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Principal Structural Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Structural Engineer | Raleigh, NC IMEG is hiring a Senior Structural Engineer in Raleigh, NC ... Principal Responsibilities * Lead design efforts for the analysis of structural systems and develop ...

Principal Responsibilities * Coordinate, oversee, and manage structural projects ranging in size ... Professional Engineer (PE) License required * 10 years of experience minimum required, 12 preferred ...

Principal Responsibilities * Coordinate, oversee, and manage structural projects ranging in size ... Professional Engineer (PE) License required * 10 years of experience minimum required, 12 preferred ...

The Principal Engineer provides strategic and technical leadership for all engineering services ... S. Civil/Structural Engineering with a structural concentration, Masters preferred * Minimum 10+ ...

... Principal reviewers. * Property Condition Assessment training recommended. Clearly document site ... Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural ...

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... Principal reviewers. * Property Condition Assessment training recommended. Clearly document site ... ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record's Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Structural Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$49.6K

$98.5K

$150.7K

How much do principal structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal structural engineer in Virginia is $98,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $112,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Principal Structural Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines on large projects?

A Principal Structural Engineer often works closely with architects, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers to ensure that structural designs integrate seamlessly with other systems. This collaboration involves attending coordination meetings, reviewing interdisciplinary plans, and resolving design conflicts to maintain project timelines and budgets. Effective communication and leadership are key, as the Principal Structural Engineer is responsible for guiding their team and ensuring that structural solutions meet all safety, regulatory, and client requirements while aligning with the overall project vision.

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

To thrive as a Principal Structural Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of structural analysis, design principles, and building codes, typically supported by a civil or structural engineering degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Proficiency with structural design software such as SAP2000, ETABS, or AutoCAD, and experience with project management tools are commonly required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure safe, innovative, and cost-effective structural solutions while leading teams and managing complex projects.

What is a Principal Structural Engineer?

A Principal Structural Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for leading and overseeing the structural design and integrity of buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. They manage engineering teams, review and approve design calculations, and ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations. In addition to technical expertise, they often interact with clients, coordinate with other engineering disciplines, and provide mentorship to junior engineers. Their role is critical in delivering safe, efficient, and innovative structural solutions on large and complex projects.

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

AspectPrincipal Structural EngineerStructural Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a PE license, advanced degrees, and extensive experienceRequires a PE license and relevant degree, less experience needed
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, oversees teams, and makes high-level decisionsDesigns structures, prepares calculations, and collaborates with teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in consulting firms, engineering firms, and construction companiesCommonly employed in similar settings, often as entry to mid-level roles

The Principal Structural Engineer typically holds more experience, leadership responsibilities, and oversees complex projects, while the Structural Engineer focuses on detailed design work and calculations. Both roles require a PE license and work within the same industry, but the Principal role involves higher-level management and strategic decision-making.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Structural Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Principal Structural Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Structural Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Principal Structural Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal Structural Engineer (Water/ Wastewater)

Principal Structural Engineer (Water/ Wastewater)

ARCADIS

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Arcadis rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Principal Structural Engineer

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Arcadis is searching for a Principal Structural Engineer to join our growing Resilience Water Team in either Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., or Georgia!

The Principal Structural Engineer, with the support of a strong nationally recognized technical staff, will utilize their expertise and technical knowledge of structural design & construction engineering to successfully execute projects within the Municipal & Industrial Water/Wastewater and Water Resources infrastructure design & construction engineering consulting markets.

In this role you will provide geographical leadership for the structural engineering team. You will lead water / wastewater design engineering and construction projects. You will be responsible for leading structural condition assessments, the production of design calculations, technical reports, permitting, detailed design and engineering plans and specifications for Water / Wastewater projects including plant upgrades, storage facilities, pipelines, storm water systems, pump stations, and distribution / collection systems.

Responsibilities include:

  • Area/geographical leadership for structural engineering team.
  • Staffing and strategy decisions.
  • Manage junior and mid-level structural engineering staff.
  • Organizes and conducts structural related engineering investigations, calculations, and planning work which has a well-defined scope.
  • Will lead the development of calculations, plans, specifications, requests for proposals, and other contract documents.
  • Works directly with a variety of engineering disciplines, office / project staff, client and sub-contractors, throughout the project life cycle, and therefore should have clear and concise, oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to coordinate meetings, conduct effective client presentations and prepare written reports.
  • Manages the production of engineering and construction drawings, specifications, bid packages, and cost estimates for projects.
  • Will function as an Engineer of Record, Task Manager or Project Engineer on projects to manage related budgets and schedules, lead deliverables, and leads with the development and management of plans, permit checklists, scopes of work and will facilitate coordination for timely completion and submission of projects.

Some travel may be required for project site visits, client meetings, general planning purposes or to oversee construction activities, depending on project staffing needs

Required Qualifications

  • 15 years of structural engineering experience in Water / Wastewater.
  • Bachelor's degree in Structural or Civil Engineering (Structural emphasis).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License in Structural or Civil/Structural

Key Attributes

The ideal candidate for this job should possess strong structural analysis and design skills, demonstrating proficiency in tools such as STAAD Pro and other structural software applications. Additionally, the role requires excellent technical writing and editing abilities to effectively communicate complex engineering concepts and project requirements.

Experience in preparing, reviewing, and approving project drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates is crucial for ensuring the successful execution of engineering projects. Proficiency in utilizing AutoCAD/REVIT software is also essential, as the job entails working with these tools to create and modify design documentation accurately.

Moreover, the candidate should have an excellent working knowledge of building codes and standards, including but not limited to IBC (International Building Code), ACI (American Concrete Institute), and others relevant to the industry. This familiarity with regulatory requirements is essential for ensuring compliance and adherence to industry best practices in all aspects of the structural design and analysis process.

Why Arcadis?

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 20 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $130,000 - $185,000/year. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.


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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US