Structural Practice Lead – Buildings

VHB; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Collaborative culture

Learning and development opportunities

Best-in-class benefits

Job summary

VHB is looking for a Practice Lead to expand its building structural practice in Washington, DC. This role involves setting strategic directions, collaborating with teams in multiple offices, and leading technical oversight of projects.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or architecture, 10+ years of experience, and a strong background in managing structures for transportation agencies. VHB offers a generous salary range of $140,000-190,000 plus a holistic benefits package.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in architectural or structural design.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience on structures for state agencies.
• PE or RA License required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage key client and contract management.
• Coordinate with Architecture partners and oversee technical reviews.
• Generate new business development opportunities.

Skills

Team Leadership

Technical Skills in Structural Systems

Communication Skills

Revit and 3D Modeling Software

Organizational Skills

Business Development

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or architecture

MS degree preferred

Tools

Revit

3D Modeling Software

Job description

About the Position

For the second year in a row, VHB proudly celebrates our selection as a 2026 U.S. Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private* and The Wall Street Journal, the Best Managed Company program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies demonstrating excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance. This year, 63 companies across the U.S. have been recognized, with VHB being one of only two AEC firms honored.

As VHB grows across its footprint, we need to hire a new Practice Lead to help expand our growing building structural practice. In this position, you would help set the strategic direction for the building structural practice, collaborate with and lead staff in multiple offices, and support competitive proposals. You would also lead the planning, analysis, design, and detailing of new structures, with a focus on transportation‑related structures for state agencies and transportation authorities. The ideal candidate should possess a “can‑do” attitude, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to work independently as well as with a team in a dynamic, fast‑paced, and fun environment.

Responsibilities

• Key client and contract management
• Coordination with Architecture partners
• Technical oversight and review
• Generate new business development opportunities and prepare winning proposals
• Lead go/no go and partnering decisions on strategic pursuits
• Project scoping and development
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with leading external disciplines (i.e. architecture and MEP consultant partners)
• Supervising and mentoring younger staff
• Quality management
• Preliminary and final structural design
• Monitoring of project budgets and schedules
• Establish and track project milestones as well as quarterly business goals
• Involvement and input in key personnel decisions

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to lead and collaborate with a team of staff working remotely
• Must possess strong technical skills with knowledge of various structural systems for building construction
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Enthusiasm to learn, seek out opportunities, and take responsibility
• Working knowledge of Revit and 3D modeling software for QC and mentoring purposes
• Proactive and self‑motivated, with excellent attention to detail and quality
• Motivated to mentor junior staff
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or architecture, MS preferred
• 10+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in the architectural or structural design of buildings
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience working on structures for state agencies and transportation authorities
• PE or RA License
• Demonstrated success in completing structural designs and developing contract plans in conformance with accepted engineering standards and procedures for public and private clients
• Past business development success and industry relationships
• Ability to travel as needed to client sites

Salary and Benefits

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in Boston/Watertown, MA and Washington, DC is $140,000‑190,000 and for the position located in NYC is $150‑200,000. This offer is determined based on a number of job‑related factors including internal comparators, skills, education, training, credentials, experience, scope and complexity of role responsibilities and geographic location. In addition, VHB offers a holistic benefits package.

Benefits

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best‑in‑class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

Equal Opportunity Employer

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep‑rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.