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.
You will work closely with regional leadership, Partners, and multidisciplinary teams to strengthen existing client and collaborator relationships, develop new opportunities, shape work-winning strategies, and support the continued growth of Buro Happold’s multidisciplinary engineering portfolio.
The successful candidate will:
- 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 key duties
- Develop key performance indicators in collaboration with the Partner in Charge and align business development priorities with the broader regional strategy
- Build and maintain a strong pipeline of Structural Engineering and multidisciplinary opportunities across the West Coast
- Develop Buro Happold’s Structural Engineering reputation and market presence across projects of varying scale, sectors, and disciplines
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with existing and prospective clients, collaborators, engineers, and other key stakeholders
- Identify opportunities to expand existing client relationships, secure repeat work, and win new commissions
- Support major pursuits and proposals, helping teams develop strong client-focused strategies and compelling propositions
- Assist with the development of fee estimates across project types and support strong commercial performance
- Help ensure projects are delivered profitably, on schedule, within scope and budget, and to Buro Happold’s standards for technical excellence
- Set a strong example of client care, consultancy, and relationship management while supporting colleagues in developing these capabilities
- Represent Buro Happold externally through client meetings, industry events, and relationship-building activities
- Collaborate across disciplines and offices to identify opportunities for broader multidisciplinary engagement and growth
- Mentor and support team members in business development, client engagement, and work-winning activities
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
- We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every qualification.
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.
Ready for something a little less ordinary?
Apply now to start your career journey with us.
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.
Please let us know if there are any adjustments we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Contact recruitment@burohappold.com so we can work with you to support you throughout your application.
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