Principal Structural Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington
Principal structural engineer jobs in Washington draw candidates to Boeing, Amazon, and major infrastructure firms in Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. The state's dense pipeline of large-scale commercial, transit, and aerospace projects creates consistent demand for senior structural talent, and several Washington employers have established track records of sponsoring work visas for qualified international engineers.
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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
Principal Structural Engineer Job Roles in Washington
See all Principal Structural Engineer Jobs in Washington
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Search Principal Structural Engineer Jobs in WashingtonPrincipal Structural Engineer Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in Washington sponsor visas for principal structural engineers?
Engineering and construction firms with active Washington offices have sponsored structural engineering roles, including KPFF Consulting Engineers, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Skilling Ward Magnusson Barkshire, and large prime contractors tied to Sound Transit expansion and Seattle-area high-rise development. Aerospace employers like Boeing also hire senior structural engineers and have established H-1B visa sponsorship processes for specialty occupation roles.
What visa types realistically apply to principal structural engineer roles in Washington?
Principal structural engineering is a specialty occupation requiring a directly related bachelor's degree, so H-1B is the primary path for most international candidates. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under the TN visa as engineers under the USMCA profession list. For Australian nationals, the E-3 visa offers a cap-exempt alternative to H-1B. Employer-sponsored EB-2 or EB-3 green cards are also pursued for permanent residence, typically after an initial nonimmigrant visa period.
How to find principal structural engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate lists Washington employers with verified visa sponsorship history for engineering roles, letting you focus on companies that have already filed for principal structural engineer positions rather than cold-applying broadly. Seattle and Bellevue employers dominate the listings, but Tacoma and the Eastside corridor also appear. Searching by role and location on Migrate Mate surfaces current openings from firms with documented sponsorship activity.
Which cities in Washington have the most principal structural engineer sponsorship jobs?
Seattle accounts for the highest concentration, driven by ongoing transit infrastructure, high-density mixed-use development, and the presence of large consulting engineering firms. Bellevue has grown significantly as tech-linked commercial construction continues on the Eastside. Tacoma sees demand tied to port infrastructure and regional transit projects. Redmond and Kirkland attract some structural engineering talent connected to tech campus construction programs.
Are there state-specific factors that affect visa sponsorship for principal structural engineers in Washington?
Washington's seismic zone classification means structural engineers working here often need familiarity with performance-based seismic design, which elevates the credential requirements employers cite in sponsorship filings. Washington does not require a Professional Engineer license for all private-sector structural roles, but most principal-level positions do require a licensed PE, and that license must be valid in Washington state. These requirements reinforce the specialty occupation basis that supports H-1B and TN visa eligibility.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored principal 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.