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Principal Structural Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WV · On-site

$87 - $121/hr

We are seeking a highly technical Principal Structural / Bridges Design Engineer with strong rail sector experience to take a leading role in the design and delivery of complex infrastructure ...

Lead HighImpact Structural Delivery Across Major Projects We're looking for a Chartered Principal Structural Engineer (MIStructE or MICE) to lead the delivery of complex building structures across ...

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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 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.

Sentinel Structural/Principal Structural Engineer - 19194

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Roy, UT • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems in air and space that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our work preserves freedom, democracy, and advances human discovery and our understanding of the universe. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have a lot of fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Defense Systems is seeking a Structural/Principal Structural Engineer. This position is located in Roy, Utah and supports the Sentinel Programs. This role may offer a competitive relocation assistance package.
What You Will Get To Do:
As part of the Sentinel AVE Loads & Environments team, your technical expertise and analytical prowess will play a vital role in loads/dynamics analysis ,shock and vibration environment prediction, as well as comprehensive testing and data evaluation. This position invites a forward-thinking professional who is eager to tackle complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions that advance the future of structural dynamics for the Sentinel Program.
Position Benefits:
As a full-time employee of Northrop Grumman, you are eligible for our robust benefits package including:
  • Medical, Dental & Vision coverage
  • 401k
  • Educational Assistance
  • Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programs & Work/Life Solutions
  • Paid Time Off
  • Health & Wellness Resources
  • Employee Discounts

This positions standard work schedule is a 9/80. The 9/80 schedule allows employees who work a nine-hour day Monday through Thursday to take every other Friday off.
Basic Qualifications:
This position can be filled at the Structural Engineer (T2) or Principal Structural Engineer (T3) level.
Structural Engineer: 2 Years with Bachelors in Science; 1 year with Masters;
  • Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Secret Clearance with an investigation date within the last 6 years.
  • Must be able to be successfully screened for Enhanced Security Clearances, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
  • Knowledge and/or experience with structural dynamics analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with adjacent disciplines (e.g. systems engineering, aerodynamics, stress analysis, design, test) in a highly integrated team environment.
  • Experience in Modal Transient Analysis in Nastran (or equivalent).
  • Experience in programming and use of MATLAB (or equivalent) for analysis and data manipulation.
  • Experience running static and dynamic structural problems using analytical methods (hand calculations, in-house tools, and 3rd party commercial analytical tools).
  • Experience running Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA) and/or experience running multi-body dynamics simulations.
  • Experience running modal transient analysis in Nastran (or equivalent).
  • Experience with launch vehicle and/or spacecraft vibroacoustic analysis.

Principal Structural Engineer: 5 Years with Bachelors in Science; 3 Years with Masters; 1 Year with PhD;
  • Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Secret Clearance with an investigation date within the last 6 years.
  • Must be able to be successfully screened for Enhanced Security Clearances, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
  • Knowledge and/or experience with structural dynamics analysis.
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with adjacent disciplines (e.g. systems engineering, aerodynamics, stress analysis, design, test) in a highly integrated team environment.
  • Experience in Modal Transient Analysis in Nastran (or equivalent).
  • Experience in programming and use of MATLAB (or equivalent) for analysis and data manipulation.
  • Experience running static and dynamic structural problems using analytical methods (hand calculations, in-house tools, and 3rd party commercial analytical tools).
  • Experience running Coupled Loads Analysis (CLA) and/or experience running multi-body dynamics simulations.
  • Experience running modal transient analysis in Nastran (or equivalent).
  • Experience with launch vehicle and/or spacecraft vibroacoustic analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering/Structural Mechanics or Aerospace Engineering or equivalent from an accredited college/university.
  • Experience working strategic or tactical missile programs.
  • Experience with dynamic (modal) testing and correlation of structural models.
  • Experience with modern FEA substructure modeling and component mode synthesis methods such as Craig-Bampton sub structuring.
  • Experience with high performance computing, management of large sets of data.
  • Experience in the planning and execution of vibration, acoustic, modal, and shock tests for aerospace flight hardware.
  • Experience with Vibroacoustic tools and/or SEA tools such as Wave6 or VA One.
  • Experience with time domain, frequency domain, and/or random vibration analysis.
  • DoD Secret Clearance (or higher).

Primary Level Salary Range: $77,200.00 - $115,800.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $95,300.00 - $142,900.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939