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Lead Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We want a proactive communicator who can take charge and lead our growing structural engineering team. Your ideas and vision will be vital as we expand into new markets. You'll be at the forefront of ...

We want a proactive communicator who can take charge and lead our growing structural engineering team. Your ideas and vision will be vital as we expand into new markets. You'll be at the forefront of ...

We want a proactive communicator who can take charge and lead our growing structural engineering team. Your ideas and vision will be vital as we expand into new markets. You'll be at the forefront of ...

We want a proactive communicator who can take charge and lead our growing structural engineering team. Your ideas and vision will be vital as we expand into new markets. You'll be at the forefront of ...

Lead Structural Engineer - Bridge

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $180K/yr

We want a proactive communicator who can take charge and lead our growing structural engineering team. Your ideas and vision will be vital as we expand into new markets. You'll be at the forefront of ...

We want a proactive communicator who can take charge and lead our growing structural engineering team. Your ideas and vision will be vital as we expand into new markets. You'll be at the forefront of ...

WSP is seeking a Lead Structural Engineer to join their dynamic Property & Buildings team in Tampa, FL. Our team is a leading provider of structural design consulting services for complex building ...

WSP is seeking a Lead Structural Engineer to join their dynamic Property & Buildings team in Tampa, FL. Our team is a leading provider of structural design consulting services for complex building ...

We are looking for a highly motivated Structural Engineer who is passionate about the construction process to lead building design out of our Atlanta office. At OneFourTwo, every associate is ...

Structural Engineer Location: Conyers, GA / Charleston, SC / Charlottesville, VA / Greenville, SC ... This position provides the opportunity to lead structural efforts on smaller projects or specific ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lead Structural Engineer information

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$42.5K

$123.8K

$180.5K

How much do lead structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead structural engineer in the United States is $123,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,500.00 and $135,000.00 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, and why are they important?

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.
More about Lead Structural Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Structural Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Structural Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Lead Structural Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Structural Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Lead Structural Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $123,784 per year, or $59.5 per hour.
Lead Structural Engineer - Substation (Fort Worth)

Lead Structural Engineer - Substation (Fort Worth)

Burns & McDonnell

Fort Worth, TX

Full-time

Posted yesterday


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 79 rated construction


Job description

The Lead Structural Engineer will lead structural design project teams to create world class designs for new projects, alterations and redevelopments on a variety of projects including power, process, corporate, healthcare, pipeline, airports, institutional, industrial, manufacturing, government and military facilities. The Lead Structural Engineer will lead the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting structural plans to meet budget constraints, design requirements, or client needs.

  • Lead structural design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion for project needs and requirements that are set forth by the project managers.
  • Prepare structural equipment: packaged equipment specifications and data sheets, Request for Qualifications (RFQ's), technical bid summaries, and purchase recommendations.
  • Review structural vendor drawings; data interface with suppliers, clients other engineering disciplines, detailers, designers.
  • Participate in development of project schedule, scope, budget staffing planning and construction planning. Responsible for effective management of change orders.
  • Applies expert knowledge of commonly used structural concepts, practices, codes and procedures within the structural engineering services industry.
  • Applies knowledge and experience to complex projects, find non-standard design solutions.
  • Quality review production drawings for a variety of projects and project related data as required by the project managers to verify corrections are made within multiple CAD related software.
  • Quality review the construction administration including coordination with field personnel to resolve design related installation issues, calculations, field inspections and testing of materials.
  • Leads field inspections, installation, measurements or calculations for public and private clients.
  • Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
  • Build effective relationships with existing clients, customers and contractors and develop new business opportunities. Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
  • Participate sales and marketing efforts and identify key pursuits.
  • Lead the development of cost proposals and qualification statements to achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
  • Prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates. Report project performance.
  • Provide leadership, guidance and instruction to the structural engineering practice. Mentor and guide less experienced engineers.
  • Responsible for QA/QC process adherence.
  • Responsible for effective communication with other engineering disciplines.
  • Responsible for compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Performs other duties as assigned
  • Complies with all policies and standards
  • Bachelor's Degree in Structural Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program and 7 years structural engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Structural or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and 7 years structural engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred.
  • Master's Degree in Structural Engineering and 6 years structural engineering experience required. EPC project experience preferred.
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures. Strong knowledge of structural design codes (e.g., IBC, AISC, ACI, ASCE7). Strong computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience with leading the discipline design for large projects and delegating work tasks to team members. Ability to lead execution of work and resolve issues in a team environment.
  • Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to perform quality reviews for detailed engineering documents and specifications.
  • Ability to travel.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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