Principal Structural Engineer - Dynamic Design Analysis

5w1 month ago

Zachry Group

Downers Grove, US · Full-time · $158,000 – $196,700

About this role

Zachry Engineering Corporation seeks a Principal Structural Engineer to serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) at the intersection of high-level structural integrity and complex vibration theory. This role leads the design of massive machine foundations for combustion turbines and heavy industrial assets.

Day-to-day responsibilities include executing and overseeing complex finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate thermal loads, seismic events, and harmonic vibrations. You will ensure resonance separation and structural longevity while driving the evolution of design standards for massive reinforced concrete structures.

You will lead multidisciplinary teams through the full project lifecycle, from initial geotechnical interpretation to final site construction and vibration troubleshooting. The role also involves conducting rigorous peer reviews and forensic engineering assessments for existing facilities to address settlement or vibration-related issues.

This position offers the opportunity to provide technical guidance throughout the structural design process and serve as a senior reviewer of calculations and structural models. You will also prepare data and visualizations for the interpretation of complex data and findings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil/Structural Engineering with focus in Dynamic Analysis.
15+ years of Structural Engineering experience in the Power and Industrial industry.
Professional registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) (required).
Professional registration as a Structural Engineer (S.E.) (preferred).
Knowledge of AutoCAD, STAADPro, RISA, Enercalc or similar analysis software.
Familiarity with 3D design and viewing software such as Navisworks.
Deep understanding of ACI 351.3R (Foundations for Dynamic Equipment) and rotating machinery dynamics.
Must possess authorization to work in the United States for any employer without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities

Act as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for dynamic machine-foundation-soil interaction (SSI) for combustion turbines and high-speed rotating equipment.
Execute and oversee complex FEA to simulate thermal loads, seismic events, and harmonic vibrations, ensuring resonance separation and structural longevity.
Drive the evolution of design standards for massive reinforced concrete structures, balancing material efficiency with extreme performance requirements.
Lead multidisciplinary teams through the full project lifecycle—from initial geotechnical interpretation to final site construction and vibration troubleshooting.
Conduct rigorous peer reviews and forensic engineering assessments for existing facilities to address settlement or vibration-related issues.
Provide specific to discipline technical expertise, including preparing and providing training for junior engineering personnel.
Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, cross-sections, and 2D/3D illustrations for the interpretation of complex data.
Coordinate with other disciplines, departments, and companies to ensure seamless technical compatibility and completion of engineering tasks safely, on-time, and within budget.

Benefits

Expected salary range between $158,000 and $196,700 annually (per Illinois Equal Pay Act).
Opportunity to work from multiple office locations: Downers Grove, IL; Houston, TX; Omaha, NE; Charlotte, NC; or Greenville, SC.
Role as a recognized Subject Matter Expert (SME) in a specialized, high-impact engineering domain.
Leadership of multidisciplinary teams through full project lifecycle from geotechnical interpretation to construction support.