Senior Structural Engineer

About the Role

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. We create an unshakable foundation for progress through multidisciplinary teams that include scientists, economists, builders, analysts, and artists. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design critical infrastructure supporting the digital age and shaping spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience.

We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. This role offers a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence in the built environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the BES structural engineering section in the New England region, including design and technical review of building structural systems.
• Serve as the Structural Engineer of Record (SER) for all building structural projects.
• Lead structural engineering design for buildings and infrastructure projects from concept through construction.
• Develop structural systems based on project requirements, codes, constructability, sustainability, and lifecycle cost.
• Perform and oversee structural analysis and design using industry-standard software, integrating BIM and digital delivery workflows.
• Prepare and review structural calculations, specifications, reports, and construction documents.
• Conduct quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) reviews of engineering deliverables.
• Perform existing condition assessments, evaluating structures and developing repair, renovation, and rehabilitation solutions.
• Develop discipline-specific scopes, budgets, schedules, and support staffing plans via forecasting and resource allocation.
• Support project managers in monitoring structural engineering project performance against scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
• Coordinate with architects, civil, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and specialty consultants.
• Support construction administration, including RFIs, submittals, site observations, and change order evaluations.
• Serve as the primary structural engineering contact for key clients, building and maintaining long-term relationships.
• Support proposal development, technical approaches, fee estimates, and participate in project interviews and client presentations.
• Participate in networking events and professional organizations.
• Mentor junior engineers, designers, and EITs, providing technical guidance and coaching.
• Review engineering work for technical accuracy and completeness, ensuring designs meet life safety, resiliency, and performance objectives.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new employees, supporting career development and professional licensing.
• Stay current with evolving building codes and industry standards, developing and maintaining structural design standards and best practices.
• Promote sustainable and resilient structural design, evaluating emerging materials and technologies.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil/Structural Engineering or BS degree in Architectural Engineering with a structural emphasis.
• Master's degree in Architectural Engineering with a structural emphasis.
• Structural Engineer (SE) license preferred or ability to obtain.
• 15+ years of progressively responsible structural engineering experience within an A/E consulting environment.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary building or infrastructure projects from planning through construction.
• Proficiency with structural analysis and design software (e.g., RAM Structural System, ETABS, SAP2000, RISA-3D, STAAD.Pro) and BIM platforms such as Revit.
• Strong knowledge of applicable building codes and standards, including IBC, ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC Steel Construction Manual, TMS 402/602, and NDS.
• Experience serving as Engineer of Record (EOR) and leading technical quality reviews.
• Proven ability to mentor engineering staff and lead technical teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills with experience interacting directly with clients and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success supporting proposal development, business development, and client relationship management.
• Experience with structural assessments, rehabilitation, seismic evaluations, and existing building renovations.
• Active participation in professional organizations (e.g., Structural Engineering Institute (SEI), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), or local structural engineering associations).
• Commitment to continuing professional development.
• Professional Engineer certification in MA, NH, CT, ME, or RI.
• Preference given to candidates local to the New England area.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
• A minimum of 10 years of structural engineering experience related to building design.
• Professional engineering license (PE or P.Eng) recognized by the licensing board for the position’s location.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RAM, ETABS, SAFE, or similar analytical software.
• Experience in design calculations and layouts.
• Ability to design and detail in steel, concrete, masonry, and wood.
• Understanding of gravity analysis and lateral analysis.
• Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm.
• Commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture.

Benefits

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short and long-term disability, life insurance, and an employee assistance program.
• Paid time away, parental leave, and paid holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) foster a sense of belonging and support an inclusive environment where everyone is empowered to contribute.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position depends on skills, experience, education, and geographical location:

• Boston, MA: $141,708 - $202,440
• Portland, ME: $112,186 - $160,265
• Providence, RI: $123,995 - $177,135
• Bedford, NH: $123,995 - $177,135
• Rocky Hill, CT: $129,899 - $185,570

Schedule

Full-time, regular position.

Locations

Primary location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston. Other locations include:

• United States-New Hampshire-Bedford
• United States-Maine-Portland
• United States-Connecticut-Rocky Hill
• United States-Rhode Island-Providence