Ability to author substantiation reports.
  • Background in the Aerospace and Defense Industry.
  • Familiarity with FAA, NASA, and/or DoD design and construction regulations.

Essential Functions:

  • Ability to work on a computer for extended periods.
  • Occasional travel may be required.
  • Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.
  • Applying systematic and logical problem-solving techniques to develop structural designs and analysis.
  • Clearly convey technical information, design specifications, and project updates to team members, stakeholders, and management.
  • Ability to understand technical documents, designs and test reports.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. citizens may not be eligible to obtain a security clearance. The Department of Defense Consolidated Adjudications Facility (DoD CAF), a federal government agency, handles the adjudicative aspects of the security clearance eligibility process for industry applicants. Adjudicative factors which affect the outcome of the eligibility determination include, but are not limited to, allegiance to the U.S., foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations and illegal drug use.

Learn more about the background check process for Security Clearances.

SNC is a global leader in aerospace and national security committed to moving the American Dream forward. We're known and respected for our mission and execution focus, agility, and disruptive and rapid innovation. We provide leading edge technologies and transformative solutions that support our nation's most critical security needs. If you are mission-focused, thrive in collaborative environments, and want to make our country stronger with state-of-the-art technologies that safeguard freedom, join our team!

SNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an environment free of discrimination.Employment decisions are made based on merit without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law.


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