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Principal Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Parsons

Principal Structural Engineer

Sandy Springs, GA

$103K - $181K/yr

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Principal Structural Engineer to join our team! What You'll Be Doing: * May function as discipline Project Engineer on medium to large projects, assuming ...

Rimkus

Principal Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $195K/yr

Technical Leadership & Structural Engineering * Lead the preparation and review of construction drawings, specifications, and structural calculations for new and existing structures. * Oversee ...

Rimkus

Principal Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $195K/yr

Technical Leadership & Structural Engineering * Lead the preparation and review of construction drawings, specifications, and structural calculations for new and existing structures. * Oversee ...

Rimkus

Principal Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$130K - $195K/yr

Structural Engineering Expertise (Technical Depth) Expert knowledge of commercial and residential structural systems, including gravity/lateral systems across common materials (steel, concrete ...

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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

Valdes Architecture & Engineering

Lombard, IL • On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking an experienced Principal Structural Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex industrial, power, manufacturing, and process facility projects. This role is ideal for an accomplished structural engineering professional who enjoys solving challenging engineering problems, mentoring high-performing teams, and partnering directly with clients to deliver innovative, practical solutions.
As a Principal Structural Engineer, you'll play a key role in project execution, business development, technical excellence, and the continued growth of our Structural Engineering practice.
What You Will Do
Technical Leadership
  • Lead the structural engineering design of complex industrial, manufacturing, process, and power generation facilities.
  • Independently develop structural designs from concept through construction.
  • Design steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, and foundation systems for a wide variety of industrial applications.
  • Design shallow and deep foundations, underground concrete vaults, tunnels, pipe supports, pipe racks, equipment foundations, access platforms, support towers, stair systems, ladders, and structural framing systems.
  • Develop innovative structural solutions for complex field conditions and retrofit projects.
  • Perform structural evaluations and condition assessments of existing facilities.
Engineering & Analysis
  • Perform advanced structural analysis using industry-standard software including RISA-3D and STAAD.Pro.
  • Interpret and apply domestic and international structural design codes and standards.
  • Review structural calculations, construction documents, specifications, and design deliverables.
  • Review reinforcement detailing, structural steel fabrication drawings, and vendor submittals.
Project Leadership
  • Serve as the Structural Discipline Lead on multidisciplinary engineering projects.
  • Develop engineering budgets, schedules, staffing plans, and work-hour estimates.
  • Manage project resources while maintaining quality, schedule, and budget expectations.
  • Coordinate closely with civil, mechanical, electrical, piping, and process engineering teams.
Client & Business Development
  • Collaborate with clients during project planning, scope development, and proposal preparation.
  • Build and maintain trusted client relationships through technical excellence and responsive communication.
  • Support business development initiatives and strategic growth opportunities.
Mentorship
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance engineering culture focused on continuous improvement and technical excellence.
Field Support
  • Perform site visits to verify existing conditions and support construction activities.
  • Assist with resolving field engineering challenges and constructability issues.
  • Travel for short- and long-term field assignments as project needs require.

What You'll Bring
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architecture (Master's preferred)
  • 15+ years of structural engineering experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, process, or power generation projects
  • Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) license required
  • Demonstrated experience leading structural engineering projects and multidisciplinary teams
  • Advanced knowledge of structural steel, reinforced concrete, foundations, and industrial structures
  • Strong proficiency with RISA-3D, STAAD.Pro, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office
  • Experience preparing structural assessment and evaluation reports
  • Strong understanding of engineering codes, standards, and industry best practices
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and client relationship skills
  • Exceptional organizational and project management abilities
  • Authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship

Why Valdes?
At Valdes Architecture & Engineering, you'll join a multidisciplinary team that designs the infrastructure powering industries and communities across the country.
Our engineers work on challenging projects in:
  • Industrial Manufacturing
  • Power Generation & Energy
  • Chemical Processing
  • Oil & Gas
  • Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals
  • Utilities
  • Infrastructure & Heavy Industrial Facilities

We believe great engineering starts with great people. Our collaborative culture empowers employees to innovate, lead, mentor, and continue growing throughout their careers.
Why You Will Love This Role
  • Lead technically challenging, high-impact structural engineering projects
  • Collaborate with nationally recognized multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Mentor the next generation of structural engineers
  • Influence project strategy and business growth
  • Hybrid work environment
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
  • Opportunity to shape the future of Valdes' Structural Engineering practice

$125,000 - $200,000 a year
Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.
Valdes Architecture & Engineering Company is looking for bright and talented people that want to take their career to the next level. We offer many rewarding career paths to challenge and engage our employees at all phases of their careers. Our office provides a team environment, and excellent working conditions, which allow individuals to maximize their potential. Valdes Architecture & Engineering offers an outstanding benefits package including Medical, Dental, 401K plan, Company paid Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance, Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance, Pet Insurance, a discounted gym membership and tuition reimbursement.
EEO/AAE
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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