Lead Structural Engineer (Buildings)

WSP is seeking a Lead Structural Engineer to join their dynamic Property & Buildings team in San Diego, CA and Irvine, CA. Our team provides structural design consulting services for complex building projects across multiple sectors including healthcare, science/technology, higher education, K-12, civic, mission critical, commercial construction, and public safety.

About the role

This position provides high-level technical assistance and guidance for investigation, remediation, improvement, design, and construction of building projects in the public and private sector. Responsibilities include research, concept development, planning, design, and construction of building structures with emphasis on buildings in Seismic Design Category D. The role ensures deliverables meet industry standards for design, safety, structural soundness, and functionality while adhering to project-specific construction codes.

Responsibilities

• Apply high-level structural engineering techniques and processes to improve various building project phases including concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, and construction.
• Perform professional structural engineering work and conduct research and observations of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, buildings, and infrastructure to determine conformance with applicable codes and standards.
• Develop and supervise the development of construction drawings, calculation packages, and specifications; update layout plans requiring coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
• Manage projects from inception to completion, including design, construction, rehabilitation, and remediation, ensuring durability of materials and structural soundness from environmental or human-influenced loads and pressures.
• Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams of engineers, architects, planners, and scientific professionals on multiple concurrent projects, including budget management, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, cost and labor quantities, technical calculations, construction administration, compliance documentation, and regulatory analysis memos.
• Coordinate, review, and issue building design plans, ensuring data integrity and compliance with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Prepare data visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, cross-sections, and 2D/3D illustrations for interpreting or presenting complex data, findings, or analyses.
• Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations explaining research, concepts, and recommendations to address structural, design, and construction issues or opportunities.
• Analyze and evaluate data from site investigations, providing input for developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities.
• Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
• Collaborate proactively with other engineers, professionals, and building authorities on Federal, State, regional, local, and privately funded projects, as well as proposal and business development opportunities.
• Remain current in latest structural engineering techniques and practices.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• California Structural Engineer (SE) License or the ability to obtain an SE license within one (1) year.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post-education experience in structural design, detailing, renovation, and/or seismic strengthening of steel, concrete, masonry, and wood/mass timber buildings in the following markets: Healthcare, Higher Education, Civic, Science and Technology, Lab Sciences, Federal, Commercial, and/or Residential.
• Proficiency in lateral force-resisting system design, detailing, and with the California Building Code and/or the International Building Code.
• Proficiency with structural engineering principles, practices, processes, and their application to project work-related issues.
• Knowledge and experience with building structural planning, design, and construction administration, including active involvement in rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects.
• Well-defined knowledge of relevant structural codes, regulations, and compliance practices.
• Ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to appropriate regulations.
• Project management experience with mid-level to large projects, including tracking hours and expenses for project work.
• Ability to plan and conduct observations and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of buildings, facilities, or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Demonstrated self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, structural software (such as ETABS, PERFORM 3D, RISA, RAM Structures, RAM Concept, CSI Safe, etc.), Building Information Modeling (BIM), math principles, physics, predictive models, spreadsheets, and other technology tools.
• Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills to apply technical knowledge, reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis, and arrive at effective, economical, and logical solutions.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering.
• New design of healthcare facilities and/or seismic rehabilitation of existing hospitals in California.
• Experience utilizing advanced analysis and performance-based design national standards for the design of tall buildings and/or the retrofit of existing structures.
• Experience designing buildings with passive energy dissipation.
• Active participation in national technical or non-technical committees or boards.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid vacation or other personal time.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Pay

Expected salary (all locations): $140,000–$180,000. WSP USA provides this compensation range based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal equity, as well as specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. With over 15,000 employees in more than 300 offices across the U.S., WSP partners with clients to help communities prosper. The company offers a flexible and agile workplace model while providing a comprehensive suite of benefits.