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Principal Structural Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BakerHicks

Lead HighImpact Structural Delivery Across Major Projects We're looking for a Chartered Principal ... Acting as a technical authority - reviewing designs, providing direction, and ensuring technical ...

BakerHicks

NY · On-site

$119.89 - $173.17/hr

... Principal Structural Engineer (MIStructE or MICE) to lead the delivery of complex building ... Acting as a technical authority -- reviewing designs, providing direction, and ensuring technical ...

Zeno Power

Senior/Principal Structural Analyst

Seattle, WA · On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

Senior/Principal Structural Analyst Zeno is seeking a highly motivated Senior/Principal Structural ... hardware designs. Key Qualifications and Skills * B.S. or higher in Mechanical or Aerospace ...

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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.

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What job categories do people searching Principal Structural Designer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Structural Designer jobs are:

Principal Structural Designer jobs near you
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.

Engineer / Principal Engineer Structural Analysis

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

$93K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

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 available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
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. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Please note that this opportunity is contingent on program funding. Start dates are determined after funding confirmation.
Northrop Grumman Aeronautic Systems is seeking a Structural Analysis Engineer OR Principal Structural Analysis Engineer to join our team in Oklahoma City, OK; Palmdale, CA; or Whiteman AFB, MO. This position is for the 1st shift with a 9/80 work schedule.
The primary role involves conducting structural modification stress analysis in a fast-paced development environment.
We are looking for an engineer who can analyze, research, and develop structural engineering specifications for metals, non-metallic materials, and composite structures in product design. Responsibilities include analyzing damage tolerance and durability of metal and composite airframe structures, as well as performing random vibration analysis using tools such as Catia, FEMAP, Patran, Nastran, and other software applications.
Essential Functions:
  • Perform stress analysis for primary and secondary structures.
  • Review completed analyses, drawings, and repairs for accuracy, clarity, and completeness.
  • Collaborate effectively with other disciplines during the design development process.
  • Present and explain structural issues and solutions clearly to internal management and customers.
  • Maintain and improve part designs, equipment, and systems to support production deliveries.
  • Develop comprehensive and practical solutions to complex problems that align with program objectives.
  • Evaluate as-built products for compliance with standards, procedures, and specifications.
  • Utilize structural analysis methods and documentation, including hand-sheet analysis and manipulation of large Finite Element Models.

This position can be filled at either the Structural Analysis Engineer or Principal Structural Analysis Engineer level, depending upon the qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications for Structural Analysis Engineer:
  • Bachelors Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and a minimum of 2 years of experience in Aerospace structural design OR an MS degree in STEM with 0 years of related experience
  • Experience in bonded composite structural analysis of primary and secondary aircraft structures.
  • Experience in metallic structural analysis of primary and secondary aircraft structures.
  • Proficiency in structural analysis methods and documentation, including hand-sheet analysis and large Finite Element Model manipulation.
  • Familiarity with PATRAN or FEMAP.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain active U.S Government Secret or higher clearance, as well as, a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Basic Qualifications for Principal Structural Analysis Engineer:
  • Bachelors Degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of experience in Aerospace structural design OR an MS degree in STEM with 3 years of related experience OR a PhD in STEM with 1 year of related experience.
  • Experience in bonded composite structural analysis of primary and secondary aircraft structures.
  • Experience in metallic structural analysis of primary and secondary aircraft structures.
  • Proficiency in structural analysis methods and documentation, including hand-sheet analysis and large Finite Element Model manipulation.
  • Familiarity with PATRAN or FEMAP.
  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain active U.S Government Secret or higher clearance, as well as, a Special Access Program (SAP) clearance within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Current U.S. Government Secret or Top Secret Clearance.
  • Experience with Special Access Programs.
  • Experience working on military aircraft.
  • Knowledge of MIL-STD regulations as they pertain to aerospace structures.

Primary Level Salary Range: $75,100.00 - $137,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $93,300.00 - $171,000.00
The 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

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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

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