Salary Range: 125000 to 200000 (Currency: USD) (Pay period: per-year-salary)

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 STAAD.Pro.
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, STAAD.Pro, 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

Valdes Architecture & Engineering Company is looking for bright and talented people that want to take their career to the next level. We offer many rewarding career paths to challenge and engage our employees at all phases of their careers. Our office provides a team environment, and excellent working conditions, which allow individuals to maximize their potential. Valdes Architecture & Engineering offers an outstanding benefits package including Medical, Dental, 401K plan, Company paid Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance, Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance, Pet Insurance, a discounted gym membership and tuition reimbursement.

EEO/AAE

Valdes Architecture and Engineering

Principal Structural Engineer

About the job