Principal, Structural Engineering

Do you want to help engineer what's next?

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients' most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 800 employees in offices nationwide, SGH's industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what's possible.

What makes careers at SGH so special?

The only way to advance is to question and explore. Every member of the SGH team is both a learner and an educator, committed to advancing ourselves, our teams, and our industry. Together we are creating a community that never settles for what is but always seeks what could be.

There are many reasons to love SGH:

• Our Work: Our clients trust us to bring clarity and deliver outstanding solutions for their most complex projects.
• Our People: We are bold thinkers and compassionate teammates, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
• Our Commitment: We live with integrity and embrace an obligation to give back to our professions and communities.
• Our Contribution: We offer a comprehensive and rich compensation and benefits package with company-paid and voluntary programs to help build healthy lifestyles, strong relationships, and future prosperity

We want someone passionate about technical leadership and business development.

As a Principal in Structural Design, you will provide leadership in the planning, design, and delivery of complex building and infrastructure projects. This role involves overseeing structural design across a variety of materials, including steel, concrete, masonry, and timber, for diverse project types such as commercial, residential, healthcare, higher education, cultural, and transportation facilities.

Principals are responsible for guiding project teams through all phases of design and construction, managing client and contractor relationships, and ensuring projects are delivered successfully. In addition to project leadership, Principals contribute to firmwide technical excellence by mentoring staff, coordinating technical resources across offices, and actively engaging with professional and regulatory organizations to advance industry standards.

Location: Atlanta, GA (Full-Time, In Office)

The Position:

• Provide leadership in the design and investigation of structures across a broad range of uses and industries, including building, industrial, parking, temporary, and historic structures.
• Serve as a technical expert and project leader on structural engineering investigations, assessments, and litigation support projects involving root cause evaluations, collapses, wind-related failures, and construction-related incidents.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams including structural engineers, metallurgists, material scientists, and other technical specialists.
• Manage and deliver projects from concept through completion, including scoping, budgeting, scheduling, client communication, and quality control.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, industry partners, and other stakeholders to generate new business opportunities and drive growth.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level staff, supporting their technical and professional development.
• Contribute to SGH's thought leadership by participating in code development, industry committees, technical publications, and public speaking opportunities.
• Promote SGH's collaborative and ethical culture while helping to elevate the firm's national profile in structural engineering.

What You'll Need:

• Master's degree, or higher, in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in at least one U.S. state, with the ability to obtain licensure in Georgia required. A Structural Engineering (S.E.) license is preferred.
• 15+ years of experience in structural engineering, including forensic investigations and/or structural design.
• Experience providing litigation support, including expert witness testimony, is preferred.
• Proven track record of technical excellence and leadership on complex projects involving building structures or temporary works.
• Demonstrated business development skills and ability to build lasting client relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting technical topics to clients.
• SGH prides itself on its standards of ethics and honesty; candidates must view these qualities as paramount.