Principal Structural Engineer | West Coast Business Development Lead

Buro Happold Limited; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 185,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Annual bonus

PTO 4-5 weeks + 10 holidays

Job summary

Buro Happold seeks an accomplished Structural Engineering leader to drive business development and lead client engagements on the West Coast. The role blends roughly 60% business development with 40% project delivery, shaping growth for the California market and beyond.

You will leverage a strong track record of work-winning, client relationships, and technical leadership to elevate our Structural Engineering practice while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across the US West Coast.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional Structural Engineering experience.
• Licensed California SE (Structural Engineer) license.
• Master’s degree in Structural Engineering preferred.
• Proven track record in client engagement and work-winning for California/West Coast markets.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive business development and work-winning activity across California and the West Coast.
• Develop and strengthen long-term relationships with clients and industry partners.
• Support evolution of team strategy, growth plans, and brand goals.
• Mentor colleagues in developing client relationships and work-winning capabilities.
• Ensure high standards of technical quality, project delivery and client service.

Skills

15+ years

Client engagement

Business development

Work winning

Licensed CA SE

Commercial awareness

Leadership

Communication skills

Education

MS in Structural Engineering

Job description

Principal Structural Engineer | West Coast Business Development Lead

Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Buro Happold’s Structural Engineering practice brings together deep technical expertise, innovative design thinking, and a collaborative approach to deliver exceptional solutions across a diverse portfolio of projects. Our structural engineers work alongside multidisciplinary teams to solve complex challenges and create high‑performing, resilient, and impactful buildings and places.

As part of our continued growth across the US West Coast, we are looking for an experienced Structural Engineering leader to help drive business development, strengthen client relationships, and support the continued growth and reputation of our Structural Engineering practice. The role will ideally be based in Los Angeles, although we are open to candidates based in other Buro Happold US offices where there is a clear and compelling work‑winning strategy.

Here at Buro Happold, expect the exceptional. From the projects you will work on to the clients we partner with. From career‑defining opportunities to an inclusive and collaborative culture where everyone can thrive. From our reputation to our relationships. Wherever your Buro Happold career takes you, it will be anything but ordinary.

Your next role

We are looking for an accomplished Structural Engineering leader with a strong track record of business development, client engagement, and high‑quality project delivery. This role will combine approximately 60% business development with 40% project delivery, providing the opportunity to directly influence the growth, market presence, and long‑term success of our Structural Engineering practice across California and the broader West Coast.

Your key duties

• Drive business development and work‑winning activity for Structural Engineering across California and the broader West Coast market


• Develop and strengthen long‑term relationships with clients, collaborators, and industry partners through proactive engagement, business‑to‑business meetings, and industry events


• Support the evolution of the team’s strategy and development plans to achieve business targets, growth objectives, and brand goals


• Support the long‑term strategy, growth, and pipeline development of multidisciplinary engineering opportunities across the region


• Identify and pursue new opportunities while expanding relationships with existing clients and collaborators


• Support and mentor colleagues in developing effective work‑winning strategies and strengthening client relationships


• Maintain and promote the highest standards of technical quality, project delivery, and client service


• Contribute to Buro Happold’s reputation as a leading Structural Engineering consultancy across the local, regional, and wider US market

Your skills and experience

• 15+ years of professional Structural Engineering experience


• Significant track record of successful client engagement, business development, and work winning


• Established network of client and industry relationships within California


• Licensed California Structural Engineer (SE)


• Master’s degree in Structural Engineering preferred


• Strong understanding of the California Structural Engineering market and the ability to identify and develop opportunities for growth


• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships and gain cooperation from a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, clients, regulators, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams


• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance business development, client needs, and successful project delivery


• Confident and proactive leadership style with a demonstrated track record of taking the lead in complex or challenging situations


• Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and collaboration skills


• Ability to mentor and support colleagues in developing client relationships and work‑winning capabilities

What we offer

• Generous benefits package


• Annual discretionary bonus


• Generous PTO (4-5 weeks depending on position) in addition to 10 paid holidays


• 401(k) with company match


• Hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and 3+ days preferred, as well as summer hours historically offered


• Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals and exam fees


• Connection to a global network of experts at the forefront of industry innovation


• Access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities


• Opportunities to engage with employee networks including our Young Employees Forum, Diversity and Inclusion Forum, Buro Happold Women’s Network, and Employee Resource Groups

Compensation

Anticipated base annual salary: $185,000 - $260,000. The salary range listed for this position is intended as a general guideline and may vary based on factors such as location, education, skills, experience, and market conditions. We recognize that candidates bring diverse backgrounds and qualifications, and compensation may be adjusted accordingly. The posted range should not be viewed as a strict minimum or maximum limitation. Benefits and any additional compensation elements are separate from the base salary range listed.

A place for everyone

A place for everyone Buro Happold values an individual's flexible approaches to working patterns as an important part of how you work and achieve balance. We welcome applications from those who are seeking flexibility in their careers.

Our exceptional portfolio of projects is the result of the diversity of thought, identities, backgrounds, and experiences that shape us.

Appreciating each other's differences is key, we want employees to feel they don't have to mask elements of their identity to thrive.

We are working to change the lack of representation of marginalised groups in the built environment.

We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who feels they are underrepresented in the industry.

We have much to learn from one another.

Embracing differences allows us to develop the most innovative and elegant solutions.