Structural Engineering Director
Confidential · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $315,000 / year
- United States
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Job highlights
- Lead structural engineering practice and technical strategy.
- Build and manage high-performing engineering teams.
- Oversee complex structural engineering projects.
- Drive business growth and client relationships.
- Ensure highest technical quality and client satisfaction.
About the role
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Director of Structural Engineering to lead our distributed structural engineering practice. This is a senior leadership role for an accomplished engineering professional ready to drive technical strategy, build and scale a high-performing team, and own the delivery of complex structural engineering projects. You will serve as the senior technical authority across all structural engineering disciplines, setting standards, shaping client relationships, and ensuring our engineering practice remains at the forefront of the industry. You will partner closely with executive leadership to grow the structural engineering business unit and define its long-term vision.
What You’ll Do
- Technical Leadership: Serve as the senior technical authority for all structural engineering disciplines including building structures, bridges, foundations, and specialty structures; set and enforce firm-wide design standards, workflows, and quality benchmarks.
- Team Building & Management: Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing team of structural engineers across all levels (EI through Senior Engineer); establish clear career pathways, conduct performance reviews, and foster a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement.
- Strategic Planning: Partner with executive leadership to define the structural engineering practice's strategic roadmap, including service line expansion, market positioning, technology adoption, and revenue growth targets.
- Project Oversight: Provide executive-level oversight on multiple simultaneous complex structural engineering projects; ensure on-time, on-budget delivery while maintaining the highest standards of technical quality and client satisfaction.
- Client Relationships: Serve as the senior point of contact for key clients and agency stakeholders; lead client presentations, negotiate contracts, and identify opportunities to grow existing accounts and win new business.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Directors of Civil, Geotechnical, and Mechanical Engineering as well as Project Executives and Business Development leads to deliver integrated, multi-discipline solutions.
What We’re Looking For
- Education: Bachelor's degree or higher in Structural or Civil Engineering or a closely related field; Master's degree preferred.
- Experience: 15+ years of progressive structural engineering experience with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership or engineering management role overseeing teams and multi-million dollar project portfolios.
- PE License: Active Professional Engineering (PE) license required; SE (Structural Engineer) license strongly preferred; licensure in multiple states is a strong advantage.
- Technical Depth: Demonstrated technical expertise across multiple structural engineering disciplines including steel, concrete, timber, and masonry design for buildings, bridges, and specialty infrastructure.
- CAD/BIM Proficiency: Strong familiarity with structural design and analysis platforms (ETABS, SAP2000, RISA, RAM Structural System, Revit Structure) and BIM workflows; ability to evaluate and drive technology adoption decisions.
- Project Delivery: Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale, complex structural engineering projects on time and within budget across multiple simultaneous engagements.
- Business Development: Experience leading or supporting business development efforts.
Bonus Points
- Advanced Certifications: SE licensure, PMP certification, LEED AP, or similar advanced professional credentials.
- Seismic & Wind Design: Deep expertise in seismic design, wind load analysis, and performance-based engineering for high-risk or high-importance structures.
- Bridge & Transportation: Experience designing and managing complex bridge and transportation infrastructure projects in coordination with state DOTs or federal agencies (FHWA, FTA).
- Forensic Engineering: Experience in forensic structural investigations, failure analysis, and expert witness engagements.
- Sustainability & Resilience: Experience leading sustainable structural design initiatives including mass timber, low-carbon concrete, and climate resilience planning.
- Federal & Municipal Contracts: Experience managing federally funded projects or large municipal capital improvement programs (CIP) involving structural infrastructure.
Compensation & Benefits
We believe in paying top-of-market rates for top-tier talent. The base salary range for this role is $250,000 to $315,000, with exact placement determined by your skills, years of experience, and interview performance.
- Equity: Competitive stock option package.
- Remote Setup: Home office stipend to get your workspace set up perfectly.
- Health: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Time Off: Flexible PTO policy + Company Holidays.
- Growth: Annual learning and development budget.
- Retirement: 401(k) matching plan.
Key skills/competency
- Structural Engineering
- Team Leadership
- Project Management
- Business Development
- Technical Strategy
- Client Relationship Management
- BIM Workflows
- Structural Analysis Software
- Risk Management
- Engineering Standards
Skills & topics
- Director of Structural Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Team Leadership
- Project Management
- Business Development
- Technical Strategy
- Engineering Management
- BIM
- Structural Analysis
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight 15+ years of structural engineering experience and 5+ years in leadership roles, emphasizing team management and project portfolio size.
- Showcase technical expertise: Detail your proficiency in steel, concrete, timber, and masonry design, and experience with CAD/BIM platforms like ETABS, RISA, or Revit Structure.
- Emphasize leadership skills: Provide examples of strategic planning, business development, and successful project delivery for large-scale, complex projects.
- Prepare for technical and behavioral interviews: Be ready to discuss your approach to technical standards, team development, client relations, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Highlight licensure: Clearly state your active PE license and any SE licensure or multi-state registrations.
Technical preparation
Master complex structural analysis software (ETABS, RISA).,Demonstrate expertise in seismic and wind design.,Prepare to discuss BIM workflows and adoption.,Showcase broad material design knowledge (steel, concrete).
Behavioral questions
Describe a challenging technical leadership situation.,How do you foster a culture of excellence?,How do you manage client relationships and expectations?,Explain your strategic approach to team growth.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key responsibilities for a Director of Structural Engineering at this company?
- As the Director of Structural Engineering, you will be the senior technical authority, responsible for setting design standards, leading a team of engineers, overseeing complex projects, managing client relationships, and contributing to the strategic growth of the structural engineering business unit.
- What qualifications are essential for this Director of Structural Engineering role?
- A Bachelor's degree in Structural or Civil Engineering (Master's preferred) is required, along with 15+ years of structural engineering experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. An active PE license is mandatory, and an SE license is strongly preferred.
- What technical skills and software proficiency are expected for the Director of Structural Engineering position?
- You should possess deep technical expertise across various materials (steel, concrete, timber, masonry) and project types (buildings, bridges, specialty infrastructure). Proficiency in structural design and analysis software such as ETABS, SAP2000, RISA, RAM Structural System, and Revit Structure, along with BIM workflows, is crucial.
- How does the company support professional development for its Directors of Structural Engineering?
- The company offers an annual learning and development budget to support your continuous growth. Additionally, there's a competitive stock option package and opportunities to gain advanced certifications and expertise in specialized areas like seismic design or bridge engineering.
- What is the salary range and benefits package for the Director of Structural Engineering role?
- The base salary range is $250,000 to $315,000, determined by your experience and interview performance. The benefits package includes a competitive stock option package, home office stipend, comprehensive health insurance, flexible PTO, and a 401(k) matching plan.
- How important is business development experience for the Director of Structural Engineering position?
- Experience in leading or supporting business development efforts is important, as the role involves shaping client relationships, negotiating contracts, and identifying opportunities for account growth and new business acquisition.
- Can I apply for the Director of Structural Engineering role if I only have a PE license and not an SE license?
- An active PE license is required. While an SE license is strongly preferred, candidates with a strong background and experience might still be considered, especially if they demonstrate exceptional technical depth and leadership capabilities.
- What is the company culture like for the structural engineering team?
- The company fosters a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement. You'll collaborate closely with other engineering directors and business development leads, working towards integrated, multi-discipline solutions in a supportive leadership environment.