Green Card Principal Structural Engineer Jobs
Principal Structural Engineer jobs with green card sponsorship are available through employers willing to sponsor EB-2 or EB-3 permanent residence. Most roles require a licensed PE and advanced structural expertise. The PERM labor certification process includes a prevailing wage determination and DOL-supervised recruitment before your employer files an I-140 petition with USCIS.
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Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to be based in either Los Angeles or Orange, CA. This Senior Structural Engineer will support a wide range of projects across industries including entertainment, commercial, industrial, government, detention, and parking structures. This role offers the opportunity to develop analytical and design skills while focusing on seismic design, seismic retrofits, and advanced structural analysis methods.
Join our dynamic team supporting exciting projects! Work independently and make technical decisions based on building code interpretation as well as company, client, and industry standard practices. Mentor and teach junior engineers. Grow your career with us in our Building+ Places group.
LA28 & AECOM: Transforming Los Angeles
We are proud to be the Official Venue Infrastructure Partner for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA. With an unprecedented scope spanning infrastructure architecture, engineering, planning, program management, and construction management, AECOM will support the comprehensive delivery of the venue infrastructure program for the Games. Join us in shaping LA28 and redefining the future of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
About Buildings + Places
AECOM’s Buildings + Places practice includes architecture, interiors, building engineering, workplace strategy, business transformation, asset advisory, economics and development planning, master planning, urban planning, and landscape architecture in a dynamic, interactive, and creative work environment.
With a range of expertise from strategy and design through project realization, we create better outcomes to grow economies, protect natural systems, conserve natural resources, make societies more equitable and connect and engage people through innovative, sustainable design solutions.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Performs specific and moderate portions of a broader assignment of an experienced engineer.
- Gathers and correlates basic engineering data using established and well-defined procedures.
- Works on detailed or routine engineering assignments involving calculations and relatively simple to complex tests.
- Proposes approach to solve new problems encountered using modifications of standard procedures or methods developed in previous assignments.
- Identifies discrepancies in results.
- Provides guidance to entry level engineers.
- Performs work in accordance with agreed upon budget and schedule with little supervision.
- Independently performs all the tasks necessary to complete primary design elements for engineering works.
- Performance at this level requires developmental experience in a professional position.
- Potential projects come from a wide variety of industry sectors including entertainment, commercial, industrial, parking structures, government, and detention.
- Engineer will work collaboratively with more experienced engineers where required on very large projects and will be given the responsibility to lead/work independently on moderately sized structural design projects and tasks.
Daily work includes:
- Perform structural analysis and design
- Coordinate work with other design disciplines and prepare contract documents
- Construction administration
- Author structural reports, assessments, and studies.
Qualifications
Minimum:
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering and 8 years of experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
- US Citizenship due to federal contract/security requirements
Preferred:
- Master of Science (with structural engineering concentration)
- Preferred 12+ years of experience
- Professional License in California (SE)
- Demonstrated experience applying all major structural design codes (IBC, CBC, ASCE 7, etc)
- Demonstrated experience using 3-D structural analysis software (examples include ETABS, SAP, RISA, RAM, and SAFE)
- Experience designing in Steel, Concrete, Masonry, and Timber
- Experience with Wind and Seismic lateral design, including retrofit of existing structures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with performance-based design is highly desirable
- Experience with ASCE 41 for retrofit of existing structures is highly desirable.
Additional Information
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking a Principal Structural Engineer to be based in either Los Angeles or Orange, CA. This Senior Structural Engineer will support a wide range of projects across industries including entertainment, commercial, industrial, government, detention, and parking structures. This role offers the opportunity to develop analytical and design skills while focusing on seismic design, seismic retrofits, and advanced structural analysis methods.
Join our dynamic team supporting exciting projects! Work independently and make technical decisions based on building code interpretation as well as company, client, and industry standard practices. Mentor and teach junior engineers. Grow your career with us in our Building+ Places group.
LA28 & AECOM: Transforming Los Angeles
We are proud to be the Official Venue Infrastructure Partner for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Team USA. With an unprecedented scope spanning infrastructure architecture, engineering, planning, program management, and construction management, AECOM will support the comprehensive delivery of the venue infrastructure program for the Games. Join us in shaping LA28 and redefining the future of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
About Buildings + Places
AECOM’s Buildings + Places practice includes architecture, interiors, building engineering, workplace strategy, business transformation, asset advisory, economics and development planning, master planning, urban planning, and landscape architecture in a dynamic, interactive, and creative work environment.
With a range of expertise from strategy and design through project realization, we create better outcomes to grow economies, protect natural systems, conserve natural resources, make societies more equitable and connect and engage people through innovative, sustainable design solutions.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Performs specific and moderate portions of a broader assignment of an experienced engineer.
- Gathers and correlates basic engineering data using established and well-defined procedures.
- Works on detailed or routine engineering assignments involving calculations and relatively simple to complex tests.
- Proposes approach to solve new problems encountered using modifications of standard procedures or methods developed in previous assignments.
- Identifies discrepancies in results.
- Provides guidance to entry level engineers.
- Performs work in accordance with agreed upon budget and schedule with little supervision.
- Independently performs all the tasks necessary to complete primary design elements for engineering works.
- Performance at this level requires developmental experience in a professional position.
- Potential projects come from a wide variety of industry sectors including entertainment, commercial, industrial, parking structures, government, and detention.
- Engineer will work collaboratively with more experienced engineers where required on very large projects and will be given the responsibility to lead/work independently on moderately sized structural design projects and tasks.
Daily work includes:
- Perform structural analysis and design
- Coordinate work with other design disciplines and prepare contract documents
- Construction administration
- Author structural reports, assessments, and studies.
Qualifications
Minimum:
- Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering and 8 years of experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
- US Citizenship due to federal contract/security requirements
Preferred:
- Master of Science (with structural engineering concentration)
- Preferred 12+ years of experience
- Professional License in California (SE)
- Demonstrated experience applying all major structural design codes (IBC, CBC, ASCE 7, etc)
- Demonstrated experience using 3-D structural analysis software (examples include ETABS, SAP, RISA, RAM, and SAFE)
- Experience designing in Steel, Concrete, Masonry, and Timber
- Experience with Wind and Seismic lateral design, including retrofit of existing structures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with performance-based design is highly desirable
- Experience with ASCE 41 for retrofit of existing structures is highly desirable.
Additional Information
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
See all 190+ Green Card Principal Structural Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Principal Structural Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Principal Structural Engineer
Align your credentials with PERM requirements
Pull your O*NET occupation profile for Principal Structural Engineers to confirm the degree and experience thresholds DOL uses during PERM review. Gaps between your foreign credentials and U.S. equivalency standards are a common audit trigger, so get a credential evaluation before you apply.
Target employers with active EB-2 and EB-3 filing history
Use Migrate Mate to search Principal Structural Engineer roles at employers with verified green card sponsorship history, so you're applying to companies that have already run PERM for this occupation rather than ones still deciding whether they will.
Get a PE license before the PERM recruitment phase
Most PERM job descriptions for this role list Professional Engineer licensure as a requirement. If you're unlicensed when recruitment runs, DOL may find a qualified U.S. worker who is licensed, which kills the certification. Obtain your state PE license first.
Negotiate who covers the PERM and I-140 fees
Federal regulations prohibit employers from passing PERM filing costs onto you, but attorney fees and I-140 filing fees are negotiable. Clarify the cost split in your offer letter before you sign, since ambiguity here creates disputes once the process is underway.
Check your priority date against the Visa Bulletin early
If you're a national of India or China, your EB-2 or EB-3 priority date can face a significant backlog before you can file an I-485. USCIS publishes the monthly Visa Bulletin, and knowing your likely wait affects whether you stay in H-1B visa status or pursue other interim options.
Preserve your priority date if you change employers
Once your original I-140 is approved, your priority date can transfer to a new employer's I-140 for the same or a similar occupation. If your I-485 has been pending 180 days or more, AC21 job portability also lets you change employers without restarting the process entirely.
Green Card Principal Structural Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Which green card category fits a Principal Structural Engineer role?
Most Principal Structural Engineer positions qualify under EB-2, which covers roles requiring an advanced degree or a bachelor's degree plus five years of progressive experience in structural engineering. EB-3 is also available for candidates with a four-year degree and two or more years of experience. Your employer's attorney will determine the category based on the job description and your credentials.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B sponsorship for this role?
H-1B is temporary status tied to a specific employer, renewed in three-year increments. Green card sponsorship through PERM, I-140, and adjustment of status leads to permanent residence. PERM requires your employer to test the U.S. labor market and obtain a prevailing wage determination from DOL, steps that have no equivalent in the H-1B process. The timeline is longer, but the outcome is permanent.
What does the PERM labor certification process involve for a structural engineering role?
Your employer files a prevailing wage request with DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification, then runs a mandatory recruitment campaign, posting the role in specific venues including a Sunday newspaper and state workforce agency. DOL reviews whether any qualified U.S. workers applied. If none were found willing and able, DOL certifies the application and the employer can file an I-140 with USCIS.
How do I find employers willing to sponsor a green card for this position?
Search Migrate Mate for Principal Structural Engineer roles filtered to employers with verified green card sponsorship history. Many engineering firms sponsor H-1B holders but are less experienced with PERM, so focusing your search on companies that have already completed EB-2 or EB-3 cases for this occupation saves significant time and reduces the risk of an employer backing out mid-process.
Can I switch employers after my I-140 is approved?
Yes, in two ways. Once your original I-140 is approved, your priority date can transfer to a new employer's I-140 for the same or a similar occupation, so you don't lose your place in the queue. If your I-485 adjustment has been pending at least 180 days, AC21 portability lets you change to a same or similar job without your pending I-485 being affected.