Office Lead - Mission Critical - Structural
Structural Office Lead (Mission Critical / Data Centers) - Chicago
Company: Confidential
Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid/office-based leadership role)
Discipline: Structural Engineering | Mission Critical / Data Centers
Level: Senior Leader (Office Lead / Director-track)
The Opportunity
A rapidly scaling, design-led structural engineering firm is hiring a Structural Office Lead to build and lead the Chicago structural team, with a primary focus on Mission Critical / Data Center projects.
Founded 20 years ago and grown from 3 to 350 people, the firm is executing an ambitious expansion plan to reach ~1,000 employees in the next 5 years. This role sits at the intersection of technical excellence, client leadership, and people-building-ideal for someone who wants to shape a market, not just deliver projects.
This is a true "builder" role: you will establish the Chicago structural presence, lead high-profile mission critical programs, and create a team culture that attracts and develops top engineering talent.
Why This Role / Why Now
1) Build an office, not just a book of work
You'll be empowered to set direction locally-hiring, mentorship, technical standards, delivery strategy, and growth planning-while leveraging the scale, brand, and operational support of a 350-person organization.
2) Fast, visible progression (backed by real examples)
Promotion is not a slogan here: 50 people were promoted to senior positions last year alone. The leadership team has created a culture where high performance is recognized quickly, and scope grows with capability.
3) Mission Critical is a career accelerator
Data centers and mission critical work offer unique advantages for senior engineers and leaders:
- Repeatable programs and long-term clients (multi-site pipelines)
- High technical rigor (robust lateral systems, vibration criteria, progressive collapse, equipment loads, constructability constraints)
- Schedule-driven delivery that rewards strong leadership and streamlined decision-making
- Clear specialization path into market leadership, client advisory, and program oversight
If you enjoy fast-paced delivery, high stakeholder engagement, and building systems that scale, mission critical is one of the strongest platforms for long-term progression.
What You'll Do
Chicago Office & Team Leadership
- Launch and scale the Chicago structural practice, aligned to the firm's national growth strategy
- Recruit, hire, and develop a high-performing team (senior-to-junior mix)
- Build a culture centered on quality, accountability, collaboration, and growth
- Mentor engineers into technical and project leadership roles; create clear development paths
- Partner with firm leadership on headcount planning, utilization, and staffing strategy
Mission Critical / Data Center Delivery
- Lead structural delivery for data centers and mission critical facilities, from concept through construction
- Own project success: scope, schedule, technical decisions, quality, and client satisfaction
- Guide structural system selection and design strategies that balance speed, risk, cost, and constructability
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (MEP, civil, architecture, contractors, vendors) to drive alignment
- Provide oversight on complex structural challenges (equipment platforms, long-span framing, heavy loading, redundancy, lateral performance, vibration)
Client Leadership & Growth
- Serve as a senior client contact; expand key accounts and develop new relationships in the Chicago market
- Support proposals, interviews, and fee development for mission critical pursuits
- Represent the firm in industry networks and events; elevate brand presence locally
- Drive repeat business by building trust through responsive leadership and reliable delivery
What Success Looks Like (First 12-18 Months)
- Establish a trusted Chicago presence with strong internal credibility and client confidence
- Build a scalable team foundation (key senior hires + pipeline for mid/junior engineers)
- Implement consistent delivery standards for mission critical projects: speed + quality + predictability
- Strengthen relationships with owners, developers, contractors, and program managers
- Create measurable team development: mentorship cadence, performance growth, and promotion readiness
What We're Looking For
Required
- 10+ years of structural engineering experience (mission critical/data centers strongly preferred)
- Demonstrated leadership in project delivery and team mentorship
- Strong understanding of structural systems and the realities of construction
- Experience leading clients and coordinating with multidisciplinary stakeholders
- Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or ability to obtain (preferred depending on role scope)
- Comfort operating in a growth environment-moving quickly while maintaining high standards
Preferred
- Experience scaling a team, office, or practice area (hiring, coaching, setting standards)
- Data center program experience (multiple sites / repeatable templates / phased delivery)
- Business development contributions: proposals, relationship-building, strategic pursuits
- Familiarity with fast-track delivery models and contractor-led coordination
Culture & Progression (What You Can Expect)
This is a firm built for people who want ownership and momentum:
- Growth trajectory: from 3 → 350 in 20 years, aiming for ~1,000 in 5 years
- Merit-based progression: 50 senior promotions last year-capability and impact are recognized
- Autonomy with support: freedom to lead locally, backed by national expertise and resources
- High-performance, low-ego mindset: strong standards without unnecessary hierarchy
- Leadership pathways: structured opportunity to progress into Director / Principal / Regional Leadership as the Chicago team grows
Compensation & Benefits
- Highly competitive total compensation (base + performance bonus)
- Leadership-level benefits package (health, retirement, PTO, etc.)
- Professional development support (licenses, certifications, leadership training)
- The chance to build a major market presence with a fast-scaling firm
(Specific compensation range available upon request and aligned to experience + leadership scope.)
Working Model
Flexible/hybrid options are available, but this role requires a strong Chicago presence to recruit, mentor, and build culture.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your CV and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organisations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
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That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
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