Principal Structural Engineer

Principal Engineer - Structural Engineering Firm (Anonymous)

Location: Dallas, TX

Employment Type: Full‑Time

Seniority Level: Principal / Senior Technical & Client Leader

This established structural engineering firm is known for its strong culture, long‑term client relationships, and commitment to technical excellence. With a history of low turnover, transparent leadership, and a clear path for advancement, the firm offers engineers a stable and rewarding long‑term home. The team works across K‑12, commercial, retail, healthcare, education, and emerging data center sectors, with demand increasing from both repeat and newly acquired clients.

The firm is seeking a Principal Engineer to lead technical delivery, manage client relationships, and support the firm's continued growth. This leader should be a seasoned structural engineer with the ability to represent the firm externally, guide project teams, and mentor developing engineers.

This role may be oriented toward one of two leadership tracks:

• (1) Technical Leadership - overseeing high‑level engineering design with limited BD responsibilities, or
• (2) Client Leadership - managing key accounts and contributing to business development.

• Serve as a key client contact, nurturing relationships based on trust, technical credibility, and authenticity.
• Lead client meetings, initial project conversations, and industry event participation.
• Maintain strong interpersonal rapport by connecting personally with clients and remembering details that strengthen relationships.
• Support business development efforts aligned with the firm's growth in K‑12 and other building sectors.

• Oversee structural design and project execution across commercial, institutional, and education‑sector buildings.
• Provide high‑level technical review, ensuring quality, code compliance, and creative engineering solutions.
• Guide projects from initial concept through delivery, serving as a technical or client‑facing lead depending on role track.
• Mentor and develop engineers across multiple experience levels.
• Utilize Revit‑based design workflows and structural analysis platforms such as RAM and RISA.

• Contribute to a culture that values collaboration, mentorship, and open communication.
• Advocate for internal development and help identify opportunities for emerging engineers.
• Participate in long‑term planning as workload increases across the firm's core sectors.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Structural or Civil Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
  ; SE preferred where applicable.
• Extensive experience (typically 10-15+ years) designing and delivering building projects.
• Proven ability to lead project teams and work independently with clients.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and comfort representing the firm externally.

• Established client relationships in markets such as K‑12, higher education, commercial, or data centers.
• Background from firms known for strong structural engineering expertise.
• Ability to take ownership of projects immediately ("plug‑and‑play").

• Exceptional culture: Supportive environment where people genuinely enjoy their work.
• Clear advancement path: Leadership actively promotes from within.
• Ownership: Coming in at a Principal level means you get the chance to be a part owner in the firm.
• Low turnover: Engineers stay because the structure, work, and growth opportunities are strong.
• Work‑life balance:
  • Four 9‑hour days + half‑day Fridays (finish at 12pm CST)
  • Hybrid flexibility - 3 days in office and 2 days at home
• Steady workload: Long‑term clients and new project opportunities ensure stable and growing work volume.