Demo

Lead Structural Engineer - Building Design

Olsson Associates
Des Moines, IA Full Time
POSTED ON 9/23/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/22/2026

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We’re a people-centric firm, so it’s no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job Description

Olsson's Facilities Engineering and Design Team is at the forefront of engineering innovation, providing comprehensive services for large commercial developments, healthcare facilities, laboratories, educational institutions, data centers, and military installations.  Our expertise includes engineering analysis, design services, and professional consulting, ensuring top-tier quality and world class installations. We also provide building inspection and forensic investigation services. As a member of this team, you will contribute to diverse, high-impact projects, delivering engineering solutions that make a tangible difference in communities and industries.

The Lead Engineer role oversees high-level project design and manages the overall design tasks within the structural group. As a Lead Engineer, you will make influential recommendations and decisions regarding advanced engineering activities and specialized client-type standards and have full technical responsibility of design assignments. This role manages the delivery of advanced project designs that provide purposeful, high-quality solutions to successfully solve engineering and design needs.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Leads large-scale project design by serving as a technical lead for complex assignments and managing the design from initial design to project completion.
  • Executes high-level analysis and review of project documents ensuring compliance with applicable standards, codes, and regulations.
  • Oversees and regularly monitors engineering processes and resources to maximize productivity and efficiency.
  • Develops and implements standards and guidelines for diverse engineering activities to ensure high-quality results.
  • Elevates the level of technical expertise within the team through technical design training and mentoring.
  • Supports project management objectives by providing leadership and direction regarding organizing technical resources for key projects and utilizing resources effectively.
  • Collaborates with project managers to ensure technical aspects of projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet established objectives.
  • Demonstrates an elevated degree of creativity, decision-making, and responsibility for design tasks within a specific discipline.

Qualifications

You are passionate about:

  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:

  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
  • Master's Degree in Structural Engineering or Civil or Architectural Engineering with a structural emphasis.
  • 12-20 years of related Structural Engineering experience.
  • Must be a registered professional and have at least four years of experience supervising technical personnel.
  • Proven track record in meeting and exceeding client expectations through technical design work. 
  • Excellent client service orientation. 
  • Solid interpersonal and decision-making skills and the ability to generate innovative and effective solutions to complex problems.

#LI-RS1

Additional Information

Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.

As an Olsson employee, you will:

  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.

 

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.

Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants’ personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the “CCPA”), this notice explains Olsson’s practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.

For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.

Salary.com Estimation for Lead Structural Engineer - Building Design in Des Moines, IA
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