Principal, Building Technology

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) seeks a Principal to drive technical excellence, lead high-profile investigations, and oversee design and construction-phase services for challenging building projects in the U.S.

This senior role emphasizes client relationship management, strategic growth, and cross-disciplinary leadership across SGH offices. The Principal will mentor staff, lead teams, and contribute to SGH’s reputation through industry involvement and high-quality deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture,Engineering, or Architectural Engineering (advanced degree preferred).
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Registered Architect (RA) required.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Business acumen

Education

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

Job description

Do you want to help engineer what’s next?

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients’ most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 800 employees in offices nationwide, SGH’s industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what’s possible.

What makes careers at SGH so special?

The only way to advance is to question and explore. Every member of the SGH team is both a learner and an educator, committed to advancing ourselves, our teams, and our industry. Together we are creating a community that never settles for what is but always seeks what could be.

There are many reasons to love SGH:

• Our Work: Our clients trust us to bring clarity and deliver outstanding solutions for their most complex projects.
• Our People: We are bold thinkers and compassionate teammates, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
• Our Commitment: We live with integrity and embrace an obligation to give back to our professions and communities.
• Our Contribution: We offer a comprehensive and rich compensation and benefits package with company-paid and voluntary programs to help build healthy lifestyles, strong relationships, and future prosperity.

We are seeking a Principal who is passionate about technical excellence, people leadership, and advancing SGH’s long-term success.

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