Principal Jobs in California

INTRODUCTION

Do you want to help engineer what's next?

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients' most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 800 employees in offices nationwide, SGH's industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what's possible.

What makes careers at SGH so special?

The only way to advance is to question and explore. Every member of the SGH team is both a learner and an educator, committed to advancing ourselves, our teams, and our industry. Together we are creating a community that never settles for what is but always seeks what could be.

There are many reasons to love SGH:

• Our Work: Our clients trust us to bring clarity and deliver outstanding solutions for their most complex projects.
• Our People: We are bold thinkers and compassionate teammates, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
• Our Commitment: We live with integrity and embrace an obligation to give back to our professions and communities.
• Our Contribution: We offer a comprehensive and rich compensation and benefits package with company-paid and voluntary programs to help build healthy lifestyles, strong relationships, and future prosperity.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

We want someone passionate about engineering, business generation, client relationships, problem solving, and people management.

We are seeking a Principal who is passionate about technical excellence, people leadership, and advancing SGH's long-term success. The Principal-level role represents a senior leadership position within SGH. This individual independently leads complex, high-risk projects; generates and sustains significant external work; strengthens key client relationships; mentors staff; and contributes meaningfully to SGH's strategic growth and reputation. This person must maintain professional relationships and involvement (associations, committees, etc.) in their field of technical expertise. Essential duties include climbing ladders and scaffolds, working at significant heights, and traveling by car, train/subway, and air to multiple job sites. This is a primarily in-office position located in Los Angeles, CA, with the potential for flexible working hours.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead and direct complex, high-profile projects involving new design and the evaluation, investigation, and repair of existing buildings, serving as Principal-in-Charge where appropriate.
• Independently manage significant project portfolios, ensuring sound judgment in project selection, contracting, scope definition, risk management, billing oversight, and fee collection.
• Generate, execute, and sustain external work consistent with Principal-level expectations, demonstrating strong business acumen and market presence.
• Pursue and develop new markets, clients, or practice areas that expand SGH's technical breadth and strategic reach.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary client contact on major engagements, building long-term relationships aligned with SGH's values and professional standards.
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluating opportunities and safeguarding SGH's reputation in the marketplace.
• Provide senior technical leadership in the investigation and remediation of complex building envelope malfunctions and failures.
• Direct and oversee design and construction-phase services, including consultation to engineers, architects, contractors, and construction administration support.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across divisions, offices, and practice areas, fostering collaboration and an all-SGH mindset.
• Mentor, develop, and create growth opportunities for staff across reporting lines, conducting meaningful performance feedback and supporting professional advancement.
• Perform peer reviews of plans, specifications, proposals, and technical deliverables to ensure excellence and consistency with SGH's standards.
• Support litigation, claims, and expert services efforts by providing authoritative technical insight and professional judgment when required.
• Demonstrate strong leadership presence through industry involvement, including publications, professional societies, speaking engagements, and committee participation that enhances SGH's visibility and reputation.
• Actively promote all SGH professional services and engage the best SGH expertise to serve clients effectively.
• Demonstrate commitment to SGH's long-term success, including participation in firm leadership initiatives and shareholding consistent with firm policy.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Architectural Engineering (advanced degree preferred) with 15+ years of experience in an architectural/engineering or construction management environment.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (RA) required (as applicable to discipline) in the state of California.
• Demonstrated multi-year experience independently directing complex projects and serving as Principal-in-Charge or equivalent leadership role.
• Proven record of generating and sustaining significant external work and independently attracting clients.
• Established professional reputation as a first-rate provider in the marketplace, respected by clients and industry peers.
• Strong business judgment, risk awareness, and strategic decision-making capability.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including mentoring and developing staff across multiple teams and offices.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills; ability to serve as lead author and reviewer of complex technical documents and proposals.
• Commitment to ethical practice, quality assurance/quality control procedures, and safeguarding SGH's professional reputation.
• Ability to travel to project sites as required and maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.

SGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We consider all qualified applicants and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. If the application system is not accessible to you, or you need a reasonable accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email jobs@sgh.com or call 781-907-9000 and ask for Human Resources.