Associate Principal/Principal for Education and Civic Practice

Job Description

Job Description

Company Background : Founded in 1940 and headquartered in San Francisco, Degenkolb Engineers has more than eight decades of commitment to innovation, client service, and life-long learning. We deliver customized structural solutions in a variety of practice areas: healthcare, education, design (commercial and civic), science and technology, forensics, federal, and construction engineering. We address every project need whether those needs are meeting stringent codes, meeting a bottom line, sticking to a hard construction schedule, or developing a structural system that creates a landmark.

Position Description : We are seeking an accomplished structural engineering leader with deep experience in the Education and Civic sectors to join our Orange or Los Angeles office as an Associate Principal or Principal. This role will lead complex design-build projects, new design and seismic evaluation and retrofit work for civic and university facilities, while helping grow Degenkolb’s market presence in Southern California.

Ideal Candidate : This role is ideal for an experienced Project Manager and technical leader who combines strong client relationships and business development capabilities in higher education (university and community college) with a passion for mentoring and developing staff. Candidates interested in growing into broader firm leadership are especially encouraged to apply.

Compensation and Benefits : The pay rate for this position generally ranges between $176,000 to $220,000 annually. This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to pay transparency laws. Actual pay rates will be based on various factors, including position, location, company geographic differentials, education level, and candidate qualifications.

Benefits include health and life insurance, commuter benefits, paid parental leave, 401(k) with company Profit Sharing contribution, employee ownership in a privately held stock plan, financial support for professional activities and lifelong learning, company holidays, and a generous paid time off program.

Culture : We offer focused professional development within a highly supportive and transparent environment, a flexible hybrid work schedule (generally 3 days in the office) and a fun office environment! Our firm is highly collaborative and filled with experts who are united by a passion for industry involvement, pride in company ownership, and respect for our personal lives. We also offer opportunities for committee participation and leadership, and a pay scale set at the 75th market percentile. To learn more, please visit our website:

Job Description:

Associate Principals and Principals are responsible for technical excellence, project management and delivery, and staff mentorship. Successful candidates are expected to lead high-performing teams, strengthen client relationships, and contribute to the strategic growth of the firm.

Responsibilities :

• Lead project teams from project selection, conceptual design and through construction administration.
• Oversee project delivery, staffing, utilization, and financial performance.
• Mentor, develop, and supervise technical staff and project managers.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and technical excellence.
• Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor within the firm and for our clients.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships to support repeat business and new opportunities.
• Identify and secure new work with existing and prospective clients.
• Ensure project quality and resolve technical or client-service issues.
• Maintain active leadership in professional organizations related to structural and earthquake engineering.

Minimum Requirements :

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering required (MS degree in Structural Engineering preferred)
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the structural and seismic engineering fields.
• California Civil Engineering license required. (Registration as a Structural Engineer preferred.)
• Established relationships within the Southern California AEC and design-build community.
• Demonstrated success developing client relationships and generating project opportunities.

Desired Qualifications :

• MS degree in Structural Engineering.
• California Structural Engineer license.
• Minimum 4-6 years of experience leading and managing technical staff.
• Experience in post-earthquake reconnaissance and/or structural engineering research.
• Active participation and leadership in professional or industry organizations.

Application Process : Click the Apply Now button. Please submit your resume and a targeted cover letter describing the alignment of your background with this position.

Degenkolb Engineers complies with Equal Opportunity Employer guidelines, meaning we do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected class. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where a wide range of perspectives, skills, and experiences are welcomed and respected.