Associate Building Systems Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

ECS is seeking a Building Enclosure Assistant Staff Associate to join our Midwest Building Science + Infrastructure team in Buffalo Grove, IL. In this role, you will support building enclosure consulting projects while developing foundational skills in field investigations, testing, technical analysis, and report preparation. You will work closely with experienced consultants and multidisciplinary project teams to evaluate building envelope performance and support construction quality across a variety of facility types.  This position provides hands-on field experience and technical training while building a strong foundation in building enclosure consulting within a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform building science & infrastructure related testing and consulting services.
• Assist with specialized building enclosure testing.
• Clearly document quality assurance observations and prepare field reports of findings.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of IBC and local building codes as they relate to the building enclosure.
• Interact and collaborate with staff members on a variety of projects.
• Attend project meetings with senior staff as requested.
• Interface with contractors and other site personnel on project sites daily.
• Keep supervisor informed of changing site conditions and/or additional testing requested on project sites.
• Demonstrate how to prioritize tasks to satisfy project requirements. Consult with your supervisor to help prioritize tasks on a daily basis.
• Possess acceptable basic technical writing skills with regard to basic conventions of spelling, grammar, and professional content. Collaborate with more senior staff to produce reports. Work to improve writing skills, as necessary, under the direction of supervisors and Principal reviewers.
• Work with senior staff to develop an understanding of the relation of field observations and test results to findings and conclusions in the report.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor and/or Master of Science in Civil Engineering Architecture (NCARB), Civil (Structural) Engineering, or Architectural Engineering.
• 0-2 years of related experience
• Certifications may be required depending on the type of testing performed. The following certifications would go a long way:
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT)
  • IIBEC certifications (RRC, RWC, REWC, RBEC, CBECxP)

Knowledge & Skills

• Basic knowledge of building science & infrastructure principles and applications.
• Basic knowledge of building materials, construction practices, and building systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Dependable, self-motivated, responsible, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work effectively with clients, peers, supervisors, and field personnel both independently and as part of a team.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, stand for extended periods, walk on uneven terrain, and perform work at heights.

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required if driving for or on behalf of an ECS subsidiary.

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education, certification, and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
• E-5

Why Join ECS?  

• Nationwide Building Science + Infrastructure Consulting practice made up of more than 180 employees with deep technical expertise and opportunities for collaboration across the country
• Opportunity to lead high-profile projects with technical complexity and visibility
• Be part of a growing and innovative team focused on technical excellence and client service
• Supportive work environment that values expertise, collaboration, and continuous learning
• Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits
• ECS is an employee-owned company with an Employee Stock Ownership program (ESOP)!
• 401(k) with up to 4% match
• Tuition Assistance Program
• And more!

 ECS Core Values:  Collaborate, Focus & Lead

The expected pay range for this role and location is $24-$29/hour. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.