Lead Structural Engineer - Building Design

Olsson; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Flexible work arrangements

Wellness program

Traditional benefits package

Job summary

Olsson is seeking a Lead Engineer to oversee project design and manage tasks within the structural group. This role involves making influential recommendations and having technical responsibility for design assignments, ensuring high-quality solutions that positively affect communities.

The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s Degree and 12–20+ years of Structural Engineering experience, with proven supervisory skills and a commitment to exceeding client expectations.

Qualifications

• 12–20+ years of related Structural Engineering experience.
• Registered professional with supervisory experience.
• Proven track record in exceeding client expectations.

Responsibilities

• Leads large-scale project design and manages the design process.
• Executes high-level project document analysis.
• Develops and implements engineering standards.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Team collaboration

Decision-making

Innovative problem-solving

Education

Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering or Civil/Architectural Engineering

Job description

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job Description

Olsson's Facilities Engineering and Design Team is at the forefront of engineering innovation, providing comprehensive services for large commercial developments, healthcare facilities, laboratories, educational institutions, data centers, and military installations. Our expertise includes engineering analysis, design services, and professional consulting, ensuring top‑tier quality and world‑class installations. We also provide building inspection and forensic investigation services. As a member of this team, you will contribute to diverse, high‑impact projects, delivering engineering solutions that make a tangible difference in communities and industries.

The Lead Engineer role oversees high‑level project design and manages the overall design tasks within the structural group. As a Lead Engineer, you will make influential recommendations and decisions regarding advanced engineering activities and specialized client‑type standards and have full technical responsibility of design assignments. This role manages the delivery of advanced project designs that provide purposeful, high‑quality solutions to successfully solve engineering and design needs.

Primary Responsibilities

• Leads large‑scale project design by serving as a technical lead for complex assignments and managing the design from initial design to project completion.
• Executes high‑level analysis and review of project documents ensuring compliance with applicable standards, codes, and regulations.
• Oversees and regularly monitors engineering processes and resources to maximize productivity and efficiency.
• Develops and implements standards and guidelines for diverse engineering activities to ensure high‑quality results.
• Elevates the level of technical expertise within the team through technical design training and mentoring.
• Supports project management objectives by providing leadership and direction regarding organizing technical resources for key projects and utilizing resources effectively.
• Collaborates with project managers to ensure technical aspects of projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet established objectives.
• Demonstrates an elevated degree of creativity, decision‑making, and responsibility for design tasks within a specific discipline.

Qualifications

• Working collaboratively with others.
• Having ownership in the work you do.
• Using your talents to positively affect communities.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
• Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering or Civil or Architectural Engineering with a structural emphasis.
• 12–20+ years of related Structural Engineering experience.
• Must be a registered professional and have at least four years of experience supervising technical personnel.
• Proven track record in meeting and exceeding client expectations through technical design work.
• Excellent client service orientation.
• Solid interpersonal and decision‑making skills and the ability to generate innovative and effective solutions to complex problems.

Additional Information

• Receive a competitive 401(k) match.
• Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths.
• Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements.
• Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities.
• Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles.

In addition, full‑time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.