Principal, Building Technology

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Position Title: Principal, Building Technology

We are seeking a Principal who is passionate about technical excellence, people leadership, and advancing SGH's long-term success.

The Principal-level role represents a senior leadership position within SGH. This individual independently leads complex, high-risk projects; generates and sustains significant external work; strengthens key client relationships; mentors staff; and contributes meaningfully to SGH's strategic growth and reputation.

• Lead and direct complex, high-profile projects involving new design and the evaluation, investigation, and repair of existing buildings, serving as Principal-in-Charge where appropriate.
• Independently manage significant project portfolios, ensuring sound judgment in project selection, contracting, scope definition, risk management, billing oversight, and fee collection.
• Generate, execute, and sustain external work consistent with Principal-level expectations, demonstrating strong business acumen and market presence.
• Pursue and develop new markets, clients, or practice areas that expand SGH's technical breadth and strategic reach.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary client contact on major engagements, building long-term relationships aligned with SGH's values and professional standards.
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluating opportunities and safeguarding SGH's reputation in the marketplace.
• Provide senior technical leadership in the investigation and remediation of complex building envelope malfunctions and failures.
• Direct and oversee design and construction-phase services, including consultation to engineers, architects, contractors, and construction administration support.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across divisions, offices, and practice areas, fostering collaboration and an all-SGH mindset.
• Mentor, develop, and create growth opportunities for staff across reporting lines, conducting meaningful performance feedback and supporting professional advancement.
• Perform peer reviews of plans, specifications, proposals, and technical deliverables to ensure excellence and consistency with SGH's standards.
• Support litigation, claims, and expert services efforts by providing authoritative technical insight and professional judgment when required.
• Demonstrate strong leadership presence through industry involvement, including publications, professional societies, speaking engagements, and committee participation that enhances SGH's visibility and reputation.
• Actively promote all SGH professional services and engage the best SGH expertise to serve clients effectively.
• Demonstrate commitment to SGH's long-term success, including participation in firm leadership initiatives and shareholding consistent with firm policy.

• Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Architectural Engineering (advanced degree preferred) with 15+ years of experience in an architectural/engineering or construction management environment.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (RA) required (as applicable to discipline) in the state of Chicago.
• Demonstrated multi-year experience independently directing complex projects and serving as Principal-in-Charge or equivalent leadership role.
• Proven record of generating and sustaining significant external work and independently attracting clients.
• Established professional reputation as a first-rate provider in the marketplace, respected by clients and industry peers.
• Strong business judgment, risk awareness, and strategic decision-making capability.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including mentoring and developing staff across multiple teams and offices.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills; ability to serve as lead author and reviewer of complex technical documents and proposals.
• Commitment to ethical practice, quality assurance/quality control procedures, and safeguarding SGH's professional reputation.
• Ability to travel to project sites as required and maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.

• Paid Time Off (Vacation time, Sick leave, Holidays)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Profit Sharing and 401(k)…