Structural Associate Principal

Responsibilities

ECS is seeking a Structural Associate Principal to join our Mid-Atlantic Building Science & Infrastructure team in Philadelphia, PA. In this role, you will manage structural consulting projects and serve as a lead technical consultant on structural assessments, investigations, testing, and design. You will collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary project teams to evaluate structural performance, support construction and repair efforts, and deliver practical, high-quality engineering solutions across a variety of facility types. This is a client-facing role with regular interaction with owners, architects, contractors, and engineers. The position includes responsibility for project management, technical execution, business development support, and mentorship of junior staff within a collaborative consulting environment.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Execution

• Demonstrate strong knowledge across building science & infrastructure consulting services, with advanced expertise in structural engineering.
• Provide technical guidance to staff on structural investigations, testing, design, and repair solutions.
• Perform senior-level review of reports, calculations, drawings, and deliverables to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality.
• Support Principal-level review processes in accordance with ECS policies.
• Lead and oversee structural assessments, forensic investigations, and repair design efforts.
• Apply knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulations to project execution and recommendations.

Project Management & Delivery

• Manage structural projects from initiation through closeout, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Oversee project budgets, including review of change orders, invoices, and support of collection efforts.
• Coordinate staffing and ensure appropriately trained personnel are assigned to projects.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects while prioritizing tasks and deadlines.
• Prepare and review proposals, reports, calculations, and change orders.
• Participate in project meetings and provide solutions to technical and administrative challenges.

Structural Engineering & Field Oversight

• Supervise and direct field investigations and testing, including anchor bolt testing, bond testing, GPR, coring, chipping, sounding, and material sampling.
• Oversee structural assessments to evaluate existing conditions and identify deficiencies.
• Lead structural design efforts for repairs and modifications to existing structures.
• Serve as Engineer of Record (as applicable), taking responsibility for calculations, drawings, and technical decisions.
• Oversee construction administration activities, including RFI responses, shop drawing review, and coordination with project stakeholders.
• Ensure work performed aligns with project scope and address any deviations, including impacts to budget, schedule, and client objectives.

Leadership & Staff Development

• Mentor and develop junior staff, providing technical training in structural analysis, field work, and design.
• Supervise staff assignments and support day-to-day execution of project work.
• Assist senior leadership with staffing decisions and team development.
• Promote best practices in technical execution, safety, and client communication.

Client Development & Relationship Management

• Maintain and grow client relationships while supporting business development efforts.
• Identify new opportunities with existing and prospective clients.
• Participate in proposal development and contribute to positioning of ECS services.
• Support client discussions related to findings, recommendations, and project outcomes.
• Represent ECS professionally in all client and industry interactions.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality consulting solutions.
• Coordinate with senior staff to ensure effective project setup and execution.
• Participate in client meetings and follow up on deliverables as needed.
• Contribute to internal initiatives, including improving templates, processes, and technical standards.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Qualifications

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (Structural), Architectural Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of related experience in structural consulting, including assessment, design, and/or forensic investigations.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong knowledge of structural engineering principles and applications.
• Strong understanding of construction practices, drawings, and site plans.
• Extensive knowledge of applicable codes and standards (IBC, ASCE, ACI, AISC, etc.).
• Experience with structural analysis, repair design, and evaluation of existing structures.
• Knowledge of field testing methods and ability to interpret results relative to structural performance.
• Experience with forensic investigations and development of repair recommendations.
• Proven ability to manage projects and mentor junior staff.
• Strong project management, consulting, and client interaction skills.
• Solid judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and report review.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to support business development and client growth.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, walk uneven terrain, and work at heights as needed.

Why Join ECS?  

• Nationwide Building Science & Infrastructure Consulting practice made up of more than 180 employees with deep technical expertise and opportunities for collaboration across the country
• Opportunity to lead high-profile projects with technical complexity and visibility
• Be part of a growing and innovative team focused on technical excellence and client service
• Supportive work environment that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits
• ECS is an employee-owned company with an Employee Stock Ownership program (ESOP)!
• 401(k) with up to 4% match
• Tuition Assistance Program
• And more!

ECS Core Values:  Collaborate, Focus & Lead

The expected pay range for this role and location is $105,000 - $150,000/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.