Principal Structural Engineer

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 . - 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, , 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