Principal Structural Engineer

Arcadis•San Francisco, CA

7d•$156,860 - $235,290•Onsite

About The Position

Arcadis is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer with 15 or more years of seismic design experience to lead the design of heavy civil structures, including major transportation infrastructure projects, from its San Francisco, California office. The role provides technical leadership and strategic direction for large-scale infrastructure projects, applying sound engineering judgment to complex structural challenges and guiding multidisciplinary teams. The engineer oversees design quality and influences project outcomes from planning and design through construction, while building trusted relationships with clients, owners, contractors, and design partners. The position leads preliminary and final structural design, directs and approves technical design materials, and manages project work plans and performance. It also involves coordinating teams across disciplines and offices, communicating with stakeholders, providing engineering services during construction, and mentoring technical staff. The role promotes continuous improvement, innovative design practices, standardized processes, and stronger structural engineering capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field from an ABET-accredited institution.
At least 15 years of progressive structural engineering experience supporting major infrastructure projects.
Current California Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Demonstrated expertise in California seismic analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures.
Strong working knowledge of applicable codes and standards, including AASHTO, Caltrans, ASCE, and the California Building Code.
Familiarity with finite element structural analysis software such as SAP2000 and MIDAS, and geotechnical analysis software such as Plaxis and FLAC.
Strong verbal and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively and professionally with clients.
Professional fluency in written and spoken English.
Strong leadership, multidisciplinary coordination, communication, and technical decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

Lead preliminary and final design of heavy civil and infrastructure structures, delivering compliant, constructible, and cost-effective solutions.
Direct, review, and approve structural analyses, calculations, drawings, specifications, technical reports, studies, and cost estimates.
Evaluate constructability, design risks, interfaces, and alternative solutions throughout design.
Develop and execute project work plans covering scope, schedule, budget, staffing, deliverables, technical priorities, and quality control.
Monitor project performance and proactively manage technical, coordination, schedule, and delivery risks.
Coordinate engineers, technicians, and design professionals across disciplines and offices to achieve integrated project delivery.
Lead project meetings, design reviews, client engagements, and technical discussions; communicate recommendations, decisions, risks, and impacts.
Liaise with owners, contractors, consultants, reviewing agencies, and other stakeholders to resolve issues and support successful project outcomes.
Provide engineering services during construction.
Mentor and develop engineers and technical staff, promoting sound engineering judgment, accountability, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technical excellence.
Drive continuous improvement through lessons learned, innovative design practices, standardized processes, and advancement of structural engineering capabilities.