Lead Structural Engineer

Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

Company Overview

I'm currently representing a nationally recognized structural engineering consultancy that is continuing to expand its presence across the United States. With a history spanning more than 60 years, the firm has grown into one of the largest specialist structural engineering practices in the country, delivering projects across life sciences, healthcare, education, industrial, advanced manufacturing, mission-critical facilities, and data centers.

The business has built an outstanding reputation for technical excellence, long-term client relationships, and complex structural design work. A significant percentage of their work comes from repeat clients, reflecting both the quality of their engineering solutions and the strength of their project delivery teams.

This is an organisation that combines the resources, project portfolio, and stability of a national consultancy with the collaborative culture and accessibility often associated with smaller engineering firms. Employee development, technical mentorship, and internal progression are genuine priorities, and the company continues to invest heavily in both people and growth.

Position Overview

Due to continued growth and an expanding project pipeline, this consultancy is looking to appoint a Lead Structural Engineer to support and help grow its presence in Minneapolis.

This position is aimed at an experienced structural engineer who enjoys technically challenging building projects and wants to play an influential role within a highly respected engineering practice. The successful candidate will work on complex structures across sectors including life sciences, healthcare, higher education, advanced manufacturing, mission-critical facilities, and data centers.

The role offers a balance of technical leadership, project delivery, client engagement, and team development. It would suit someone who still enjoys solving difficult engineering problems but is also looking to increase their influence within a growing team and contribute to long-term business growth.

This is not a role where someone will be expected to simply review calculations from afar. The firm is seeking an engineer who wants to remain closely involved in design, mentor younger engineers, strengthen client relationships, and help shape the future direction of the local practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead structural engineering design and analysis for complex building projects.
• Serve as Engineer of Record on a variety of commercial, institutional, industrial, healthcare, life sciences, and mission-critical facilities.
• Direct structural design efforts involving steel, concrete, masonry, timber, and foundation systems.
• Manage projects from concept design through construction administration.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with architects, owners, developers, and contractor partners.
• Review calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical deliverables prepared by project teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to project engineers and emerging professionals.
• Participate in project planning, staffing, scheduling, and resource management.
• Support business development initiatives and assist with client pursuits where appropriate.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary project teams on some of the most technically demanding building projects in the region.
• Contribute to continued growth and expansion of the Minnesota operation.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Structural Engineer (SE) license preferred, or interest in pursuing licensure.
• Typically 10+ years of structural engineering experience.
• Strong background in building structures and vertical construction projects.
• Experience with steel and reinforced concrete design required.
• Exposure to healthcare, life sciences, industrial, manufacturing, higher education, mission-critical, or advanced commercial projects would be highly beneficial.
• Experience leading project teams and mentoring junior engineers.
• Strong communication and client-facing abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining high technical standards.
• Experience with structural analysis and design software commonly used within consulting engineering environments.

Compensation & Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-based bonus opportunities.
• Comprehensive healthcare package.
• 401(k) with company contribution.
• Generous PTO and holiday offering.
• Professional development and continuing education support.
• PE and SE licensing assistance.
• Industry conference and technical training opportunities.
• Clear pathway toward senior technical and operational leadership positions.
• Opportunity to work within a nationally respected structural engineering organisation with a strong backlog of technically challenging work.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Many structural engineering opportunities promise career progression, but few offer the combination of technical complexity, project diversity, national resources, and leadership influence available here.

This firm is involved in some of the most sophisticated building projects currently being delivered across North America, particularly within the life sciences, mission-critical, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Engineers are encouraged to remain technically engaged while also developing leadership capabilities and client relationships.

For a senior engineer who enjoys solving difficult structural challenges, mentoring the next generation of engineers, and helping shape a growing business unit, this represents an exceptional long-term opportunity.