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Principal Structural Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Principal Structural Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

The Senior Principal Structural Engineer provides technical leadership and structural engineering ... Mentor and develop engineers and designers within the structural engineering discipline. * Maintain ...

Role Worley is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to provide technical leadership for the ... Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers through coaching, technical oversight, and ...

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Principal Structural Designer information

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How much do principal structural designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for principal structural designer in the United States is $41.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $51.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal structural designer?

A Principal Structural Designer is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the design and analysis of structural systems for buildings, bridges, or other infrastructure projects. They lead design teams, ensure compliance with engineering standards and codes, and coordinate with architects, engineers, and clients. Their role often includes reviewing and approving drawings, mentoring junior designers, and solving complex structural challenges. With significant experience, they play a key role in project delivery from concept through construction.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal structural designer?

To thrive as a Principal Structural Designer, you need deep expertise in structural engineering principles, extensive experience with design codes, and typically a degree in civil or structural engineering. Proficiency in industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Revit, and STAAD.Pro, as well as relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, is highly valued. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure structural integrity, accurate project delivery, and seamless collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in complex design projects.

How does a principal structural designer typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on large projects?

A Principal Structural Designer often serves as the primary liaison between structural design teams and other disciplines such as architectural, mechanical, and civil engineering. They participate in regular coordination meetings to ensure structural plans align with overall project requirements and resolve interface issues. Effective communication and leadership are essential, as they often guide junior designers, review deliverables, and provide technical solutions that integrate seamlessly within the larger project framework. This collaborative environment fosters both creative problem-solving and professional growth.

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

AspectPrincipal Structural DesignerStructural Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Structural Engineering or related field; often with professional licensureBachelor's or Master's in Civil or Structural Engineering; typically licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, consulting agencies, architectural firms, project management teamsEngineering consulting firms, construction companies, government agencies
ResponsibilitiesLeading design concepts, overseeing project design, coordinating with clients and teamsAnalyzing structural integrity, preparing calculations, ensuring code compliance, detailed design work

While both roles require engineering credentials and involve structural design, the Principal Structural Designer focuses on leading design projects and overseeing teams, whereas the Structural Engineer primarily conducts detailed analysis and calculations to ensure safety and compliance. The Principal often has more managerial responsibilities, but both roles are essential in the structural design process.

More about Principal Structural Designer jobs
Infographic showing various Principal Structural Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,632 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Sentinel Principal/Sr. Principal Structural Engineer - 19107

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Roy, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 544 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems in air and space that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our work preserves freedom, democracy, and advances human discovery and our understanding of the universe. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have a lot of fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Principal/ Sr. Principal Structural Engineer. This position is located in Roy, Utah and supports the Sentinel program. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.

What You Will Get To Do:

The Sentinel Infrastructure Analysis Team oversees the design/analysis of the facilities and related subsystems that support the future upgrade to the Minuteman III missile as well as the unique flight test facilities. Our teams are hiring Analysis Engineers within areas of focus: Structural Engineering/Analysis, Thermal Analysis, Bolted Joint analysis, Welded Joint Analysis, etc.

Analyzes, researches and develops structural engineering specifications involving metals, non-metallic or composite structural materials for product design, or operation of product to include structures, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronics, power plant, armament, heating and ventilating, equipment and maintenance designs. Analyzes damage tolerance, durability, design allowables and structural modeling. Specific structural engineering specialties may include dynamics and loads, stability and stress fatigue and thermal analysis. Tools utilized may include CATIA, IDEAS, ProEngineer and a variety of software applications.

Position Benefits:

As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage

  • 401k

  • Educational Assistance

  • Life Insurance

  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions

  • Paid Time Off

  • Health & Wellness Resources

  • Employee Discounts


This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.

Basic Qualifications:

This role can be filled at the Principal Structural Engineer (T03) or Sr. Principal Structural Engineer (T04) level.

Principal Structural Engineer: 5 years of relevant experience with Bachelors in Science in Engineering or relevant technical field; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of degree

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret Clearance.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

  • Knowledge and/or experience with structural dynamics analysis of spacecraft, aircraft, or missiles.

  • Professional knowledge of missile and/or spacecraft structures, statics, strength of materials, structural dynamics principles, and methods.

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with adjacent disciplines (e.g. systems engineering, aerodynamics, stress analysis, design, test) in a highly integrated team environment.

  • Proficient in programming and use of MATLAB (or equivalent) for analysis and data manipulation.

  • Experience running modal transient analysis in Nastran (or equivalent).

  • Experience with launch vehicle, spacecraft, and rocket engine vibroacoustics analysis.

  • Experience with time domain, frequency domain, and/or random vibration analysis.

Sr. Principal Structural Engineer: 8 years of relevant experience with Bachelors in Science in Engineering or relevant technical field; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Year with PhD or 4 additional years of experience in lieu of degree

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain DoD Secret Clearance.

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) approval within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

  • Knowledge and/or experience with structural dynamics analysis of spacecraft, aircraft, or missiles.

  • Professional knowledge of missile and/or spacecraft structures, statics, strength of materials, structural dynamics principles, and methods.

  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with adjacent disciplines (e.g. systems engineering, aerodynamics, stress analysis, design, test) in a highly integrated team environment.

  • Proficient in programming and use of MATLAB (or equivalent) for analysis and data manipulation.

  • Experience running modal transient analysis in Nastran (or equivalent).

  • Experience with launch vehicle, spacecraft, and rocket engine vibroacoustics analysis.

  • Experience with time domain, frequency domain, and/or random vibration analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficiency with ABAQUS, FEMAP, and ANSYS.

  • Exposure to structural test applications.

  • Experience with seismic analysis (ASCE 7).

  • Exposure to missiles program requirements & with propulsion.

  • Navigate through NX 3D models and CPLM.

  • TeamCenter CPLM experience.

  • DoD Secret Clearance or greater.

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939