Vice President, Structural Engineering

WSP•McNair, VA

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Vice President, Structural Engineering to join our team in one of our Virginia offices. Be involved in projects with our Mid-Atlantic District Transportation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges. Job Summary Provides leadership for structural engineering within the organization, ensuring that technical deliverables and building and infrastructure projects meet industry and company standards for design, safety, structural performance, and functionality. Oversees subject‑matter expertise, innovation, and compliance with all applicable Local, State, and Federal engineering, construction, and safety regulations. Offers administrative and technical guidance to support the development, execution, and monitoring of projects within a defined geography or discipline, aligned with company, regional, and national business goals. Ensures adherence to project lifecycle requirements—from proposal and planning through execution, reporting, and closeout—in accordance with corporate project excellence standards. Provides strategic direction to address evolving project management needs in a complex and rapidly changing operational environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Structural or Civil Engineering (or a closely related discipline).
Professional Engineer (PE) license required; multi‑state licensure preferred.
12+ years of relevant post‑education experience in structural/civil engineering and infrastructure design.
Advanced proficiency in structural engineering principles, bridge and infrastructure design, design‑build delivery, and application of engineering standards to permitting and project work.
Strong knowledge of structural and civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and documentation requirements.
Deep understanding of project delivery processes and demonstrated experience in project management for complex, multi‑disciplinary projects.
Advanced ability to perform technical computations, interpret plans and specifications, and compare design elements to applicable regulations and standards.
Demonstrated ability to work independently while providing leadership, guidance, and QA/QC oversight to mid‑ and senior‑level staff.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact persuasively and tactfully with clients, regulators, senior leadership, subcontractors, and cross‑functional teams.
Strong analytical, critical‑thinking, and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
Proven ability to build cooperation and alignment across diverse internal and external stakeholders, including those without formal reporting relationships.
Advanced proficiency with structural engineering and design software (e.g., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, ANSYS, LARSA 4D, STAAD), as well as MS Office and project management tools.
Strong experience reviewing and approving discipline‑specific project deliverables, processes, and plans in a multi‑project environment.
Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and adherence to WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, schedules, and business needs with strong self‑management and attention to detail.
Willingness to travel occasionally based on project requirements.
Commitment to staying current with evolving structural engineering and project management practices.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree in Engineering.
Strong experience in managing the review and approval of documents and discipline-specific deliverables, certifications, processes, and plans in a multi-project environment is highly desirable.
Master’s Degree in Engineering.
Strong experience in managing the review and approval of documents and discipline-specific deliverables, certifications, processes, and plans in a multi-project environment is highly desirable.
25+ years of relevant post‑education experience in structural/civil engineering and infrastructure design.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for the structural engineering discipline, ensuring technical excellence, consistency, and alignment with business objectives.
Oversee discipline standards, certifications, accreditations, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead discipline meetings, communicate priorities, and promote innovation and best practices.
Serve as a primary representative for the structural discipline with clients, agencies, industry groups, and community stakeholders.
Review engineering plans, specifications, permit applications, standby plans, integrated management plans, and construction activities for regulatory compliance and sound engineering practice.
Direct and oversee technical reviews, ensuring adherence to QA/QC procedures and appropriate staffing for required reviews.
Interpret and summarize technical data, reports, and regulatory documents to support sound engineering and program decisions.
Lead and manage large, complex structural and multidisciplinary projects, including scope development, scheduling, budgeting, forecasting, and performance tracking.
Ensure full compliance with project lifecycle requirements, from pursuit and proposal development through execution, reporting, and closeout.
Facilitate project kickoffs, maintain regular client communication, and provide progress updates, issue escalation, and scope/budget impact assessments.
Oversee subcontractors, contract obligations, and project documentation, including risk registers, PMPs, quality plans, safety plans, and communication plans.
Monitor accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, and financial performance to ensure profitable project delivery.
Participate in problem‑project reviews and support development of recovery plans when needed.
Lead and support business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, developing client relationships, and contributing to pursuit strategies and go/no‑go decisions.
Develop and inform proposal scopes, schedules, pricing, and budgets.
Support long‑term strategy, growth, and pipeline development for structural engineering services across planning, design, consulting, and program/construction management.
Expand the client base and cross‑sell WSP capabilities across disciplines.
Develop and implement strategies to engage project stakeholders at all levels and maintain effective working relationships.
Meet with public and private entities to address engineering and construction issues, challenges, and program needs.
Lead or participate in contract negotiations, presentations, and key project meetings.
Mentor, coach, and develop staff to support their technical growth and professional advancement.
Provide performance guidance, workload management, and leadership to assigned staff.
Identify skill gaps and support workforce planning to meet business and project needs.
Work collaboratively with professionals across disciplines to deliver integrated, future‑ready solutions and trusted‑advisor service to clients.
Provide verbal and written contributions to multidisciplinary teams and support high‑level strategic advice.
Maintain current knowledge of structural engineering and project management practices, tools, and industry trends.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, in accordance with WSP’s Code of Conduct.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Benefits

Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

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