Lead Structural (Buildings) Engineer

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Full-Time Lead Structural (Buildings) Engineer to work out of Arlington, VA. This position will support our Federal Programs AEC Team on structural engineering projects for federal, defense, and public-sector clients. The role is a good fit for an experienced structural engineer who is ready to lead major portions of structural design work, operate with greater autonomy, provide technical direction to project teams, and help mentor developing staff without necessarily serving as a direct people manager.

Our Federal Programs Team is comprised of highly motivated engineers, architects and interior designers with a variety of technical backgrounds working in several key locations across the US and internationally. Major clients are U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Postal Service, and U.S. National Park Service. Our strength is derived from the diversity of our federal work and our staff.

Our structural team supports federal, defense, and public-sector clients on practical, technically meaningful facilities. The work is mission-focused, technically varied, and grounded in real operational needs, with constraints related to security, budgets, schedule, constructability, and multidisciplinary coordination.

For a lead engineer, this role offers the opportunity to own significant technical work, guide structural design approach, coordinate directly with other disciplines and clients, review work prepared by others, and develop as a technical leader within the Federal Programs practice.

• Lead structural analysis and design of new and existing buildings, including gravity and lateral systems, foundations, and structural components constructed of steel, concrete, masonry, and wood.
• Develop and oversee structural drawings, specifications, calculations, reports, and design documentation using site observations, existing-condition information, geotechnical reports, and other project data.
• Establish structural design concepts, select appropriate structural systems and materials, and coordinate structural requirements with architectural, civil, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection disciplines.
• Serve as the structural point of contact for assigned tasks or project areas, coordinating directly with internal project managers, discipline leads, clients, and review agencies as appropriate.
• Review structural calculations, design drawings, specifications, reports, and building information models prepared by others for technical completeness, coordination, constructability, and compliance with applicable codes, standards, and project criteria.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and quality review support for junior and mid-level staff, including helping staff develop engineering judgment and sound design documentation practices.
• Lead or support site visits and construction-phase services, including documenting existing conditions and construction progress, reviewing submittals, and responding to requests for information while complying with applicable safety requirements and site-specific procedures.
• Support project delivery by planning discipline work, identifying technical issues early, communicating risks, and helping drive structural deliverables to completion within scope, schedule, and budget expectations.
• Remain current in structural engineering codes, standards, federal design criteria, and industry practices relevant to building design and assessment.
• Complete required company, safety, and project-specific training.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or equivalent.
• 7+ years of relevant post‑education experience in the analysis and design of building structures.
• Professional Engineer license.
• Advanced knowledge of structural building codes, design standards, and structural engineering…