A growing Southern California design-build firm is hiring a Structural Engineering Director to lead its engineering team in Sunland, CA. This full-time, in-office leadership role offers the opportunity to guide engineering strategy, mentor technical staff, and oversee complex structural repair, foundation, and seismic retrofit projects from design through construction.

If you're looking for a role with real influence, executive visibility, and the ability to shape how projects are designed and built, this could be the next step in your career.

Structural Engineer Director Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and strategic oversight for the engineering department, including staffing, mentoring, resource allocation, and technical development.
• Serve as Engineer of Record (EOR), reviewing, approving, and stamping structural plans as required.
• Oversee engineering calculations, peer reviews, quality control processes, and final technical approvals.
• Develop and improve engineering standards, workflows, and department best practices.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership, production teams, and field operations to ensure successful project execution.
• Support permitting efforts and coordinate with local jurisdictions throughout California.
• Conduct site visits, structural observations, and field reviews as needed.
• Provide technical expertise during project planning, design, and construction phases.

Structural Engineer Director Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field.
• Active California PE License required; SE License preferred.
• Candidates without an SE License must be willing to begin the SE licensing process shortly after hire.
• 10+ years of progressive structural engineering experience.
• Prior leadership experience managing engineers, drafters, or technical staff.
• Strong knowledge of wood, concrete, steel, foundation systems, and structural retrofit design.
• Thorough understanding of California building codes, permitting requirements, and engineering standards.
• Experience using structural engineering and design software such as RISA, RAM, Revit, AutoCAD, or similar platforms.
• Background in structural repairs, seismic retrofits, design-build projects, or construction support preferred.

Perks and Benefits:

• Lead the engineering function for a respected and growing design-build organization.
• Work directly with executive leadership and influence company-wide engineering decisions.
• Tackle challenging structural repair, foundation, and seismic retrofit projects throughout Southern California.
• Opportunity to build, develop, and mentor a high-performing engineering team.
• Competitive compensation starting at $175,000+, depending on experience.
• Employer-paid medical coverage, 401(k), PTO, paid holidays, dental, and vision benefits.

If you meet the qualifications and are interested in leading a team while staying connected to the projects being built, apply today. Our team will guide you through the interview process and advocate for your success every step of the way.

About Onward Search

Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing, and technology professionals. We work with our nationwide clients to continuously pipeline and fill specialized roles. As such, not all jobs contain an application deadline. For questions about our employment process, please contact info@onwardsearch.com.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment.
EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

Inclusive Hiring Practices

We’re committed to making every part of our hiring process accessible and inclusive. If you need any accommodations or adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, please contact us at inclusivehiring@onwardsearch.com.

Employment Eligibility

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp / Independent Contractor arrangements. All freelancers will be hired as W2 employees.

Benefits

We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan to all eligible full-time temporary employees. Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.

Virtual Interview Process

To help streamline the hiring process and ensure a more flexible and accessible experience for all candidates, we’ve partnered with Alex.com, a virtual interviewing platform. For select job openings, you may receive an invitation to interview with Alex via email at alex@onwardsearch.com.

Alex will guide you through a brief set of questions to help us better understand your background and interests. The virtual interview can be completed on your own time, and your responses will be reviewed by our recruiting team as part of the screening process.

To learn more about the platform, visit https://www.alex.com/.

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