Managing Principal Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Managing Principal roles sit at the senior leadership tier where most U.S. employers file H-1B visa or EB-2 sponsorship for the right candidate. The specialty occupation requirement is straightforward for strategy, consulting, and professional services firms that consistently recruit at this level.
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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?
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.
We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.
We are currently searching for a strong, local, design professional to thrive as the Managing Principal in leading our Minneapolis architecture studio. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who desires to lead an established architectural practice for an internationally recognized firm. The primary responsibility of the Managing Principal is for strategic vision, leadership, inspiration, quality assurance, and profitability of the office to ensure the annual plan is implemented.
The Managing Principal role at HDR is one where a collaborative attitude is necessary and expected. While you will be focused on the success of the Minneapolis office, you will be required to work closely with other Managing Principals in the region and across the firm to implement sound business practices, bring the highest level of service and quality to our clients and lead the growth of the office.
To achieve success, the Managing Principal will work directly with their team and market sector leadership to develop relationships with target clients and pursue new projects in the surrounding region. The pursuit of new work will be in a collaborative manner with local designers, technical leaders, and national experts as required. This individual will oversee and direct the activities of personnel within the office including implementing annual plans, marketing strategies, public relations, project planning, financial planning and management, staff planning and oversight and other related matters. This position will be responsible for establishing local office policies / procedures and adherence to corporate policies, project contract financial fee and budget information in conjunction with Marketing and Project Management, and establishment and/or maintenance of quality control processes and procedures. The Managing Principal may be required to lead and manage teams on larger projects, as well as perform other duties as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field
- A minimum of 10 years previous management experience
- Professional Architectural registration
- Good leadership and organizational skills
- Service- and client-related personality
- Maintains a professional or engineering registration and has related technical experience
- Extensive experience in development and management of diverse teams
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
Preferred Qualifications:
- Stronger consideration will be given to candidates with Healthcare, Higher Education and/or Science experience
- Preference will be given to individuals in the local market.
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.) Pay Range: $168,977 - 241,395
Primary Location:
United States-Minnesota-Minneapolis
Industry:
Architecture
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Health ARC
Job Posting:
Jul 16, 2026
Managing Principal
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?
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.
We believe architecture is more than designing buildings, it’s about providing solutions to societal challenges and creating stronger, more vibrant communities. As part of our Architecture practice at HDR, you’ll contribute to the design and delivery of spaces and experiences that advance community well-being around the world. From healing environments and learning spaces to research labs and civic landmarks and infrastructure, your work will directly influence how individuals experience the world around them. We bring together architects, planners, designers, and technical experts to solve complex design challenges with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration. From championing design excellence with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability to pioneering innovative building technologies, your contributions will leave a lasting impact on the built environment. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful change and help define the future of our communities.
We are currently searching for a strong, local, design professional to thrive as the Managing Principal in leading our Minneapolis architecture studio. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who desires to lead an established architectural practice for an internationally recognized firm. The primary responsibility of the Managing Principal is for strategic vision, leadership, inspiration, quality assurance, and profitability of the office to ensure the annual plan is implemented.
The Managing Principal role at HDR is one where a collaborative attitude is necessary and expected. While you will be focused on the success of the Minneapolis office, you will be required to work closely with other Managing Principals in the region and across the firm to implement sound business practices, bring the highest level of service and quality to our clients and lead the growth of the office.
To achieve success, the Managing Principal will work directly with their team and market sector leadership to develop relationships with target clients and pursue new projects in the surrounding region. The pursuit of new work will be in a collaborative manner with local designers, technical leaders, and national experts as required. This individual will oversee and direct the activities of personnel within the office including implementing annual plans, marketing strategies, public relations, project planning, financial planning and management, staff planning and oversight and other related matters. This position will be responsible for establishing local office policies / procedures and adherence to corporate policies, project contract financial fee and budget information in conjunction with Marketing and Project Management, and establishment and/or maintenance of quality control processes and procedures. The Managing Principal may be required to lead and manage teams on larger projects, as well as perform other duties as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture or closely related field
- A minimum of 10 years previous management experience
- Professional Architectural registration
- Good leadership and organizational skills
- Service- and client-related personality
- Maintains a professional or engineering registration and has related technical experience
- Extensive experience in development and management of diverse teams
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
Preferred Qualifications:
- Stronger consideration will be given to candidates with Healthcare, Higher Education and/or Science experience
- Preference will be given to individuals in the local market.
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.) Pay Range: $168,977 - 241,395
Primary Location:
United States-Minnesota-Minneapolis
Industry:
Architecture
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Health ARC
Job Posting:
Jul 16, 2026
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Managing Principal Jobs
Frame your credentials around specialty occupation
Managing Principal roles must qualify as a specialty occupation under USCIS criteria, meaning your degree field must directly relate to the position's duties. Pull your O*NET profile to map your discipline to the job's core tasks before applying.
Target firms with active LCA filing histories
Use Migrate Mate to identify employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for senior principal or managing-level roles. Prior LCA activity signals an established sponsorship process, not a one-off exception your offer would require them to build from scratch.
Distinguish yourself from internal promotion candidates
Many Managing Principal openings are filled by promoting internal staff, which makes external sponsorship candidates a harder sell. Lead with cross-industry client portfolios or revenue accountability metrics that internal candidates can't replicate, making the sponsorship cost clearly offset.
Verify prevailing wage tier before the offer stage
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your location and role level. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your metropolitan area before negotiating; a Level III or IV wage determination is typical for Managing Principal titles.
Clarify PERM versus NIW eligibility early
If the employer proposes an EB-2 green card, ask whether they'll file through PERM labor certification or whether your background supports a National Interest Waiver self-petition. NIW eliminates the PERM recruitment burden entirely, which some firms prefer for senior hires.
Account for H-1B lottery timing in your negotiation
If you're not already in H-1B status, the annual lottery means your start date depends on cap selection. The H-1B rules have changed recently, so confirm the current selection mechanics directly with USCIS and factor a potential one-year wait into any employment start date discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Managing Principal role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS requires that the position normally require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field directly related to the role. For Managing Principal positions in consulting, finance, engineering, or professional services, this threshold is consistently met. Roles that are purely general management without a specialized discipline can face more scrutiny, so your employer's petition should document the specific degree field required.
Which visa types do employers most commonly use to sponsor Managing Principal hires?
H-1B is the most common nonimmigrant path, though candidates already holding TN visa, E-3 visa, or H-1B1 visa status may transfer sponsorship without a new lottery slot. For permanent residence, most employers pursue EB-2 through PERM labor certification, though candidates with exceptional ability or national interest grounds may qualify for an EB-2 NIW self-petition, bypassing the PERM process entirely.
How do I find employers actively sponsoring Managing Principal roles?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified sponsorship histories for senior-level roles, so you can focus your search on firms that have already navigated the LCA and petition process at this job level rather than approaching employers who have no experience sponsoring principal-tier candidates.
Does the advanced degree exemption help Managing Principal candidates in the H-1B lottery?
It can. Candidates who hold a U.S. master's degree or higher are eligible for the 20,000-slot advanced degree exemption under the H-1B cap, which provides an additional selection opportunity beyond the 65,000 regular cap. Managing Principal roles in consulting and professional services often attract candidates with MBAs or advanced degrees, so this exemption is frequently relevant. Confirm current selection procedures directly with USCIS, as the rules have changed recently.
Can a Managing Principal candidate self-petition for a green card without employer sponsorship?
Yes, under two pathways. The EB-1A extraordinary ability category allows self-petition if you can demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim through publications, awards, media coverage, or high-salary evidence relative to peers. The EB-2 NIW allows self-petition if your work has substantial merit and national importance. Both avoid PERM labor certification, which is a significant advantage if your employer is unwilling to sponsor or if you want independence from a single employer's timeline.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Managing Principal 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.