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Aircraft Structural Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Larson Engineering

Structural Design Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$92K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description We are looking for a structural engineer with five or more years of experience. A self-starter with good communication skills is essential. Self-discipline, willingness to learn, and ...

Larson Engineering

Structural Design Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Description We are looking for a structural engineer with five or more years of experience. A self-starter with good communication skills is essential. Self-discipline, willingness to learn, and ...

Larson Engineering

Structural Design Engineer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$92K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

DescriptionWe are looking for a structural engineer with five or more years of experience. A self-starter with good communication skills is essential. Self-discipline, willingness to learn, and ...

Larson Engineering

Structural Design Engineer - Façade

Chicago, IL · On-site

$92K - $101K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

DescriptionWe are looking for a structural engineer with 4 - 7 years of diverse experience in architectural engineering. The chosen candidate will apply that experience in our curtain wall department ...

County Materials Corporation

Design Engineer

Westmont, IL · On-site

$82K - $124K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Design Engineer (Precast Concrete) supports projects from initial design through fabrication ... Design structural frames, precast components, and connections for standardized and moderately ...

Luxus

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge

West Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$85K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Key Responsibilities Structural Design & Analysis * Design transportation structures including highway bridges, retaining walls, and box culverts. * Prepare structural analysis and design ...

Luxus

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge

West Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$85K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Key Responsibilities Structural Design & Analysis * Design transportation structures including highway bridges, retaining walls, and box culverts. * Prepare structural analysis and design ...

Luxus

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Key Responsibilities Structural Design & Analysis * Design transportation structures including highway bridges, retaining walls, and box culverts. * Prepare structural analysis and design ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAircraft Structural Design Engineer JobsAircraft Structural Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Aircraft Structural Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$44.3K

$106.6K

$198.3K

How much do aircraft structural design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft structural design engineer in Chicago, IL is $106,582.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,400.00 and $126,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an aircraft structural design engineer do?

An Aircraft Structural Design Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and testing the structural components of aircraft to ensure they meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. Their work includes creating detailed blueprints, selecting appropriate materials, and using computer-aided design (CAD) software to model structures such as fuselages, wings, and landing gear. They also collaborate with other engineering teams to integrate structural designs with systems like avionics and propulsion. Ensuring structural integrity while minimizing weight and cost is a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aircraft structural design engineer?

To thrive as an Aircraft Structural Design Engineer, you need a strong background in aerospace or mechanical engineering, proficiency in structural analysis, and a solid understanding of aerodynamics and materials science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Expertise with CAD software (such as CATIA or SolidWorks), finite element analysis (FEA) tools, and familiarity with aviation industry standards are crucial. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These skills ensure the design and integrity of safe, efficient aircraft structures, meeting regulatory requirements and project goals.

What are the common challenges faced by aircraft structural design engineers when working on new aircraft models?

Aircraft Structural Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing weight optimization with structural integrity and safety requirements. They must also navigate strict regulatory standards and certification processes, which require meticulous attention to detail and thorough documentation. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including aerodynamics, materials, and manufacturing engineers—is crucial for integrating various system requirements, which can sometimes lead to complex coordination efforts. Staying updated on the latest materials and design technologies is also essential to deliver innovative and efficient solutions.

What is the difference between Aircraft Structural Design Engineer vs Aerospace Design Engineer?

AspectAircraft Structural Design EngineerAerospace Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering, certifications like EASA or FAABachelor's in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical Engineering, similar certifications
Work EnvironmentAircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and repair facilitiesAircraft, spacecraft, and satellite design firms
Industry UsagePrimarily in aviation and defense sectorsIn aerospace, space exploration, and defense industries

While both roles involve designing aircraft components, the Aircraft Structural Design Engineer focuses specifically on aircraft structures, whereas the Aerospace Design Engineer may work on a broader range of aerospace projects, including spacecraft and satellites. The roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ in scope and application.

Aircraft Structural Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aircraft Structural Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,582 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Structural Design Engineer

Larson Engineering

Naperville, IL • On-site

$92K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Build your future on our foundation of excellence!
Are you looking for a rewarding career opportunity that also gives you a stake in a company's performance as an employee-owner? Larson Engineering, Inc. has a long-standing record of success since its establishment in 1979 and has received the 2023 PSMJ A/E/C Employer of Choice award.
Larson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and wants to remove any barriers to employment, so if you have any accommodation requirements as part of the application or interview process, please let us know.
Description
We are looking for a structural engineer with five or more years of experience. A self-starter with good communication skills is essential. Self-discipline, willingness to learn, and flexibility required. This hybrid position can be based in either the Naperville or Chicago office.
Basic Qualifications
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering from an ABET-accredited program
  • EIT certification
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD
  • MS Office experience (Word and Excel)
  • Self-motivated and strong attention to detail
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Licensed Structural Engineer
  • Revit experience

Benefits
Larson provides a challenging and empowered environment that encourages employee growth and provides flexibility for your active life outside of work. Full-time positions offer competitive benefits including health and dental insurance, paid holidays, generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Our employees can feel secure about their retirement future through 401(k) contributions and an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). As an employee-owner, you benefit from the success of Larson.
Please Note
This position may be subject to a pre-employment background check.
Larson Engineering is an EEO firm that uses E-Verification for employment.

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