1

Principal Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Structural Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$121 - $181/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

## Principal Structural EngineerApplylocations: Houston, Texastime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R0000387121**Career Area:**Engineering** ****Your Work Shapes the World at ...

New

$121 - $181/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

## Principal Structural EngineerApplylocations: Houston, Texastime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R0000387121**Career Area:**Engineering** ****Your Work Shapes the World at ...

New

Principal Structural Engineer

Hudson, CO ยท On-site

$100 - $140/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ecomod is seeking an exceptional and experienced Principal Structural Engineer to join our team and serve as the technical authority for our innovative building systems. This is a unique opportunity ...

Principal Structural Engineer

Hudson, CO ยท On-site

$100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ecomod is seeking an exceptional and experienced Principal Structural Engineer to join our team and serve as the technical authority for our innovative building systems. This is a unique opportunity ...

Principal Structural Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Principal Structural Engineer will be responsible for leading the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge efficient, scalable, and sustainable data centers. This role involves working ...

Showing results 21-40

Principal Structural Engineer information

See salary details

$50K

$99.4K

$152K

How much do principal structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal structural engineer in the United States is $99,400.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $113,000.00 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.

More about Principal Structural Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Principal Structural Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Principal Structural Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Structural Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Principal Structural Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Principal Structural Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Structural Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Principal Structural Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,400 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Principal Structural Engineer

Caterpillar Brazil

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

$121 - $181/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

## Principal Structural EngineerApplylocations: Houston, Texastime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R0000387121**Career Area:**Engineering**Job Description:****Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.**When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do โ€“ but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here โ€“ we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.Solar Turbines, a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. is looking for qualified Structural Engineer to provide Balance-of-Plant [BOP] Engineering and Design for projects utilizing Solarโ€™s family of industrial gas turbines.**JOB DESCRIPTION:*** This position is intended as an experienced engineering position for candidates with a minimum of 10 years oil & gas industry experience.* Primary role is to fulfill the structural engineering needs for prefabricated modular products for oil & gas facilities engineering in the support of sales and execution for Solar Turbines products.* Structural engineer will be responsible for the civil/structural engineering for balance of plant design of oil & gas projects utilizing gas turbine compressor sets & generators. Typical projects include gas compressor stations, power generation and co-generation facilities, offshore Single Lift Modules for both compression and power generation, and Modular Building Solutions. โ€œModular Building Solutionsโ€ refers to Solarโ€™s *Configurable Modular Prefabricated Building* (CMPB). The CMPB is a structural block based building that houses Solar Turbomachinery.* Provide design/analysis of structural steel projects and proposals to assure that the design meets customer specifications, Solar specifications and industry codes and standards.* Provide mentorship to junior engineers.* Assist in meetings necessary to support the lift and transportation (onshore/offshore) of large equipment.* Travel to fabrication sites, installation sites, and customer facilities as needed to support project requirements.* Position requires flexibility with personal schedule to meet deadlines and support occasional business travel.* Work with other disciplines (mechanical, piping, instrumentation, and electrical) to develop efficient structural designs**QUALIFICATIONS:*** Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in Structural Engineering* Master of Science Degree in Structural engineering is a plus* Professional Engineering License in the State of Texas is required, other states are a plus.* Applicantโ€™s background should include familiarity with ASTM, ACI, CRSI, ASCE, OSHA, IBC, & AWS.* Specialty codes:* PIP โ€“ required.* ASCE โ€œWind Loads for Petrochemical and Other Industrial Facilities - required.* API 2A, NFPA. - Desirable.* Codes used internationally (codes from other countries) โ€“ Desirable* Ability to work in the United States and able to travel internationally. Current US passport is preferred.* Demonstrated proficiency in problem solving and troubleshooting.* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in the English language.* Sense of urgency and good organizational skills are required to work with multiple projects and competing priorities.* Experience with industry standard software and structural analysis software - STAAD Pro, RAMconnect, MathCAD.* 6-Sigma background is a plus.* Experience with working with a fabrication yard or facility is a plus.* Basic knowledge of mechanical equipment (turbines, compressors, generators, etc.) is a plus**PROBLEM COMPLEXITY:**Assignments cover a variety of structural design problems related to facilities engineering. Must be able to perform detailed analysis and calculations required and document results. Projects range from 1 to 18 months in length, occasionally longer.**WORK DIRECTION AND LATITUDE:*** Works under the direction of project engineer on assigned proposal or project.* Reports organizationally to Project Execution Engineering Manager (Construction Services).* Performs design engineering, and specifies equipment related to discipline, on assigned proposals and projects under general supervision.* Follows established processes and procedures without exception.* Reviews engineered products (calculations, drawings, reports, specifications for soundness of technical judgment and overall adequacy and accuracy.* Initiates and recommends design changes as required.* Initiates and recommends departmental process changes as required.**RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES**:* Develop structural designs for offshore Single Lift Modules, Modular Building Products, development of civil and foundation designs for land-based compression and power generation equipment, structural skid design for skidded/modular process equipment, preparing project cost estimates, and support of construction activities.* Produce Structural Analysis and Design Reports for Modular Building Solutions including connection details and foundation interface loads.* Actively contribute to the development of project drawings such as Structural Arrangements & Details, Foundation Designs, Civil design, etc.* Actively participate in the preparation and monitoring of project schedule* Produce designs and specifications for structural/civil components as found commonly in the oil & gas environment.* Participate in project design reviews, marine surveys, and various other departmental meetings involving structural issues.* Interface with suppliers during the definition of equipment scope and throughout project execution* Assist in the development of documents required for onshore and offshore transportation of large equipment.* Support the field during fabrication, installation, commissioning, and start-up of designed systems. Fabrication is normally at Solarโ€™s fabrication facility (TurboFab) in Channelview, TX.* Recommend design changes affecting areas of direct responsibility* Prepare proposal manhours and cost estimates and keep track of the manhours and equipment cost during project execution.**LIAISON:*** Frequent contact with engineers, supervisors, quality, purchasing, and fabrication to obtain information and give technical advice and direction, after proper review, related to assigned projects and proposals.* Occasional contact with suppliers and customers regarding technical and documentation expediting issues.**BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION:**Completes assigned tasks in a timely and professional manner per schedule, thus contributing to organizational effectiveness**PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:*** Meets customer and company expectations for a quality product* Provides technical expertise on assigned projects* Identifies cost reduction opportunities for Solarโ€™s activities* Assists in the development of departmental standards, specifications, tools, processes, and equipment.* Resolves complex structural problems as they arise.* Ensures project deliverables (documents and equipment) are delivered on time**MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:*** Ability to read/write in technical Spanish is a plus.* Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in Structural Engineering.* Professional Engineering License in the State of Texas, A strong plus..* Applicantโ€™s background should include familiarity with ASTM, ACI, CRSI, ASCE, OSHA, IBC, & AWS.* Specialty codes:* PIP โ€“ required.* ASCE โ€œWind Loads for Petrochemical and Other Industrial Facilities - required.* Experience with industry standard software and structural analysis software - STAAD Pro (required), RAMconnect, MathCAD.* Ability to work in the United States and able to travel internationally. Current US passport is preferred.* Demonstrated proficiency in problem solving and troubleshooting.* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in the English language.* Sense of urgency and good organizational skills are required to work with multiple projects and competing priorities.**PREFERRABLE ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:*** Master of Science Degree in Structural engineering is a plus* Professional Engineering License in other states are a plus.* Ability to read/write in technical Spanish is a plus.* 6-Sigma background is a plus.* Experience with working with a fabrication yard or facility is a plus.* Basic knowledge of mechanical equipment (turbines, compressors, generators, etc.) is a plus* Specialty codes:* API 2A, NFPA. - Desirable.* Codes used internationally (codes from other countries) โ€“ Desirable### ### **Summary Pay Range:**$120,600.00 - $180,900.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.**Benefits:**Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.* Medical, dental, and vision benefits\** Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)\** 401(k) savings plans\** Health Savings Account (HSA)\** Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)\** Health Lifestyle Programs\** Employee Assistance Program\** Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts\** Career Development\** Incentive bonus\** Disability benefits* Life Insurance* Parental leave* Adoption benefits* Tuition Reimbursement \* These benefits also apply to part-time employees### ### This position requires working onsite five days a week.### Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.**Posting Dates:**Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. #J-18808-Ljbffr