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Principal Structural Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Pivot & Paper

Structural Designer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$250K/yr

All disciplines in one office means engineers sit with the architect from first sketch through ... Five principals in a 30-person firm, two of them PEs. * Real historic preservation work, which is ...

GFT.

Principal EHV Transmission Line Engineer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$145K - $200K/yr

GFT is seeking a Principal EHV Transmission Line Engineer with a focus on 765kV design to join our ... Design transmission line segments using PLS-CADD or other structural design software. * Develop ...

Electra

Principal Systems Test Engineer

Manassas, VA · Hybrid

$135K - $165K/yr

The Role As our Principal Systems Test Engineer, you'll be the technical lead driving development ... dynamic structural testing) * Lead and mentor development of instrument and data acquisition ...

Amazon

Release Manager, Design Engineering

Herndon, VA

$41.50 - $47.25/hr

... structural, architectural, controls, plumbing, fire protection, and thermal systems. You will conduct feasibility analyses, coordinate technical reviews with principal engineers across all ...

Amazon

Release Manager, Design Engineering

Herndon, VA · On-site

$41.50 - $47.25/hr

... structural, architectural, controls, plumbing, fire protection, and thermal systems. You will conduct feasibility analyses, coordinate technical reviews with principal engineers across all ...

Amazon

Sr Release Manager, Design Engineering

Herndon, VA · On-site

$41.50 - $47.25/hr

... structural, architectural, controls, plumbing, fire protection, and thermal systems. You will conduct feasibility analyses, coordinate technical reviews with principal engineers across all ...

Amazon

Release Manager, Design Engineering

Herndon, VA · On-site

$41.50 - $47.25/hr

... structural, architectural, controls, plumbing, fire protection, and thermal systems. You will conduct feasibility analyses, coordinate technical reviews with principal engineers across all ...

Amazon

Sr Release Manager, Design Engineering

Herndon, VA

$41.50 - $47.25/hr

... structural, architectural, controls, plumbing, fire protection, and thermal systems. You will conduct feasibility analyses, coordinate technical reviews with principal engineers across all ...

Amazon

Sr Release Manager, Design Engineering

Herndon, VA

$41.50 - $47.25/hr

... structural, architectural, controls, plumbing, fire protection, and thermal systems. You will conduct feasibility analyses, coordinate technical reviews with principal engineers across all ...

Amazon

Sr Release Manager, Design Engineering

Herndon, VA · On-site

$41.50 - $47.25/hr

... structural, architectural, controls, plumbing, fire protection, and thermal systems. You will conduct feasibility analyses, coordinate technical reviews with principal engineers across all ...

Amazon

Sr Release Manager, Design Engineering

Herndon, VA · On-site

$41.50 - $47.25/hr

... structural, architectural, controls, plumbing, fire protection, and thermal systems. You will conduct feasibility analyses, coordinate technical reviews with principal engineers across all ...

Amazon

Sr Release Manager, Design Engineering

Herndon, VA · On-site

$41.50 - $47.25/hr

... structural, architectural, controls, plumbing, fire protection, and thermal systems. You will conduct feasibility analyses, coordinate technical reviews with principal engineers across all ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Structural Engineer JobsPrincipal Structural Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Sep 12, 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.

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.

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 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:

What job categories do people searching Principal Structural Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Structural Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

Principal Structural Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Structural Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,547 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Structural Designer

Roanoke, VA • On-site

Pivot & Paper
See more jobs at Pivot & Paperexternal

$250K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

WHY SOMEONE TAKES THIS JOB

  • You design the whole building, not one piece of it. All disciplines in one office means engineers sit with the architect from first sketch through construction administration.
  • Your name goes on landmarks people actually visit. Schools, museums, theaters, a rehabilitated 1900s rail station.
  • Short path to the top. Five principals in a 30-person firm, two of them PEs.
  • Real historic preservation work, which is rare and hard to find.
  • The company pays 100% of the employee health premium, plus life, AD&D, and long-term disability. That is roughly $8,000 to $10,000 a year that never shows up in a salary comparison.
  • Roanoke costs about 8% to 10% less than the national average. Median home is around $250,000 and commutes run 15 minutes.


Salary: $70,000 – $95,000

Location: Downtown Roanoke, VA.

100% onsite. Not hybrid, not remote. Lead with this.


THE ROLE

Support the analysis, design, and detailing of building structural systems for educational, civic, cultural, and commercial projects.


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the design of building structural systems
  • Prepare construction documents
  • Perform load calculations and structural modeling
  • Perform site visits to verify existing conditions
  • Coordinate with architecture, civil, and MEP


Qualifications

  • 2+ years of building structural design experience
  • FE passed and EIT preferred, or a clear plan to pursue licensure
  • Working proficiency producing construction documents
  • AutoCAD, Revit, and RISA-3D or equivalent preferred


BENEFITS

Company-paid health, life, AD&D, and long-term disability. Dental, vision, and short-term disability available. Paid holidays plus PTO. SIMPLE IRA with company match. Flexible schedule. Company-paid professional membership. Educational reimbursement. AFLAC. Annual wellness allowance.

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