Lead Structural Engineer

WSP is seeking a Lead Structural Engineer to join their dynamic Property & Buildings team in Chicago, IL.

Our team is a leading provider of structural design consulting services for complex building projects in multiple sectors including science/technology, healthcare, commercial construction, public safety, K-12, and higher education. This position provides high level technical assistance and guidance for multi-site/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, improvement, and/or construction of building projects in the public and private sector. Tasks include the research, design, concept development, planning, and construction of load-bearing structures or structural elements. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, structural soundness, and functionality. Demonstrates leadership qualities and a passion for growing within the structural engineering profession. Manages and mentors other engineers in a team-oriented environment.

Your Impact

• 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, and buildings to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
• Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates, 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 projects.
• Develop and incorporate advanced technologies, building materials, modeling techniques, and design requirements to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, and implementing future-ready solutions with structural engineering design standards.
• Coordinate design efforts with teams of engineers, architects, planners, and other building consultant professionals to execute project work on multiple concurrent projects, including budgets, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, cost and quantities of materials/equipment/labor, technical calculations, permit support, and construction.
• Coordinate, review and approve building design plans, ensuring 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 structural technical reports and presentations that explain research, concepts, and recommendations.
• Analyze, evaluate, and interpret data obtained during site investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities.
• Interact with architects, consultants, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
• Proactively collaborate with other engineers and building design professionals on Federal, State, regional, local, and privately funded 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.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post-education experience in structural design.
• Professional Engineer license required.
• Structural Engineer (SE) license required, or the ability to demonstrate that the licensure can be achieved quickly.
• 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 greenhouse gas.
• Well-defined specific knowledge of relevant structural 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, and understanding plans and specifications.
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Engineering (structural)