Office Lead - Mission Critical - Structural

Structural Office Lead (Mission Critical / Data Centers) - ChicagoCompany: Confidential Location: Chicago, IL (hybrid/office-based leadership role) Discipline: Structural Engineering | Mission Critical / Data Centers Level: Senior Leader (Office Lead / Director-track)The OpportunityA rapidly scaling, design-led structural engineering firm is hiring a Structural Office Lead to build and lead the Chicago structural team, with a primary focus on Mission Critical / Data Center projects.Founded 20 years ago and grown from 3 to 350 people, the firm is executing an ambitious expansion plan to reach ~1,000 employees in the next 5 years. This role sits at the intersection of technical excellence, client leadership, and people-building-ideal for someone who wants to shape a market, not just deliver projects.This is a true "builder" role: you will establish the Chicago structural presence, lead high-profile mission critical programs, and create a team culture that attracts and develops top engineering talent.Why This Role / Why Now1) Build an office, not just a book of workYou'll be empowered to set direction locally-hiring, mentorship, technical standards, delivery strategy, and growth planning-while leveraging the scale, brand, and operational support of a 350-person organization.2) Fast, visible progression (backed by real examples)Promotion is not a slogan here: 50 people were promoted to senior positions last year alone. The leadership team has created a culture where high performance is recognized quickly, and scope grows with capability.3) Mission Critical is a career acceleratorData centers and mission critical work offer unique advantages for senior engineers and leaders:Repeatable programs and long-term clients (multi-site pipelines)High technical rigor (robust lateral systems, vibration criteria, progressive collapse, equipment loads, constructability constraints)Schedule-driven delivery that rewards strong leadership and streamlined decision-makingClear specialization path into market leadership, client advisory, and program oversightIf you enjoy fast-paced delivery, high stakeholder engagement, and building systems that scale, mission critical is one of the strongest platforms for long-term progression.What You'll DoChicago Office & Team LeadershipLaunch and scale the Chicago structural practice, aligned to the firm's national growth strategyRecruit, hire, and develop a high-performing team (senior-to-junior mix)Build a culture centered on quality, accountability, collaboration, and growthMentor engineers into technical and project leadership roles; create clear development pathsPartner with firm leadership on headcount planning, utilization, and staffing strategyMission Critical / Data Center DeliveryLead structural delivery for data centers and mission critical facilities, from concept through constructionOwn project success: scope, schedule, technical decisions, quality, and client satisfactionGuide structural system selection and design strategies that balance speed, risk, cost, and constructabilityCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams (MEP, civil, architecture, contractors, vendors) to drive alignmentProvide oversight on complex structural challenges (equipment platforms, long-span framing, heavy loading, redundancy, lateral performance, vibration)Client Leadership & GrowthServe as a senior client contact; expand key accounts and develop new relationships in the Chicago marketSupport proposals, interviews, and fee development for mission critical pursuitsRepresent the firm in industry networks and events; elevate brand presence locallyDrive repeat business by building trust through responsive leadership and reliable deliveryWhat Success Looks Like (First 12-18 Months)Establish a trusted Chicago presence with strong internal credibility and client confidenceBuild a scalable team foundation (key senior hires + pipeline for mid/junior engineers)Implement consistent delivery standards for mission critical projects: speed + quality + predictabilityStrengthen relationships with owners, developers, contractors, and program managersCreate measurable team development: mentorship cadence, performance growth, and promotion readinessWhat We're Looking ForRequired10+ years of structural engineering experience (mission critical/data centers strongly preferred)Demonstrated leadership in project delivery and team mentorshipStrong understanding of structural systems and the realities of constructionExperience leading clients and coordinating with multidisciplinary stakeholdersLicensed Professional Engineer (PE) or ability to obtain (preferred depending on role scope)Comfort operating in a growth environment-moving quickly while maintaining high standardsPreferredExperience scaling a team, office, or practice area (hiring, coaching, setting standards)Data center program experience (multiple sites / repeatable templates / phased delivery)Business development contributions: proposals, relationship-building, strategic pursuitsFamiliarity with fast-track delivery models and contractor-led coordinationCulture & Progression (What You Can Expect)This is a firm built for people who want ownership and momentum:Growth trajectory: from 3 → 350 in 20 years, aiming for ~1,000 in 5 yearsMerit-based progression: 50 senior promotions last year-capability and impact are recognizedAutonomy with support: freedom to lead locally, backed by national expertise and resourcesHigh-performance, low-ego mindset: strong standards without unnecessary hierarchyLeadership pathways: structured opportunity to progress into Director / Principal / Regional Leadership as the Chicago team growsCompensation & BenefitsHighly competitive total compensation (base + performance bonus)Leadership-level benefits package (health, retirement, PTO, etc.)Professional development support (licenses, certifications, leadership training)The chance to build a major market presence with a fast-scaling firm(Specific compensation range available upon request and aligned to experience + leadership scope.)Working ModelFlexible/hybrid options are available, but this role requires a strong Chicago presence to recruit, mentor, and build culture.