Principal, Building Diagnostics & Restoration | Chicago | $214,240 to $273,000 (PLUS UP TO 100% BONUS!)

Confidential search | Shareholder-level | On-site and in-field

Most Principal roles in Chicago are really just senior technical roles with a business development target bolted on. You inherit someone else's client list, you chase the same facade ordinance work everyone else is chasing, and the firm takes the upside.

This is not that.

I'm working with a national engineering and architecture practice on a Principal hire for their diagnostics and restoration group in Chicago. Roughly 60 people in the Loop office, part of a firm of around 800 nationally. They design, they investigate failures, and they repair the buildings worth saving. Building enclosure consulting, enclosure commissioning and roofing sit at the centre of this group.

What actually makes this one different

You'd be Principal-in-Charge on complex, high-risk work with genuine independence over what you take on. Project selection, contracting, scope, risk, fees. That is your call, not a committee's. The brief explicitly includes opening new markets, clients and practice areas, so if you have a niche you have wanted to build out properly, there is room and appetite for it here.

The technical platform behind you is the real differentiator. They own a materials testing and research laboratory that is central to how the business operates, not a marketing asset. When a failure investigation needs hard evidence rather than engineering judgement, the lab answers it. That is a serious weapon when you are sat across from opposing counsel.

Nearly everyone at this firm is licensed. It tells you more about the technical bar than any award list would.

The money, properly explained

Base of $214,240 to $273,000 depending on whether you come in at Associate Principal, Principal or Senior Principal
They pay for extra direct hours worked. In consulting engineering at this level that is close to extinct
Profit sharing and 401(k) with discretionary company contribution on top
Substantial employer contribution to medical premiums. Historically around 95 percent covered for an individual and 80 percent for a family
Annual discretionary bonus, plus tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave, fertility and family forming benefits

Shareholding is part of the deal at this level, so you own a piece of what you build.

What you'd be doing

Leading complex, high-profile projects across new design and the evaluation, investigation and repair of existing buildings
Running your own portfolio end to end, including contracting, risk and fee collection
Senior technical leadership on building envelope malfunctions and failures
Directing design and construction phase services, advising engineers, architects and contractors
Acting as primary client contact on major engagements and generating sustained external work
Supporting litigation, claims and expert services with authoritative technical judgement
Peer reviewing deliverables and mentoring across reporting lines
Industry visibility through publications, committees and speaking

What they need from you

Degree in Engineering, Architecture or Architectural Engineering, advanced degree preferred
15+ years in an A/E or construction management environment
Illinois PE or RA
Multi-year track record as Principal-in-Charge or equivalent
A book of business you can genuinely bring, and a name clients already know (min 700k annual)

LVI Associates

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Principal - Building Diagnostics & Restoration