Structural Practice Lead – Buildings

VHB • Washington, DC

3d • $140,000 - $200,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

For the second year in a row, VHB proudly celebrates our selection as a 2026 U.S. Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the Best Managed Company program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies demonstrating excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance. This year, 63 companies across the U.S. have been recognized, with VHB being one of only two AEC firms honored.
As VHB grows across its footprint, we need to hire a new 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.
Learn more about our Structures practice at VHB: Bridges & Structures | VHB

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

Benefits

• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment
• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior