Associate Principal/Principal

About the role

The Principal-level role represents a senior leadership position within Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Evaluate opportunities and safeguard SGH’s reputation in the marketplace with sound judgment.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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 California.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Ability to climb ladders and scaffolds, work at significant heights, and travel by car, train/subway, and air to multiple job sites.
• Primarily in-office position located in Los Angeles, CA, with the potential for flexible working hours.

Skills

• Technical excellence
• People leadership
• Problem solving
• Client relationships

Benefits

Overview SGH provides the following benefits to eligible employees. Paid Time Off (Vacation time, Sick leave, Holidays), Paid Parental Leave, Profit Sharing and 401(k) plan with a discretionary company contribution, Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision), Short and Long-Term Disability (company paid), Employee Basic Life and AD&D insurance (company paid), Optional Life Insurance, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Empathy Bereavement Support, Pre-tax Commuter Benefit, AFLAC Accident & Cancer Insurance, Legal & Identity Theft plans, Tuition Reimbursement Compensation.

Pay

The compensation range below is a good faith estimate pursuant to applicable equal pay and pay transparency laws. The actual salary offered will be based on several factors including the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Base salary is a part of SGH’s industry leading Total Compensation package. Our Total Compensation package includes base salary, pay for extra direct hours worked, an annual discretionary bonus program, generous paid time off, and health and wellness benefits with a special emphasis on substantial SGH contributions to medical insurance premiums and SGH’s Profit Sharing & 401(k) Plan. Pay Range Associate Principal: $214,240 - $236,080 Principal: $262,080 Senior Principal: $273,000 Principal (all levels) $214,240—$273,000 USD

Schedule

Primarily in-office position located in Los Angeles, CA, with the potential for flexible working hours.

Benefits

Overview SGH provides the following benefits to eligible employees. Paid Time Off (Vacation time, Sick leave, Holidays), Paid Parental Leave, Profit Sharing and 401(k) plan with a discretionary company contribution, Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision), Short and Long-Term Disability (company paid), Employee Basic Life and AD&D insurance (company paid), Optional Life Insurance, Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Empathy Bereavement Support, Pre-tax Commuter Benefit, AFLAC Accident & Cancer Insurance, Legal & Identity Theft plans, Tuition Reimbursement Compensation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We consider all qualified applicants and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. If the application system is not accessible to you, or you need a reasonable accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email jobs@sgh.com or call 781-907-9000 and ask for Human Resources. TO ALL RECRUITMENT AGENCIES: SGH does not accept unsolicited agency resumes or candidate profiles. Please do not forward resumes or profiles for any of our job postings to our career site or to any Simpson Gumpertz & Heger employee. SGH is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.