Principal Structural Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Principal structural engineer jobs in California span seismic retrofit programs, large-scale transit infrastructure, and high-rise development across Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego. Major employers include AECOM, Thornton Tomasetti, Degenkolb Engineers, and large public agencies like Caltrans. International candidates with structural engineering credentials find active sponsorship opportunities across both private firms and public works contractors.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany 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.
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.
Principal Structural Engineer Job Roles in California
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Search Principal Structural Engineer Jobs in CaliforniaPrincipal Structural Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for principal structural engineers in California?
Engineering and infrastructure firms with established immigration programs are the most consistent sponsors. AECOM, Jacobs, WSP, Thornton Tomasetti, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, and Degenkolb Engineers have filed Labor Condition Applications for structural engineering roles in California. Large public works contractors and transit agencies, including those supporting the California High-Speed Rail project, also sponsor senior engineering positions regularly.
What visa types realistically apply to principal structural engineer roles in California?
The H-1B visa is the most common path, as principal structural engineering qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a directly related bachelor's degree or higher. The H-1B is subject to an annual cap and selection process. Canadian and Mexican citizens may qualify for TN visa status under the USMCA Engineer category. Eligible Australian nationals can pursue the E-3 visa, which requires an employer-filed Labor Condition Application and has no lottery. EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship is also available through most large engineering firms.
Which cities in California have the most principal structural engineer sponsorship jobs?
Los Angeles and the greater Southern California region generate the highest volume, driven by seismic retrofit mandates, infrastructure investment, and commercial construction. San Francisco and Oakland follow closely, with active demand tied to transit projects and mixed-use high-rise development. San Diego sees consistent hiring from defense-adjacent engineering firms and municipal infrastructure programs. Sacramento also has opportunities linked to state agency and transportation projects.
How to find principal structural engineer visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists California employers with verified visa sponsorship history for principal structural engineer roles, letting you search by city and filter to firms that have actively filed for engineering positions. This is a faster starting point than parsing raw government data yourself. Focus on firms with active California project pipelines, particularly those tied to seismic compliance, transit infrastructure, and large commercial development.
Are there state-specific factors that affect sponsorship for principal structural engineers in California?
California's seismic risk drives sustained demand for senior structural engineers, particularly those with expertise in performance-based design and seismic retrofitting under state and local mandates. California also requires structural engineers to hold a licensed Professional Engineer or SE stamp for many project types, so international candidates should understand that visa sponsorship and state licensure are separate processes. Firms often prefer candidates who are already licensed or actively pursuing California PE or SE licensure.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored principal structural engineer jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.