Lead Structural Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington
Lead structural engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Washington draw from the state's major infrastructure projects, tech campus expansions, and seismic retrofit programs. Boeing, Amazon, and large engineering firms like HDR and KPFF Consulting actively hire at this level. Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma concentrate most openings, with public transit and waterfront redevelopment adding steady demand.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of Senior Structural Engineer, we'll count on you to:
- Lead structural design of data centers, aerospace, manufacturing, transit facilities, operations and maintenance facilities, commercial, health care, education, life science and civic project types
- Plan, direct and monitor all structural aspects of large multi-discipline projects or medium-sized projects with high degree of technical complexity, typically involving a large project staff
- Produce and coordinate several projects concurrently
- Coordinate staffing and workload of staff through entire project development to complete documents on schedule
- Conduct schematic, design development and contract document work sessions in conjunction with other Project Managers, appropriate technical professionals and other disciplines
- Serve as a technical expert with recognized authority in structural engineering as it relates to projects; resolve problems of greater scope and complexity
- Serve as Project Manager on larger projects, though project management is not sole focus of position
- Establish client relations and be involved with marketing, contractual, design and production meetings
- Assist with marketing, proposals, interviews, project production, and related issues
- Implement, monitor and support company policy
- Perform other duties as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
- A minimum of 10 years structural engineering experience as it relates to building design
- Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
- Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar analytical software
- Experience in design calculations and layouts
- Ability to design and detail in steel, concrete, masonry and wood
- Requires understanding of gravity analysis and lateral analysis
- Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering with Structural emphasis
- SE is highly preferred
- Experience with project types such as industrial, manufacturing, commercial, hotels, high-rise
- Experience with concrete, tilt-up, post-tension, steel, wood, masonry, mass timber
- Experience in project management
- Local candidates
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Ability to handle multiple assignments
- Good leadership and organizational skills
- Knowledgeable of governing building codes, such as International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, ASCE 7, etc.
- Proficiency with finite element structural design software such as RAM Structural Systems, RAM Elements, SAP 2000, SAFE, RISA 3D, RISA Foundations, RISA Connections, Tedds, Enercalc, etc.
- Knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, BIM 360.
- Experience with ASCE 41 seismic retrofit design
- Experience with ACI 318 concrete structures
- Experience with AISC 360 and 341 steel structures
- Experience with structural condition assessment, repair, and rehabilitation
- Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED
- Active Industry Engagement
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)
LOCATION
Location: United States-Washington-Bellevue
INDUSTRY
Industry: Building Engineering
SCHEDULE
Schedule: Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Employee Status: Regular
JOB POSTING
Job Posting: Oct 21, 2026
INTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it’s about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR’s Building Engineering Services Group, you’ll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of Senior Structural Engineer, we'll count on you to:
- Lead structural design of data centers, aerospace, manufacturing, transit facilities, operations and maintenance facilities, commercial, health care, education, life science and civic project types
- Plan, direct and monitor all structural aspects of large multi-discipline projects or medium-sized projects with high degree of technical complexity, typically involving a large project staff
- Produce and coordinate several projects concurrently
- Coordinate staffing and workload of staff through entire project development to complete documents on schedule
- Conduct schematic, design development and contract document work sessions in conjunction with other Project Managers, appropriate technical professionals and other disciplines
- Serve as a technical expert with recognized authority in structural engineering as it relates to projects; resolve problems of greater scope and complexity
- Serve as Project Manager on larger projects, though project management is not sole focus of position
- Establish client relations and be involved with marketing, contractual, design and production meetings
- Assist with marketing, proposals, interviews, project production, and related issues
- Implement, monitor and support company policy
- Perform other duties as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
- A minimum of 10 years structural engineering experience as it relates to building design
- Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
- Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar analytical software
- Experience in design calculations and layouts
- Ability to design and detail in steel, concrete, masonry and wood
- Requires understanding of gravity analysis and lateral analysis
- Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering with Structural emphasis
- SE is highly preferred
- Experience with project types such as industrial, manufacturing, commercial, hotels, high-rise
- Experience with concrete, tilt-up, post-tension, steel, wood, masonry, mass timber
- Experience in project management
- Local candidates
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Ability to handle multiple assignments
- Good leadership and organizational skills
- Knowledgeable of governing building codes, such as International Building Code, International Existing Building Code, ASCE 7, etc.
- Proficiency with finite element structural design software such as RAM Structural Systems, RAM Elements, SAP 2000, SAFE, RISA 3D, RISA Foundations, RISA Connections, Tedds, Enercalc, etc.
- Knowledge of AutoCAD, Revit, BIM 360.
- Experience with ASCE 41 seismic retrofit design
- Experience with ACI 318 concrete structures
- Experience with AISC 360 and 341 steel structures
- Experience with structural condition assessment, repair, and rehabilitation
- Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED
- Active Industry Engagement
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)
LOCATION
Location: United States-Washington-Bellevue
INDUSTRY
Industry: Building Engineering
SCHEDULE
Schedule: Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Employee Status: Regular
JOB POSTING
Job Posting: Oct 21, 2026
Lead Structural Engineer Job Roles in Washington
See all Lead Structural Engineer Jobs in Washington
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Search Lead Structural Engineer Jobs in WashingtonLead Structural Engineer Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for lead structural engineers in Washington?
Engineering consultancies with active Washington offices, including HDR, KPFF Consulting, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, and Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire, have histories of sponsoring structural engineers at the lead level. Large construction owners like Boeing and Amazon, alongside public-agency contractors working on Sound Transit expansions and Washington State DOT projects, also file sponsorship petitions for experienced structural engineers.
Which visa types realistically fit lead structural engineer roles in Washington?
The H-1B visa is the most common path, as lead structural engineer qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a directly related bachelor's degree. 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. Australian citizens can pursue the E-3 visa, which requires a Labor Condition Application but has no lottery. EB-2 and EB-3 green card paths are also available through PERM labor certification.
How to find lead structural engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate lists Washington employers with verified visa sponsorship history for lead structural engineer roles, so you can focus on firms already familiar with the sponsorship process rather than approaching companies cold. Seattle and Bellevue produce the highest concentration of active postings at this level. Filtering by role and location on Migrate Mate surfaces firms currently hiring, which saves significant time compared to broad job searching.
Which cities in Washington have the most lead structural engineer sponsorship jobs?
Seattle accounts for the majority of lead structural engineer sponsorship activity in Washington, driven by tech campus construction, high-rise residential development, and seismic upgrade programs. Bellevue has grown significantly as a secondary hub, particularly tied to Amazon's East Campus and light rail corridor projects. Tacoma and Redmond also generate openings, especially for engineers with transportation infrastructure or data center structural experience.
Are there any Washington-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for lead structural engineers?
Washington's seismic zone classification means employers frequently require familiarity with performance-based seismic design, which elevates the specialty occupation argument for H-1B purposes. The state's active light rail expansion under Sound Transit creates sustained public-sector demand. University of Washington graduates create a local pipeline, but international candidates with licensed professional engineer credentials or advanced degrees in structural engineering remain competitive for lead-level sponsorship roles.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored lead structural engineer jobs in Washington?
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.