Title: Managing Principal
Company: Equilibrium Engineers LLC
Location: Beaverton, Oregon, United States
Leif Prentice Erickson, SE, managing principal at Equilibrium Engineers LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Engineers for dedication, achievements and leadership in structural engineering.
An esteemed managing principal utilizing his expertise to ensure systems fun efficiently at Equilibrium Engineers LLC, Mr. Erickson has carved a niche in the structural engineering industry. Since assuming his present position in 2023, he has been instrumental in managing complex projects, particularly those involving zoos and aquariums. His firm is recognized for its innovative approach to engineering challenges, such as calculating forces exerted by large animals like elephants and polar bears, which are not typically covered by standard engineering codes. Under his leadership, Equilibrium Engineers LLC aligns with the sustainability missions of zoos, aiming to become leaders in sustainable practices.
Prior to his current role, Mr. Erickson served as a project manager at Equilibrium Engineers LLC from 2021 to 2023. During this time, he honed his skills in client interactions and design work while overseeing day-to-day operations. His career trajectory also includes a tenure as a senior project manager at ZCS Engineering Inc. from 2017 to 2021, where he managed significant projects and contributed to the firm’s growth. Earlier in his career, he worked as a structural design engineer at ZCS Engineering from 2013 to 2015 and at KPFF Consulting Engineers from 2015 to 2017. Mr. Erickson’s professional journey began as an engineering intern at ZCS Engineering from 2011 to 2013.
To support his ambitions in the field, Mr. Erickson pursued an education at Portland State University, from which he earned a Bachelor of Engineering in civil engineering in 2013. He ultimately concluded his studies at Portland State University in 2020, graduating with a Master of Engineering in structural engineering. These academic accomplishments have been pivotal in his ability to tackle complex engineering challenges and lead innovative projects.
Mr. Erickson’s professional credentials include certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) from the California Department of Consumer Affairs in 2016 and from the Oregon State Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying in 2017. Additionally, he is certified as a Post-Earthquake Building Safety Evaluator by the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management since 2015 and holds an Engineer in Training certification from OSBEELS since 2013.
Mr. Erickson’s commitment to the field is further demonstrated through his active involvement with several industry-related organizations, including the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations, the Structural Engineering Association of Oregon, the American Council of Civil Engineers, the American Institute of Steel Construction, the American Wood Council, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. His dedication extends beyond professional associations; he has contributed as a structural engineering mentor for ACE Mentor Portland since 2014 and volunteers as a scuba diver at the Oregon Zoo.
Throughout his career, Mr. Erickson has received numerous accolades recognizing his contributions to structural engineering. Most recently, he was presented with the NCSEA Service Award in 2024. Celebrated for the Design Project of the Year at Clark College in 2023, Mr. Erickson was honored with multiple Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards from the Structural Engineers Association for various projects between 2015 and 2021.
In his personal time, Mr. Erickson enjoys scuba diving, woodworking, and gardening. Born in Portland, he attributes much of his success to the support of his family, including his wife and daughter. His upbringing instilled a determination to persevere through challenges—a quality that has been instrumental throughout his career journey.
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