Lead Structural Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Lead Structural Engineer roles attract strong H-1B visa sponsorship from civil, consulting, and construction firms because the specialty occupation requirement is straightforward to document with a licensed engineering degree. Employers file a Labor Condition Application before you start, and your PE licensure strengthens every petition.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
WSP is seeking a Lead Structural Engineer to join their dynamic Property & Buildings team in Miami, FL.
Our team is a leading provider of structural design consulting services for complex building projects in multiple sectors including science/technology, healthcare, commercial construction, public safety, K-12, and higher education. This position provides high level technical assistance and guidance for multi-site/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, improvement, and/or construction of building projects in the public and private sector. Tasks include the research, design, concept development, planning, and construction of load-bearing structures or structural elements. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, structural soundness, and functionality. Ensures high-quality deliverables are produced and distributed on time and in compliance with project-specific construction codes. Demonstrates leadership qualities and a passion for growing within the structural engineering profession. Manages and mentors other engineers in a team-oriented environment.
YOUR IMPACT
- Apply high-level structural engineering techniques and processes to identify improvements for various building project phases including concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation.
- Perform professional structural engineering work and conduct research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, and buildings to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates, and updating layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
- Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design, construction, rehabilitation, and remediation of building projects.
- Develop and incorporate advanced technologies, building materials, modeling techniques, and design requirements to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, and implementing future-ready solutions with structural engineering design standards.
- Coordinate design efforts with teams of engineers, architects, planners, and other building consultant professionals to execute project work on multiple concurrent projects, including budgets, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, cost and quantities of materials/equipment/labor, technical calculations, permit support, and construction.
- Coordinate, review and approve building design plans, ensuring work is compliant with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
- Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, cross-sections, and 2D/3D illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex data, findings, or analyses.
- Prepare comprehensive structural technical reports and presentations that explain research, concepts, and recommendations.
- Analyze, evaluate, and interpret data obtained during site investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities.
- Interact with architects, consultants, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
- Proactively collaborate with other engineers, and building design professionals on Federal, State, regional, local, and privately funded projects, as well as proposal and business development opportunities.
- Remain current in latest structural engineering techniques and practices.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
- 7 to 10 years of relevant post education experience in structural design.
- Professional Engineer license required.
- Structural Engineer (SE) license required, or the ability to demonstrate that the licensure can be achieved quickly.
- Proficient with structural engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to project work-related issues.
- Knowledge and experience with building structural planning, design, and construction management; including active involvement in a variety of rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects.
- Working knowledge with process and concepts for sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas.
- Well-defined specific knowledge of relevant structural construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Well-developed ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, and understanding plans and specifications.
- Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of buildings, facilities, or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies.
- Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Demonstrated high-level of self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Works independently with minimal oversight and provides guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
- Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, structural software (such as ETABS or RAM), Building Information Modeling (BIM), technology, math principles, physics, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
- Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
- Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s Degree in Engineering (structural)
ABOUT WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
INTRODUCTION
WSP is seeking a Lead Structural Engineer to join their dynamic Property & Buildings team in Miami, FL.
Our team is a leading provider of structural design consulting services for complex building projects in multiple sectors including science/technology, healthcare, commercial construction, public safety, K-12, and higher education. This position provides high level technical assistance and guidance for multi-site/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, improvement, and/or construction of building projects in the public and private sector. Tasks include the research, design, concept development, planning, and construction of load-bearing structures or structural elements. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, structural soundness, and functionality. Ensures high-quality deliverables are produced and distributed on time and in compliance with project-specific construction codes. Demonstrates leadership qualities and a passion for growing within the structural engineering profession. Manages and mentors other engineers in a team-oriented environment.
YOUR IMPACT
- Apply high-level structural engineering techniques and processes to identify improvements for various building project phases including concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation.
- Perform professional structural engineering work and conduct research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, and buildings to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Develop construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates, and updating layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
- Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design, construction, rehabilitation, and remediation of building projects.
- Develop and incorporate advanced technologies, building materials, modeling techniques, and design requirements to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, and implementing future-ready solutions with structural engineering design standards.
- Coordinate design efforts with teams of engineers, architects, planners, and other building consultant professionals to execute project work on multiple concurrent projects, including budgets, tracking hours and expenses, task completion, cost and quantities of materials/equipment/labor, technical calculations, permit support, and construction.
- Coordinate, review and approve building design plans, ensuring work is compliant with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
- Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, cross-sections, and 2D/3D illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex data, findings, or analyses.
- Prepare comprehensive structural technical reports and presentations that explain research, concepts, and recommendations.
- Analyze, evaluate, and interpret data obtained during site investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities.
- Interact with architects, consultants, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
- Proactively collaborate with other engineers, and building design professionals on Federal, State, regional, local, and privately funded projects, as well as proposal and business development opportunities.
- Remain current in latest structural engineering techniques and practices.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
- 7 to 10 years of relevant post education experience in structural design.
- Professional Engineer license required.
- Structural Engineer (SE) license required, or the ability to demonstrate that the licensure can be achieved quickly.
- Proficient with structural engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to project work-related issues.
- Knowledge and experience with building structural planning, design, and construction management; including active involvement in a variety of rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects.
- Working knowledge with process and concepts for sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas.
- Well-defined specific knowledge of relevant structural construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Well-developed ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, and understanding plans and specifications.
- Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of buildings, facilities, or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies.
- Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Demonstrated high-level of self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Works independently with minimal oversight and provides guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
- Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, structural software (such as ETABS or RAM), Building Information Modeling (BIM), technology, math principles, physics, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
- Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
- Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s Degree in Engineering (structural)
ABOUT WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
See all 251+ Lead Structural Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Lead Structural Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Lead Structural Engineer
Align your credentials with specialty occupation standards
Your degree must be in civil or structural engineering, not a broadly related field. If your credential is from outside the U.S., get a credential evaluation that maps it to a U.S. bachelor's equivalent before any employer files your petition with USCIS.
Verify your PE license transfers across states
Many structural engineering roles require a licensed Professional Engineer. Check whether your current state license is reciprocal with the job location before accepting an offer, since an unlicensed PE candidate can complicate the specialty occupation argument in your H-1B petition.
Target engineering-of-record firms over general contractors
Structural engineering firms that sign drawings as engineer of record file LCAs for direct technical hires far more consistently than general contractors, who typically subcontract design work. Search Migrate Mate to find employers with verified sponsorship history in structural and civil engineering roles.
Benchmark your offer against OFLC Wage Search data
Your employer must pay at least the prevailing wage for your role and location under the LCA. Run your job title and metro area through the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating, so you know the DOL wage floor and can flag any offer that falls below it.
Confirm the LCA is certified before your start date
The employer must receive a certified LCA from DOL before submitting your H-1B petition to USCIS. Ask your HR contact or immigration attorney to confirm certification status at least two weeks before your expected start date to avoid gaps in authorized employment.
Use your project portfolio to address RFE risk
USCIS sometimes issues Requests for Evidence on structural engineering roles if job duties appear supervisory rather than technical. Prepare a project portfolio documenting hands-on design and analysis work, load calculations, and code compliance reviews to show the role genuinely requires a specialized engineering degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lead Structural Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS treats structural engineering as a specialty occupation because the work requires at least a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering as a minimum entry requirement. The key is that your employer's job description must emphasize technical design and analysis duties rather than general management, since supervisory-only roles can draw scrutiny during adjudication.
Which visa types are realistic for a Lead Structural Engineer seeking U.S. sponsorship?
H-1B is the most common path, covering specialty occupation roles and allowing dual intent toward a green card. Canadian and Mexican nationals can use TN visa status under the USMCA engineer category with far less administrative burden. Australian citizens can apply for the E-3 visa, which has its own annual cap but has never been exhausted. All three require a degree in engineering directly related to the role.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor structural engineers?
Migrate Mate lists U.S. employers with verified sponsorship history, searchable by role and location, so you can focus your applications on firms that have already demonstrated willingness to file. Structural engineering sponsorship tends to cluster in large civil consulting firms, municipal infrastructure contractors, and specialized facade or bridge engineering practices.
Does my Professional Engineer license affect my visa sponsorship eligibility?
A PE license doesn't change visa eligibility directly, but it strengthens the specialty occupation argument in your H-1B petition and is often a hard requirement in the job posting itself. If the role requires a PE and you're not yet licensed, your employer may still file your petition while you pursue licensure, though some firms won't sponsor until you're licensed.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new structural engineering employer mid-project?
Yes. Under H-1B portability rules, you can begin working for a new employer once the new I-129 petition is filed with USCIS, without waiting for approval. The new employer must file their own LCA certified by DOL for your new role and location. Project continuity obligations are a contract matter, not an immigration constraint, so your visa status transfers cleanly as long as the role remains a qualifying specialty occupation.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Lead Structural Engineer jobs?
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.