Principal Structural Engineer

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