Vice President, Structural Engineering

WSP•Philadelphia, PA

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Vice President, Structural Engineering to join their dynamic Property & Buildings team in Philadelphia, PA. The team is a leading provider of structural design consulting services for complex building projects across various sectors including science/technology, healthcare, commercial construction, public safety, K-12, and higher education. This role provides high-level technical assistance and guidance for multi-site/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, improvement, and/or construction of building and infrastructure projects in both public and private sectors. Responsibilities include research, design, concept development, planning, and construction of load-bearing structures or structural elements, ensuring quality, safety, structural soundness, and functionality that meets or exceeds industry standards. The position also ensures high-quality deliverables are produced and distributed on time and in compliance with project-specific construction codes. A key aspect of this role is demonstrating leadership qualities, a passion for professional growth, and the ability to manage and mentor other engineers in a team-oriented environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
12+ years of relevant post education experience in engineering discipline and prior structural or civil design experience.
Professional Engineer license required.
Proficient with structural engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to project work-related issues.
Knowledge and experience with building structural planning, design, and construction management; including active involvement in a variety of rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects.
Working knowledge with process and concepts for sustainability, and reducing and eliminating the use or generation of hazardous substances/greenhouse gas.
Well-defined specific knowledge of relevant structural and civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
Well-developed ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations.
Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of buildings, facilities, or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies.
Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
Demonstrated high-level of self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
Works independently with minimal oversight and provides guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, structural software (such as ETABS or RAM), Building Information Modeling (BIM), technology, math principles, physics, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Engineering (structural)
Structural Engineering (SE) license

Responsibilities

Apply high-level structural engineering techniques and processes to identify improvements for various building project phases including concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation.
Perform professional structural engineering work and conduct research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, buildings, infrastructure, transportation channels, and operations to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing construction safety and phasing plans, and updating layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design, construction, rehabilitation, and remediation of building and infrastructure projects, ensuring durability of materials and structural soundness from loads and pressures caused by environmental or human influence.
Develop and incorporate advanced technologies, monitoring devices, building materials, modeling techniques, design requirements, and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, transportation vehicles/systems, and implementing future-ready solutions with structural and civil engineering design standards.
Oversee and monitor cross-functional teams of engineers, architects, planners, and scientific professionals to execute project work on mid-level and/or multiple concurrent projects, including budgets, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, cost and quantities of materials/equipment/labor, technical calculations, permit applications, construction, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
Coordinate, review and approve building and infrastructure design plans, ensuring data integrity and work is compliant with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, cross-sections, and 2D/3D illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex data, findings, or analyses.
Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, concepts, and recommendations to prevent, control, restore, or address structural, environmental, design, and/or construction issues or opportunities.
Analyze, evaluate, and interpret data obtained during site investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities.
Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
Proactively collaborate with other engineers, professionals, and infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, local, and privately funded improvement and development projects, as well as proposal and business development opportunities.
Remain current in latest structural engineering techniques and practices.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.