1

Lead Structural Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Structural Engineer Project Manager

Lancaster, PA · Hybrid

$77K - $104K/yr

Description Introduction RETTEW is seeking a mid- to senior-level Structural Engineer/Project Manager to lead structural projects from concept through delivery. This role combines technical expertise ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Structural Engineer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$42.6K

$124.1K

$180.9K

How much do lead structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead structural engineer in Pennsylvania is $124,082.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,700.00 and $135,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a lead structural engineer typically balance project management duties with technical design responsibilities?

As a Lead Structural Engineer, you are often responsible for both overseeing project timelines and budgets while also providing technical guidance on design and analysis. Balancing these duties requires strong organizational skills, as you will delegate tasks to junior engineers and coordinate with architects, contractors, and clients. Regular meetings and clear communication ensure that technical standards are met without compromising project schedules. Many lead engineers find success by setting aside dedicated time for design review and problem-solving, while also tracking project milestones and addressing any issues that arise.

What is the difference between Lead Structural Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectLead Structural EngineerStructural Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Civil/Structural Engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentLeads project teams, manages design and analysis, coordinates with clientsPerforms design, analysis, and drafting under supervision, supports project tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in consulting firms, construction, and engineering companies for project leadershipCommonly employed in engineering firms for technical roles supporting project execution

The main difference between a Lead Structural Engineer and a Structural Engineer lies in their responsibilities. The Lead Structural Engineer oversees project design, manages teams, and liaises with clients, while the Structural Engineer focuses on technical design and analysis tasks under supervision. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Lead position involves more leadership and project management duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead structural engineer?

To thrive as a Lead Structural Engineer, you need deep expertise in structural analysis, design principles, and building codes, typically supported by a civil engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with structural design software like SAP2000, ETABS, AutoCAD, and BIM systems is commonly required, along with knowledge of relevant standards. Strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills help manage projects and coordinate multidisciplinary teams effectively. These skills ensure the safe, efficient delivery of complex structures and successful project outcomes.

What is a lead structural engineer?

A Lead Structural Engineer is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the design, analysis, and integrity of structures such as buildings, bridges, or industrial facilities. They lead a team of engineers and drafters, ensuring that projects meet safety standards, codes, and client requirements. Their duties often include project management, coordination with other engineering disciplines, and quality assurance. They play a crucial role in both the planning and execution phases of construction projects, making high-level technical decisions and solving complex engineering problems.
Infographic showing various Lead Structural Engineer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,082 per year, or $59.7 per hour.

Lead Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Cranberry Township, PA • On-site

$134K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Description
This is a lead design engineering position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. You will guide a team of structural engineers, interface with engineers from other disciplines, and interface directly with clients. You will have the opportunity to lead and mentor a structural engineering team on engineering projects for new nuclear facilities and upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:
  • This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
  • As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of projects for various clients. You will prepare, review, and provide guidance for design calculations, develop specifications, and work with designers for drawing development
  • You will prepare, review, or guide the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
  • BSCE with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  • 12 or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of industrial / heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures
  • Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
  • Proficiency with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and , ACI
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • PE or SE license

Valued, but not required:
  • MSCE degree
  • On site construction support experience

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:
  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$134,546 - $205,557
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
About This Business Unit
Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

What Sargent & Lundy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media