Lead Structural Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 101,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil and environmental engineering firm is seeking a Lead Structural Engineer to join their Water business line. This role includes designing structures for water and wastewater facilities and requires 7+ years of engineering experience. Candidates with strong problem-solving skills and effective communication abilities are encouraged to apply. A collaborative environment fosters growth and allows you to make significant design decisions.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• 7+ years of design/engineering experience.
• Professional registration (P.E.) preferred.
• Water experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design buildings and structures for water/wastewater treatment facilities.
• Complete major design tasks with limited supervision.
• Conduct field observations and inspections.

Skills

Technical communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering from an accredited university

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil3D

Revit

RISA

STAAD

Job description

Job Description

Our mission is BUILDING COMMUNITIES. IMPROVING LIVES. With a legacy spanning over 110 years, HR Green is a trusted leader in civil and environmental engineering, consistently delivering innovative infrastructure solutions for our colleagues, clients, and communities. Every day, we help solve complex challenges—especially in water and wastewater infrastructure—in ways that inspire our teams and exceed client expectations. As a top provider of water and wastewater engineering services, we are proud to be ranked No. 168 on Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms list for 2025. Our continued recognition as a Best Place to Work highlights our commitment to creating a collaborative, purpose-driven workplace.

Summary

We are currently seeking a Lead Structural Engineer for our Water business line. If you are interested in working with a small, high-powered group of structural engineers and designers, then this is a great opportunity for you! This role will allow you to design the buildings and internal process structures for water and wastewater treatment facilities. A successful candidate is one who is looking to progress their career by working alongside Lead Structural Engineers and ultimately grow to lead structural projects. You will have to make significant design decisions with support from Lead Engineers. Typical designs include reinforced concrete structures and/or tanks (including water retention), masonry and/or precast concrete buildings, general analysis of existing buildings and facilities, and design of ancillary items required to support an overall project such as pipe supports, railings, platforms, and catwalks. You will be working alongside experienced and knowledgeable structural engineers and designers in a collaborative environment that fosters growth and development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Use professional judgment to independently complete engineering tasks within federal, state, and local criteria.
• Complete major design tasks with limited supervision, primarily related to Water/Wastewater and Utility projects, involving concrete, masonry, and steel design.
• Ensure accuracy of tasks using HR Green's QA/QC processes.
• Assist in bidding or contractor selection if authorized by the Project Manager.
• Conduct field observations, inspections, and data collection as needed.
• Respond to contractor questions, prepare project addenda, and recommend change orders when authorized.
• Participate in preparing engineering proposals, including estimating time schedules and costs.
• Sign and seal engineering documents as an authorized representative.
• Communicate technical matters effectively with clients.
• Assign and manage tasks to team members under the direction of the Project Manager or Lead Engineer.
• Participate in professional associations related to structural engineering.

Qualifications

• Water experience is preferred but not required.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in engineering from an accredited university.
• Professional registration (P.E.) in one or more states, or ability to obtain within six months.
• S.E. certification is a plus.
• 7+ years of design/engineering experience with demonstrated ability to sign engineering documents.
• Proficiency in office software (Word, Excel, Bluebeam), AutoCAD, Civil3D, Revit, and structural design software such as RISA and STAAD.
• Strong technical communication and problem-solving skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle for work purposes.

Compensation Range

$101,200.00 - $161,600.00

The final salary depends on education, experience, skills, and location. Compensation may include base salary and performance-based bonuses.

Benefits

HR Green offers a comprehensive benefits package. For details, visit https://www.hrgreen.com/careers/benefits/.

HR Green is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, or other protected categories.