Structural Practice Lead – Buildings

VHB•Washington, DC

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

VHB has an immediate need for a Practice Lead to help expand our growing building structural practice. In this position, you would help set the strategic direction for the building structural practice, collaborate with and lead staff in multiple offices, and support competitive proposals. You would also lead the planning, analysis, design, and detailing of new structures, with a focus on transportation-related structures for state agencies and transportation authorities. The ideal candidate should possess a “can-do” attitude, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to work independently as well as with a team in a dynamic, fast paced, and fun environment. The position includes significant opportunities for personal and professional development and growth within VHB. Among its recent recognition, VHB won the 2025 Best Managed Company award, recognizing its impactful development and infrastructure projects across our footprint.

Requirements

Ability to lead and collaborate with a team of staff working remotely
Must possess strong technical skills with knowledge of various structural systems for building construction
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
Enthusiasm to learn, seek out opportunities, and take responsibility
Working knowledge of Revit and 3D modeling software for QC and mentoring purposes
Proactive and self-motived, with excellent attention to detail and quality
Motivated to mentor junior staff
Strong organizational and time management skills
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or architecture, MS preferred
10+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in the architectural or structural design of buildings.
Minimum of 4 years’ experience working on structures for state agencies and transportation authorities.
PE or RA License
Demonstrated success in completing structural designs and developing contract plans in conformance with accepted engineering standards and procedures for public and private clients
Past business development success and industry relationships
Ability to travel as needed to client sites

Responsibilities

Key client and contract management
Coordination with Architecture partners
Technical oversight and review
Generate new business development opportunities and prepare winning proposals
Lead go/no go and partnering decisions on strategic pursuits
Project scoping and development
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with leading external disciplines (i.e. architecture and MEP consultant partners)
Supervising and mentoring younger staff
Quality management
Preliminary and final structural design
Monitoring of project budgets and schedules
Establish and track project milestones as well as quarterly business goals
Involvement and input in key personnel decisions