Principal, Building Technology

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 214,240 - 273,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Profit Sharing and 401(k)

Job summary

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) in Chicago is seeking a Principal to lead complex architectural projects and mentor staff. The ideal candidate will have over 15 years of experience in architectural engineering, demonstrable business acumen, and strong leadership skills. Responsibilities include managing project portfolios, sustaining external work, and acting as the primary client contact. Benefits include paid time off, health insurance, profit sharing, and 401(k) contributions.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in architectural/engineering or construction management.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (RA) required.
• Experience managing complex projects as Principal-in-Charge.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee complex, high-profile projects.
• Manage significant project portfolios with sound judgment.
• Generate and sustain external work consistent with Principal-level expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Business acumen

Risk management

Client relations

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Architectural Engineering

Job description

The Principal-level role represents a senior leadership position within SGH. This individual independently leads complex, high-risk projects; generates and sustains significant external work; strengthens key client relationships; mentors staff; and contributes meaningfully to SGH’s strategic growth and reputation.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead and direct complex, high-profile projects involving new design and the evaluation, investigation, and repair of existing buildings, serving as Principal-in-Charge where appropriate.
• Independently manage significant project portfolios, ensuring sound judgment in project selection, contracting, scope definition, risk management, billing oversight, and fee collection.
• Generate, execute, and sustain external work consistent with Principal-level expectations, demonstrating strong business acumen and market presence.
• Pursue and develop new markets, clients, or practice areas that expand SGH’s technical breadth and strategic reach.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary client contact on major engagements, building long‑term relationships aligned with SGH’s values and professional standards.
• Exercise sound judgment in evaluating opportunities and safeguarding SGH’s reputation in the marketplace.
• Provide senior technical leadership in the investigation and remediation of complex building envelope malfunctions and failures.
• Direct and oversee design and construction‑phase services, including consultation to engineers, architects, contractors, and construction administration support.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across divisions, offices, and practice areas, fostering collaboration and an all‑SGH mindset.
• Mentor, develop, and create growth opportunities for staff across reporting lines, conducting meaningful performance feedback and supporting professional advancement.
• Perform peer reviews of plans, specifications, proposals, and technical deliverables to ensure excellence and consistency with SGH’s standards.
• Support litigation, claims, and expert services efforts by providing authoritative technical insight and professional judgment when required.
• Demonstrate strong leadership presence through industry involvement, including publications, professional societies, speaking engagements, and committee participation that enhances SGH’s visibility and reputation.
• Actively promote all SGH professional services and engage the best SGH expertise to serve clients effectively.
• Demonstrate commitment to SGH’s long‑term success, including participation in firm leadership initiatives and shareholding consistent with firm policy.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Architectural Engineering (advanced degree preferred) with 15+ years of experience in an architectural/engineering or construction management environment.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (RA) required (as applicable to discipline) in the state of Chicago.
• Demonstrated multi‑year experience independently directing complex projects and serving as Principal-in-Charge or equivalent leadership role.
• Proven record of generating and sustaining significant external work and independently attracting clients.
• Established professional reputation as a first‑rate provider in the marketplace, respected by clients and industry peers.
• Strong business judgment, risk awareness, and strategic decision‑making capability.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, including mentoring and developing staff across multiple teams and offices.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills; ability to serve as lead author and reviewer of complex technical documents and proposals.
• Commitment to ethical practice, quality assurance/quality control procedures, and safeguarding SGH’s professional reputation.
• Ability to travel to project sites as required and maintain an acceptable Motor Vehicle Report.

Benefits Overview

• Paid Time Off (Vacation time, Sick leave, Holidays)
• Paid Parental Leave
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) plan with a discretionary company contribution
• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Short and Long‑Term Disability (company paid)
• Employee Basic Life and AD&D insurance (company paid)
• Optional Life Insurance
• Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Fertility, Family Forming, and Hormonal Health benefit
• Employee Assistance Program
• Empathy Bereavement Support
• Pre‑tax Commuter Benefit
• AFLAC Accident & Cancer Insurance
• Legal & Identity Theft plans
• Tuition Reimbursement

Compensation

The compensation range below is a good faith estimate pursuant to applicable equal pay and pay transparency laws. The actual salary offered will be based on several factors including the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Base salary is a part of SGH’s industry‑leading Total Compensation package. Our Total Compensation package includes base salary, pay for extra direct hours worked, an annual discretionary bonus program, generous paid time off, and health and wellness benefits with a special emphasis on substantial SGH contributions to medical insurance premiums and SGH’s Profit Sharing & 401(k) Plan.

Pay Range

• Associate Principal: $214,240 - $236,080
• Principal: $262,080
• Senior Principal: $273,000

SGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We consider all qualified applicants and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. If the application system is not accessible to you, or you need a reasonable accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email [e-mail] or call 781-907-9000 and ask for Human Resources.