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Principal Structural Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Structural Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

About the Role As a Principal Structural Engineer, you'll serve as a senior technical authority for ... Mentor and develop engineers and designers, and lead design and quality (OE) reviews. Develop ...

... designed for a lifespan exceeding 200 years. By using repurposed and recycled materials and 80 ... Ecomod is seeking an exceptional and experienced Principal Structural Engineer to join our team and ...

... designed for a lifespan exceeding 200 years. By using repurposed and recycled materials and 80 ... Ecomod is seeking an exceptional and experienced Principal Structural Engineer to join our team and ...

... designed for a lifespan exceeding 200 years. By using repurposed and recycled materials and 80 ... Ecomod is seeking an exceptional and experienced Principal Structural Engineer to join our team and ...

NANA Worley is accepting applications for multiple positions at varying classifications from Entry-level to Principal Civil/Structural Designers dependent on experience and competencies. The Civil ...

NANA Worley is accepting applications for multiple positions at varying classifications from Entry-level to Principal Civil/Structural Designers dependent on experience and competencies. The Civil ...

Senior Principal Structural Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

- Senior Principal Structural Engineer (HOU04D9) Senior Principal Structural Engineer - HOU04D9 ... Mentor and develop engineers and designers within the structural engineering discipline. * Maintain ...

New

Principal Structural and CAE Durability Engineer, Battery Systems At Gotion, we value collaboration ... Lead structural, fatigue, durability, and NVH CAE analysis for battery module and pack designs ...

3D Structural Designer

Kennesaw, GA · On-site

$68K - $114K/yr

Responsibilities As a Structural Designer, your day is a dynamic blend of creative problem-solving ... Working knowledge of basic engineering techniques, principals, standards, and concepts for assigned ...

New

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Principal Structural Designer information

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How much do principal structural designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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.

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What are popular job titles related to Principal Structural Designer jobs?

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Infographic showing various Principal Structural Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,632 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Principal Structural Engineer

Raleigh, NC • On-site

$147K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

About ANS
At ANS, we're not just a consulting engineering firm, we're a team of trailblazers shaping the future of civil, structural, electrical and geotechnical engineering. Recognized as one of the Best Places to Work and Top 10 Hottest Engineering Firms in the US by Zweig Reports and featured in Inc. 5000's Top 250 for our staggering 1,748% growth, we're proud of what we've built and where we're headed.
We're allergic to bureaucracy, thrive on innovation, and embrace data-driven decisions. If you love collaboration, creativity, and a fast-paced environment, we might just be your perfect match!
WHY YOU'LL LOVE WORKING HERE
  • A supportive, dynamic, and innovative team culture.
  • Opportunities to attend industry events and showcase your skills.
  • A chance to directly shape the voice and vision of one of the industry's fastest-growing firms.

About the Role
As a Principal Structural Engineer, you'll serve as a senior technical authority for our structural engineering team, leading the most complex structural designs across renewable energy projects (PV, BESS, HV). You'll set technical direction and standards, resolve the toughest design and constructability challenges, and mentor engineers and designers across the discipline.
What You'll Do
  • Provide technical leadership for structural analysis and design of foundations (driven piles, screw and helical piles, and cast-in-place concrete), overhead steel structures, building envelopes, and non-building structures on the most complex projects.
  • Establish and govern code and standard approaches - ASCE 7, IBC, NESC, ASCE 113, IEEE 693, and NFPA - as the technical authority.
  • Set and drive adherence to applicable Client, EPC, Owner, and Utility standards across the discipline.
  • Provide senior oversight of specifications and contract requirements with project managers and client representatives from early design through construction, resolving complex constructability issues with construction teams.
  • Serve as the structural subject-matter expert, providing technical leadership and direction across projects and teams.
  • Champion effective use of engineering software (Excel, RISA, LPILE, and Trimble products) and design automation (VBA and Python) across the discipline.
  • Mentor and develop engineers and designers, and lead design and quality (OE) reviews.

Develop structural design standards, details, and processes, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Support business development, client technical relationships, and proposals as a senior technical authority.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
  • A bachelor's degree in structural or civil engineering from an ABET-accredited program; a master's degree is preferred.
  • 12+ years of structural engineering experience with recognized technical depth. Professional Engineer (PE) required; SE preferred.
  • Expert command of structural analysis and design and the applicable codes and standards.
  • Demonstrated experience as a technical authority - setting standards, leading reviews, and resolving the most complex design and constructability challenges.
  • Proficiency with structural and foundation software (RISA, LPILE), Trimble products, Excel, and design automation (VBA/Python).
  • Recognized technical leadership, mentoring ability, and strong communication.

$147,000 - $175,000 a year
BENEFITS
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Unlimited Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Ready to join us?
If you're passionate about clean energy design, precision engineering, and turning data into impact, we want to meet you! Join us in shaping the next generation of solar and battery storage projects-and help transform ANS into the name everyone in renewables knows.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.