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Associate Structural Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Be our next Senior Structural Engineer. Your work environment at EXP In this role, you will work under the direct supervision of the Midwest Bridge Department Manager with a focus on highway, railway ...

New

Structural Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world's challenges ... Your Role As an Associate in our Forensics Practice, you'll guide complex investigations, lead ...

Structural Associate

Chicago, IL

$115K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world's challenges ... Your Role As an Associate in our Forensics Practice,you'llguide complex investigations, lead teams ...

Structural Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$52K - $100K/yr

The Structural Technician takes specific job-related information and converts it into the format of ... Education and Experience: • Associate's Degree in Engineering Drafting or an Engineering related ...

New

Structural Technician

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$52K - $100K/yr

The Structural Technician takes specific job-related information and converts it into the format of ... Education and Experience: · Associate's Degree in Engineering Drafting or an Engineering related ...

New

Senior Structural Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world's challenges ... The Role We have a new opportunity for a Senior Associate to join our Structural Practice in ...

Senior Structural Associate

Chicago, IL

$120K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world's challenges ... The Role We have a new opportunity for a Senior Associate to join our Structural Practice in ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Structural Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51.5K

$102.4K

$156.6K

How much do associate structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate structural engineer in Chicago, IL is $102,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $116,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate structural engineer?

Associate Structural Engineers are early to mid-career professionals who assist in designing, analyzing, and overseeing the construction of structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure projects meet safety standards, building codes, and client specifications. Their responsibilities often include creating structural drawings, performing calculations, conducting site visits, and coordinating with architects and contractors. This role serves as a key step toward becoming a licensed structural engineer and taking on more advanced project leadership.

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

To thrive as an Associate Structural Engineer, you need a solid understanding of structural analysis, design principles, and engineering mathematics, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and EIT/FE certification. Proficiency with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, ETABS, or SAP2000 is essential for modeling and analyzing structures. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set standout candidates apart. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant design of structures while facilitating successful project collaboration.

What are some common challenges faced by associate structural engineers when transitioning from design to construction phases?

Associate Structural Engineers often encounter challenges when their design concepts are implemented on-site, such as unanticipated site conditions or discrepancies between plans and actual construction. Effective communication with contractors and adaptability are crucial to resolving these issues promptly. Collaborating closely with senior engineers and construction teams helps ensure that design intent is maintained while accommodating necessary field adjustments, making teamwork and problem-solving essential skills in this phase.

What is the difference between Associate Structural Engineer vs Structural Engineer?

AspectAssociate Structural EngineerStructural Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering; some may have EIT certificationBachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering; often EIT certification, PE license preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level to mid-level roles in consulting firms, construction, or engineering servicesMid-level to senior roles, overseeing projects and design work in similar settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in consulting firms, construction companies, and government agenciesUsed across similar industries, often with more project management responsibilities

The main difference between an Associate Structural Engineer and a Structural Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Structural Engineers are typically early in their careers, focusing on assisting with design and analysis, while Structural Engineers have more experience, often leading projects and making critical decisions. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the Structural Engineer role usually involves greater independence and responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Associate Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Structural Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Structural Engineer job openings:

Structural Engineer 2 - Nuclear (Summer 2027)

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Description

This position has a target start date of summer 2027.

This associate engineering position offers a variety of interesting and challenging opportunities in structural engineering and will provide an excellent opportunity to advance your career. You will collaborate with a team of structural engineers and interface with engineers from other disciplines. You will work with a structural engineering team on engineering projects for new nuclear facilities and upgrades and modifications to nuclear power plants.

  • This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
  • As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of projects for various clients. You will prepare and review design calculations, develop specifications, and support designers with drawing development
  • Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, and foundations
  • There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Qualifications

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience: 

  • A Bachelor's or Master's of Science in Structural/Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a strong academic background and interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design
    • Completion of coursework in steel and concrete design
  • Knowledge of the practical application of structural engineering including loads analysis for structural supports and design integrity
  • An understanding of the practical application of structural engineering including applying principles, techniques, and procedures to a project design
  • Knowledge of structural design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, drawings, and models
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications

 Valued, but not required:

  • A Bachelor's or Master's of Science from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training
  • Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Structural Engineering calculations
  • One or more years of experience working as a member of a project team in the design and analysis of structures, including both AISC steel and ACI concrete designs
  • Experience with structural analysis software such as STAAD, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS
  • Experience with design codes and standards such as ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI
AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.
Award-Winning Benefits

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements
Compensation Range$69,298 - $99,644Transparency StatementSargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.About This Business Unit

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!

Equal Opportunity

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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