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Principal Structural Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

The Principal Structural Engineer will serve as a Structural Subject Matter Expert (SME) on data center programming, design development, design, construction administration, renovations, retrofits ...

Structural Engineer

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$81K - $126K/yr

... principals under the supervision of a professional engineer. Assignments shall have clear and ... Instructs drafters and designers to convey the structural design in the construction documents.

We are seeking a senior-level Structural Engineer (Associate Principal) with 15+ years of experience to join our team, centrally located in Pioneer Square . This is a doer-manager role. You'll lead ...

Structural Engineer

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$81K - $126K/yr

... principals under the supervision of a professional engineer. Assignments shall have clear and ... Instructs drafters and designers to convey the structural design in the construction documents.

Structural Project Manager

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$85K - $114K/yr

... thinking structural engineering team. In this role, you will work independently while collaborating closely with the group Principal, serving as the primary point of contact for all project ...

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Showing results 1-20

Principal Structural Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$56.9K

$113.2K

$173.1K

How much do principal structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal structural engineer in Seattle, WA is $113,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $128,700.00 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Principal Structural Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Principal Structural Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,184 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Principal Structural Engineer

Microsoft

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Microsoft rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 247 rated software companies


Job description

Overview
Microsoft Cloud Operations and Innovation (CO&I) is the team behind the cloud. Within CO&I, the Data Center Engineering (DCE) team is responsible for delivering core data center infrastructure for Microsoft's cloud business. The Microsoft portfolio consists of complex, multi-disciplinary, large scale, multi-year data center construction and lease projects. We are looking for a passionate, high-energy individual to help build the cloud datacenters that power the world's largest online services.
In alignment with our Microsoft values, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment for all employees to positively impact our culture every day.
The Principal Structural Engineer will serve as a Structural Subject Matter Expert (SME) on data center programming, design development, design, construction administration, renovations, retrofits, master planning, site due diligence, and operations-related technical design guidance and support. This position will provide structural engineering technical direction and oversight for AMERS-region data center designs and will engage with key Microsoft stakeholders, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ), and external A/E consultant teams and general contractors that specialize in data center designs and builds to ensure that Microsoft's data center structural design and quality standards are met. The successful candidate will provide structural engineering technical direction, oversight, and design and construction review for new data center designs, builds, leases, retrofits, and renovations in addition to technical support for site selection, due diligence, master planning and permitting.
Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.
Responsibilities
The Principal Structural Engineer will be responsible for the facilitation and delivery of Microsoft's industry-leading data center designs including the development of innovative technology and advanced structural design concepts to be used as the basis for current and next generation data center designs, retrofits, and renovations. This role will provide technical direction, decision-making, and overall technical leadership for all structural engineering aspects of Microsoft's data center portfolio.
  • Collaborate with internal Microsoft and external stakeholders to provide structural engineering technical direction to deliver projects aligned with defined structural performance criteria within scope, schedule, and budget.
  • Possess good communication, organization, and leadership skills.
  • Expert structural engineering design proficiency in commercial and industrial architecture and engineering with a primary focus on mission critical data center design.
  • Ablity to work with other technical and non-technical groups in a fast-paced environment and do so with an even temperament and a results-oriented collaborative manner.
  • Be methodical and detailed-oriented.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Civil Engineering or related field AND 7+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Professional Engineering license in Civil Engineering with an emphasis on Structural Engineering.
  • Doctorate in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field, AND 5+ years of technical engineering experience OR Master's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field AND 8+ years technical engineering experience OR Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field AND 12+ years technical engineering experience OR equivalent experience.
  • Licensure as a Professional Structural Engineer is preferred (or the ability to obtain within 1 year of employment).
  • 8+ years' experience working in mission critical data center or large scale critical facilities structural design.
  • Working knowledge of data center architecture and design principles including designing for different climates and various seismic zones.
  • Experience in researching and developing low embodied carbon structural design solutions.
  • Ability to lead teams of engineers in advanced engineering and operational processes and procedures as they relate to large hyperscale data centers and campus environments.
  • Experience managing geographically diverse structural design teams, cross-functional design teams, and/or multi-disciplinary project teams.
  • Experience in navigating in Revit, AutoCAD, Sketchup, Bluebeam, and BIM 360 software for design review and development of data center designs.

Background Check Requirements:
Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings:
  • Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.

#COICareers | #EPCCareers | #DCDCareers
Hardware Engineering IC5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $142,800 - $274,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $188,000 - $304,200 per year.
Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:
https://careers.microsoft.com/us/en/us-corporate-pay
This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.

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About Microsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 100 datacenters and 1 million servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide. With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redmond, WA, US

Year founded

1975

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