Principal Structural Engineer

TL;DR

Principal Structural Engineer: Lead preparation of construction drawings, structural evaluations, and repair strategies for new and existing buildings with an accent on adaptive reuse, retrofits, and compliance with building codes. Focus on directing field investigations, overseeing QA/QC, and managing construction-phase support for complex projects.

Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States. Up to 25% travel required.

Salary: $130,100 - $195,100

Company

Global engineering firm providing built environment solutions with local expertise in planning, building, and managing assets focused on sustainability and risk mitigation.

What you will do

• Lead structural evaluations, condition assessments, and design of repairs/retrofits for damaged or underperforming buildings.
• Prepare and review construction drawings, specifications, and calculations as Engineer of Record.
• Direct field investigations, site observations, and construction-phase services including RFI responses.
• Manage project teams, budgets, schedules, and scope while mentoring staff and ensuring quality.
• Support business development through technical proposals, client meetings, and relationship building.
• Develop technical reports, recommendations, and thought leadership on structural innovations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Structural Engineering required; advanced degree preferred.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required; Structural Engineer (S.E.) preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive structural engineering experience in new and existing buildings.
• Expertise in structural systems (steel, concrete, masonry, wood), load analysis, and retrofit design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD required; BIM/Revit and structural analysis tools preferred.
• Ability to perform fieldwork (ladders, roofs, confined spaces) and travel up to 25%.
• Valid driver’s license and physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice to have

• Experience with team leadership, QA/QC processes, and multi-discipline coordination.
• OSHA safety training and ability to obtain licensure in additional states.
• Skills in project budgeting, change management, and business development.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• Employer-matching 401(k), paid time off (vacation, sick, holidays), and family leave.
• Training and development opportunities, work from home flexibility.
• Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equal opportunity employment.
• Salaried exempt position with standard 8am-5pm hours; overtime as needed.