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Principal Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Parsons

Principal Structural Engineer

Charlotte, NC

$103K - $181K/yr

Parsons has a career opportunity for an amazingly talented Principal Structural Engineer to join our team! What You'll Be Doing: * Manage or significantly contribute to multidisciplinary project ...

PROENERGY

Structural Engineer

Leawood, KS · On-site

We seek a Structural Engineer reporting to our Principal Structural Engineer that has a passion for ownership and pride in the quality of our deliverables. The Structural Engineer will create ...

EC Source

Principal Structural Engineer

The Structural Engineer will oversee structural design teams in delivering high-quality designs for a wide range of new construction, renovation, and redevelopment projects. This role will be focused ...

Worley

Principal Structural Engineer

Cameron, LA · On-site

Deliver structural engineering services that meet Worley's, its customers', and applicable statutory and regulatory specifications, on time and within budget. * Initiate, manage and, if required ...

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Principal Structural Engineer information

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$50K

$99.4K

$152K

How much do principal structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 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.

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.

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:
What job categories do people searching Principal Structural Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Structural Engineer jobs are:
Principal Structural Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Structural Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,400 per year, or $47.8 per hour.
Principal Structural Engineer

Principal Structural Engineer

Parsons

Charlotte, NC

$103K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

159th of 357 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.

Job Description:

Parsons has a career opportunity for an amazingly talented Principal Structural Engineer to join our team!

What You'll Be Doing:

  • Manage or significantly contribute to multidisciplinary project teams, ensuring successful execution of structural disciplines from inception through completion.
  • Apply structural engineering principles to lead the design of building and water/wastewater facility structures that meet project objectives, client expectations, and regulatory standards.
  • Perform and review complex structural analyses using industrystandard software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, MicroStation, RISA, STAAD, ANSYS, Mathcad, SAFE, and other similar tools).
  • Oversee and develop detailed design drawings, technical calculations, and construction documents with rigorous attention to accuracy and constructability
  • Assist with leading coordination efforts with subconsultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders to maintain schedules, budgets, and high-quality outcomes.
  • Ensure strict compliance with QA/QC procedures, including thorough review of design calculations, drawings, and specifications
  • Serve as a technical resource for resolving design challenges, providing innovative and efficient solutions aligned with client needs
  • Engage directly with clients as needed to build strong relationships, communicate project progress, and identify opportunities for added value.

What Required Skills You'll Bring:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (or related field) and 10+ years of related work experience.
  • Professional Engineer registration in Florida.
  • Proven ability to perform and oversee QA/QC procedures on complex structural designs
  • Strong leadership, communication, and teamcoordination skills, with the ability to mentor junior engineers


What Desired Skills You'll Bring:

  • Experience with both new and rehabilitation of water and wastewater facilities
  • Experience in cross-disciplinary teamwork
  • Full structural design per governing building codes and design standards including ACI, AISC, AWWA, ASCE and the Florida Building Code.
  • Advanced degree in the same or related field. (preferred)

Security Clearance Requirement:

NoneThis position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people's quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers' visions-and to help them see what's next!Salary Range: $103,500.00 - $181,100.00We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!

Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer tohttps://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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