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Principal Civil Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview The Principal Civil Structural Engineer may be recognized as subject matter expert within CB&I Storage Solutions for one or more focus areas of civil and structural engineering and may serve ...

GFT is seeking a talented Principal Civil / Structural Engineer to join our team in our Roseville, CA. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Roseville office. Our ...

GFT is seeking a talented Principal Civil / Structural Engineer to join our team in our Roseville, CA. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Roseville office. Our ...

GFT is seeking a talented Principal Civil / Structural Engineer to join our team in our Roseville, CA. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Roseville office. Our ...

Senior Principal Structural Engineer

Charleston, WV ยท On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

Role Worley is seeking a Senior Principal Civil/Structural Engineer to provide technical and project leadership for the analysis, design, and delivery of structural systems supporting chemical, power ...

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Principal Civil Structural Engineer information

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$45.5K

$102.3K

$164.5K

How much do principal civil structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal civil structural engineer in the United States is $102,279.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Civil Structural Engineer vs Civil Structural Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Civil Structural EngineerCivil Structural Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering, PE license, and extensive experienceRequires a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and may have a PE license
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, manages teams, and oversees design and safety standardsPerforms design, analysis, and drafting tasks under supervision
Industry UsageUsed in senior project leadership and managerial roles within engineering firmsUsed in technical, design, and analysis roles within civil engineering projects

The Principal Civil Structural Engineer typically holds a senior leadership role, overseeing projects and teams, while the Civil Structural Engineer focuses on technical design and analysis tasks. Both roles require similar credentials but differ in responsibilities and scope within civil engineering projects.

How does a Principal Civil Structural Engineer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on large-scale projects?

A Principal Civil Structural Engineer frequently works alongside architects, mechanical and electrical engineers, project managers, and construction teams to ensure seamless integration of structural designs with broader project requirements. This role involves leading design coordination meetings, reviewing interdisciplinary drawings, and resolving technical conflicts that may arise between different engineering disciplines. Effective communication and leadership are essential, as the Principal Engineer often guides less-experienced engineers and ensures that project milestones are met while maintaining high safety and quality standards.

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

To thrive as a Principal Civil Structural Engineer, you need deep expertise in structural analysis, design principles, and project management, typically backed by a civil engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Mastery of design software like AutoCAD, SAP2000, and Revit, as well as familiarity with relevant building codes and standards, is essential. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills enable you to guide teams and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, innovative, and efficient project delivery within complex engineering environments.

What are Principal Civil Structural Engineers?

Principal Civil Structural Engineers are highly experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the design, analysis, and integrity of structural elements in large construction projects. They lead engineering teams, ensure compliance with safety standards and building codes, and provide technical guidance throughout a project's lifecycle. Their role typically involves project management, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating with architects, clients, and contractors to deliver safe and efficient structures.
More about Principal Civil Structural Engineer jobs
Infographic showing various Principal Civil Structural Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,279 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Principal Civil Structural Engineer

CB&I

Plainfield, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Company Overview
CB&I delivers integrated storage and asset-management solutions that help customers operate safely, reliably, and efficiently across the lifecycle of their facilities. Through our two global business units - Storage Solutions, the world leader in tanks, terminals, and storage systems, and Asset Solutions, a leading provider of operations, management, wells and decommissioning services - we combine technical excellence with execution capability to extend asset life, optimize performance, and maximize value.
Overview
The Principal Civil Structural Engineer may be recognized as subject matter expert within CB&I Storage Solutions for one or more focus areas of civil and structural engineering and may serve as CB&I Storage Solutions industry representative through code committee work or participation in communities of practice. The role is responsible for performing or checking design and analysis of assigned deliverables on a CB&I Storage Solutions project associated with a Process Technologies Engineering product line such as low temperature, cryogenic and ambient fluid systems and other site facilities.
The work includes among other things, conceptual studies, cost and planning studies, layouts, design calculations, specification development and construction documents. Over the course of time, capabilities in civil and structural engineering must increase as level of complexity of assignments increases and expectations expand for working independently with less supervision. The role reports to the Civil and Structural Discipline Manager and routinely interacts with other discipline engineers and designers such as: Project, Process, Mechanical, Piping, Electrical, and Instrumentation & Controls. The PPL Civil Structural Engineer may manage any engineer functions and supervise teams of Engineers and Designers on small projects. They shall ensure the review, check, and approval of engineering and design deliverables including Professional Engineer certification as required.
Responsibilities
The Principal Civil Structural Engineer is responsible for leading the structural design for the CB&I LT&C storage tank product line. The work includes among other things, conceptual studies, cost and planning studies, layouts, design calculations, specification development and construction documents. The Principal Civil Structural Engineer will lead high level and complex engineering of LT&C storage tank projects. The role reports to the Department or Design Manager and routinely interacts with other Civil Structural Engineers, Civil Structural Designers, Project Engineers and Managers.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Lead the design and analysis of LT&C storage structures including steel plate storage structures and concrete outer containment structures.
  • Accurately produce assigned deliverables per applicable design code, company standards and customer drawings and specifications.
  • Adhere to regulations and bylaws of local professional engineering jurisdictions and code of ethics in protection of the public and the environment.
  • Ensure designs and details are safe for field erection and use, with constructability in mind.
  • Reliably check and sign off on design calculations, specifications and other deliverables for customer approval or project use per applicable design code, company standards and customer drawings and specifications.
  • Lead projects and mentor less experienced engineers.
  • Coordinate with other roles and functions on project team.
  • Maintain and promote a focus on CB&I's end product whether engineering, fabrication or construction.
  • Assume responsibility for cost, schedule and budget control.
  • Collaborate with drafters, modelers and detailers, as well as personnel from sales, estimating, operations and project management functions.
  • Be proactive in the assessment and identification of risks associated with his area of expertise.
  • Provide independent leadership and direction in area of expertise for CB&I on a global basis and also leadership and direction through participation in technical codes committees, and other technical industry forums.
  • Work with clients and other industry contacts, be capable to provide senior-level judgment from both technical and business perspective.

Local Requirements
The Principal Civil Structural Engineer will lead the design and analysis of a wide variety of complex steel and concrete Low Temperature and Cryogenic (LT&C) storage tank structures constructed for CB&I LT&C projects throughout the world. In this high level engineering position, the Principal Civil Structural Engineer serves an LT&C product line design expert.
CB&I is seeking engineers with a Bachelor's or Master's degree in civil structural engineering with 14+ years of industry experience in structural engineering with an emphasis on LT&C storage tank engineering. Professional licensing is a plus.
Job location is in Plainfield, IL.
Qualifications
  • BS/MS in Civil Structural Engineering from an accredited school.
  • Familiarity with codes and standards of AISC, ASCE, IBC, API, ACI and associated structural and seismic codes is required.
  • Current on new engineering methods and possesses a technical knowledge of CB&I engineering work processes and tools.
  • Capable of appropriate use of computer applications and other specialized engineering tools.
  • Experience level is generally in excess of 14 years of LT&C Tank Engineering with the ability to lead LT&C tank design projects.
  • Experience in Microsoft Office Professional
  • Have a Professional Engineering license in at least one state.
  • 15+ years of industry experience in civil structural engineering with an emphasis on LT&C storage tank engineering
  • Professional Engineering registration.
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills

Skills and Behaviors
  • Solve complex problems; take a new perspective on existing solutions; exercise judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.
  • Produce deliverables that are of high quality and comply with designs, company standards, and contract documents.
  • Adapt, learn and contribute in varying and complex environments.
  • Regularly introspect, seek feedback and adapt behaviors for ongoing personal development.
  • Seek and utilize an effective mentoring relationship(s).
  • Solve problems in straightforward situations; analyze possible solutions using technical experience and judgment and precedents.
  • Lead the design of CB&I LT&C tank projects.

Organizational Structure & Location
  • Reports to Department or Design Manager.
  • Principal Civil Structural Engineer PCC - Plainfield, IL.

Benefits:
CB&I is proud to offer eligible employees a robust package of benefits, including major medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k)-matching program, FSA/HSA programs, long- and short-term disability options, life insurance, and AD&D. We also offer eligible employees paid holidays and paid time off. Benefits eligibility for permanent positions may vary by full-time or part-time roles, location, or position.
In accordance with applicable local and state laws or regulations, the compensation listed is the current estimated range for the position. Final offer details and future compensation may be determined by multiple factors, including, but not limited to, geographic location, market compensation data, skills, experience, and other relevant factors. Please discuss any compensation-related questions with your recruiter during the interview process.
Pay Range
$128,449-160,560 /Annually