Principal Structural Engineer

Mott MacDonald•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$169,000 - $207,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to join our Los Angeles team and play a key leadership role in the development and delivery of major transportation infrastructure projects. As a Principal Engineer, you will serve as a technical authority and project leader, guiding complex structural design work, mentoring engineering teams, and influencing project outcomes across multiple programs. Principal engineers are typically responsible for setting technical direction, overseeing design quality, and leading multidisciplinary collaboration on large-scale infrastructure projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (ABET-accredited)
15+ years of structural engineering experience on infrastructure projects
Professional Engineer (PE) license in California (or ability to obtain within one year)
Strong knowledge of relevant codes and standards (AASHTO, Caltrans, AREMA, ASCE, CBC)
Demonstrated experience with California seismic design and analysis
Proven ability to lead design for structures using: Reinforced and prestressed concrete, Post-tensioned systems, Structural steel
Experience overseeing complex designs, calculations, and documentation

Nice To Haves

Track record of acting as technical lead or project engineer on major infrastructure projects
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage clients
Experience mentoring teams and managing distributed project delivery
Ability to balance technical delivery with strategic project oversight

Responsibilities

Leading the conceptual, preliminary, and final design of structural systems using industry-standard software
Acting as a technical lead and subject matter expert across multiple projects
Reviewing, approving, and guiding design work to ensure compliance with codes and client standards
Leading project meetings, client engagement, and technical discussions
Mentoring and developing junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence
Overseeing and assisting on the delivery of projects including preparing and reviewing technical reports, engineering design plans, specifications, cost estimates, and studies and providing design services during construction
Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams across offices to ensure integrated project delivery
Supporting project and commercial management, including scope, schedule, and budget oversight
Participating in site visits and stakeholder coordination across Southern California
Driving a digital-by-default approach through modern engineering tools and workflows