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Associate Structural Engineer Jobs in Niles, IL (NOW HIRING)

Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

General Summary: The Structural Engineer, with supervision from the Manager of Structural ... Since 1982, Ghafari Associates has taken a personal approach to highly technical projects in ...

Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

General Summary: The Structural Engineer, with supervision from the Manager of Structural ... About Us At Ghafari Associates, we don't just design buildings-we help shape the future of the ...

Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $115K/yr

General Summary: The Structural Engineer, with supervision from the Manager of Structural ... Since 1982, Ghafari Associates has taken a personal approach to highly technical projects in ...

Structural Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

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 · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

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 ...

Senior Structural Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $165K/yr

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 ...

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Associate Structural Engineer information

See Niles, IL salary details

$49.8K

$98.9K

$151.3K

How much do associate structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate structural engineer in Niles, IL is $98,934.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,600.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Structural Engineer, and why are they important?

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 Associate Structural Engineers?

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 job categories do people searching Associate Structural Engineer jobs in Niles, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Structural Engineer jobs in Niles, IL are:
What cities near Niles, IL are hiring for Associate Structural Engineer jobs? Cities near Niles, IL with the most Associate Structural Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Structural Engineer job openings in Niles, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,934 per year, or $47.6 per hour.
Associate Structural Engineer (Buildings)

Associate Structural Engineer (Buildings)

WSP

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description


This Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Associate Structural Engineer for our Chicago, IL office. Be involved in projects with our Property and Buildings Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.
Provides support to technical staff, engineers, and project managers for due diligence, remediation, improvement, and/or construction of building and infrastructure projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of load-bearing structures or structural elements, such as buildings, bridges, roadways, and mechanical structures. Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding assigned installations and construction specifications. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, structural soundness, and functionality.
Your Impact
  • With minimal supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, GIS data, subsurface utility information, maps, geotechnical data, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.
  • Perform basic professional structural engineering work relating to conducting research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, building, infrastructure, and transportation channels to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
  • Assist with the development of technologies, monitoring devices, modeling techniques, design requirements, and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, transportation vehicles/systems, and incorporate future-ready solutions with structural engineering design standards.
  • Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing technical assistance on securing structural soundness from loads and pressures caused by environmental or human influence.
  • Write technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using sketches, calculations, electronic systems, spreadsheets, software, and 2D/3D illustrations.
  • Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, offering input and analysis with design concepts, construction, mitigation and improvement activities, and remediation projects.
  • Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
  • Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of site work.
  • Complete training on assigned tasks.
  • Work collaboratively with other engineers, professionals, and infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, local, and privately funded improvement and development projects.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
  • 1 to 3 years of relevant post education experience
  • Knowledge of structural engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to project work-related issues.
  • Familiarity with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management; including rehabilitation and new design.
  • Highly familiar with relevant structural and civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, physics, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Experience with discipline-specific design software (i.e., MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, InRoads, Geopak, GeoSlope, ANSYS, STADD, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS).
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Engineer in Training Certification.
  • Prior design experience.
  • A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $80,000-$100,000
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
#LI-GA1
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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