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Structural Engineering Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Deep knowledge of PE Civil Structural examination content covering structural analysis, steel design, concrete design, wood design, masonry, seismic design, and structural engineering codes including ...

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Structural Engineering information

See Reading, PA salary details

$48K

$95.5K

$146K

How much do structural engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural engineering in Reading, PA is $95,459.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,800.00 and $108,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is structural engineering?

Structural engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and ensuring the safety and stability of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Structural engineers work to make sure that structures can withstand the loads and forces they encounter, such as gravity, wind, earthquakes, and human use. Their work involves selecting appropriate materials, creating blueprints, and sometimes inspecting construction sites to ensure compliance with design specifications. Structural engineering plays a vital role in the safety and durability of the built environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, usually backed by a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and relevant licensure (such as a PE license). Proficiency in structural analysis software (like SAP2000, ETABS, or AutoCAD) and familiarity with building codes are essential technical requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients. These skills ensure the safety, stability, and efficiency of structures while facilitating teamwork and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges structural engineers face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Structural engineers often collaborate closely with architects, civil engineers, and construction teams on multidisciplinary projects. One common challenge is aligning structural requirements with architectural aesthetics and project budgets without compromising safety or functionality. Effective communication and early involvement in the design process are key to resolving conflicts and ensuring structural integrity. Additionally, adapting to changing project scopes and coordinating with multiple stakeholders can require strong project management and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Structural Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectStructural EngineeringCivil Engineering
CredentialsRequires a bachelor's degree in structural or civil engineering, PE license often preferredRequires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing and analyzing structural systems for buildings, bridges, and towersEncompasses a broader range of infrastructure projects including roads, water systems, and urban planning
Industry UsageSpecialized within construction, architecture, and engineering firmsUsed across construction, transportation, urban development, and environmental sectors

Structural engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on designing and analyzing structures to ensure safety and stability. Civil engineering covers a broader scope of infrastructure projects. While structural engineers concentrate on the integrity of individual structures, civil engineers handle a wide range of infrastructure systems. Both roles often require similar credentials and work environments, but their project focus and scope differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Structural Engineering jobs in Reading, PA? For Structural Engineering jobs in Reading, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Engineering jobs in Reading, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Engineering jobs in Reading, PA are:
What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Structural Engineering jobs? Cities near Reading, PA with the most Structural Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Structural Engineering job openings in Reading, PA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,459 per year, or $45.9 per hour.
Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Lead Structural Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Reading, PA

$118K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

This is a lead design engineering position that offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. You will guide a team of structural engineers, interface with engineers from other disciplines, and interface directly with clients. You will have the opportunity to lead and mentor a structural engineering team on engineering projects for new nuclear facilities and upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants in the following areas:

  • This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
  • As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of projects for various clients.  You will prepare, review, and provide guidance for design calculations, develop specifications, and work with designers for drawing development
  • You will prepare, review, or guide the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience: 

  • BSCE with emphasis in Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  • 10 or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of industrial / heavy commercial or nuclear facility structures
  • Proficiency with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
  • Proficiency with design codes and standards such as  ASCE 7, AISC, and , ACI
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

 Valued, but not required:

  • PE or SE license
  • MSCE degree
  • On site construction support experience

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:

  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$118,023 - $180,313
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!


Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.


Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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