Associate Principal, Structural Engineering

Our client is a highly respected consulting engineering firm specializing in advanced structural engineering, engineering mechanics, infrastructure resilience, and complex technical problem-solving. The organization partners with clients across the energy, government, healthcare, transportation, industrial, and critical infrastructure sectors to deliver innovative solutions for challenging engineering projects.

Known for its collaborative environment, technical excellence, and commitment to professional growth, the firm offers engineers the opportunity to work on some of the industry's most complex and impactful projects while building long-term leadership careers.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Project Manager to join a growing structural engineering and infrastructure practice. This is a leadership-track opportunity for an accomplished engineer who is passionate about both technical problem-solving and developing people.

In this role, you will lead multidisciplinary projects, manage client relationships, mentor engineering staff, and provide technical oversight on highly complex infrastructure and energy-related projects. The position offers significant exposure to cutting-edge engineering challenges involving advanced analysis, seismic engineering, structural dynamics, risk assessment, and mission-critical facility design.

Candidates located in San Diego are preferred, though remote arrangements may be considered for highly qualified professionals.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of complex engineering projects.
• Provide technical direction for advanced structural analyses, including finite element analysis and structural dynamics.
• Oversee engineering work related to seismic design, extreme event loading, vibration mitigation, impact and blast assessment, and equipment qualification.
• Support the design and evaluation of critical infrastructure, industrial facilities, energy assets, and mission-critical structures.
• Develop practical, cost-effective engineering solutions emphasizing constructability, standardization, simplicity, and risk-informed decision-making.
• Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, and quality objectives.
• Supervise and mentor engineers and technical staff.
• Review engineering deliverables and major technical reports.
• Collaborate directly with clients, regulatory agencies, utilities, and research organizations.
• Prepare proposals and contribute to business development efforts.
• Participate in contract negotiations and project risk management activities.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor on high-profile projects across highly regulated industries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited institution.
• Master's degree or PhD in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 8+ years of relevant structural or civil engineering experience.
• Strong background in structural analysis, seismic engineering, infrastructure systems, or related technical specialties.
• Experience managing engineering projects and leading technical teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while managing complex technical challenges.
• Strong client-facing and relationship management skills.
• Commitment to engineering excellence, quality assurance, and continuous improvement.
• Record of professional achievement through publications, industry involvement, technical presentations, or professional leadership.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as needed.

Benefits / Growth Opportunity

• Leadership-track position with significant career advancement potential.
• Opportunity to work on nationally significant infrastructure, energy, and mission-critical projects.
• Exposure to advanced engineering technologies and complex technical challenges.
• Collaborative culture that encourages innovation, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.
• Mentorship opportunities and the ability to shape the development of future engineering talent.
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.
• Flexible work arrangements available for qualified candidates.

If you're

LVI Associates exists to enable exceptional careers around the world; we connect exceptional talent, with exceptional opportunities.

We believe that every professional should benefit from the advice of a trusted partner throughout their career.

We provide that partnership to mid to senior level professionals within the Energy, Environmental & Infrastructure spaces through our network of micro-specialist consultants.

Each team within LVI Associates focuses on a specialist area of Energy & Infrastructure. I specialise in sourcing and placing senior level candidates within the bridges and highway construction spaces.

Make LVI Associates your career partner; ensure your career journey is exceptional.