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Civil Engineering Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

langan

Civil Engineering Technician

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Job Responsibilities * Assist with the preparation and modification of various engineering ... AutoCAD, Civil 3D, etc.) and equipment; * Effectively use reports, maps, drawings, engineering ...

langan

Civil Engineering Technician

Chicago, IL

$25 - $35/hr

Job Responsibilities * Assist with the preparation and modification of various engineering ... AutoCAD, Civil 3D, etc.) and equipment; * Effectively use reports, maps, drawings, engineering ...

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All JobsCivil Engineering JobsCivil Engineering Assistant JobsCivil Engineering Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

Civil Engineering Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$84.9K

$127.2K

How much do civil engineering assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineering assistant in Chicago, IL is $84,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $100,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Civil Engineering Assistant vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectCivil Engineering AssistantCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationsAssociate degree or diploma in civil engineering technology
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, offices, fieldworkDesign offices, construction sites, laboratories
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by construction firms, government agencies, consulting firmsCommonly employed in engineering firms, government departments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles and support positionsCompared for technical roles involving design and project support

The Civil Engineering Assistant typically supports project tasks with basic technical duties and may require minimal certifications. In contrast, Civil Engineering Technicians have more technical training and perform detailed design, analysis, and project support. Both roles are essential in civil engineering projects but differ mainly in education level and scope of responsibilities.

What is a civil engineering assistant?

Civil Engineering Assistants are professionals who provide support to civil engineers in the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and buildings. Their responsibilities often include preparing drawings and maps, conducting site surveys, gathering and analyzing data, and assisting with project documentation. They play a crucial role in ensuring projects run smoothly by handling technical and administrative tasks. This entry-level position is a great way to gain hands-on experience in the civil engineering field and often requires knowledge of engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and strong organizational skills.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a civil engineering assistant?

To thrive as a Civil Engineering Assistant, you generally need a background in civil engineering or a related field, with strong skills in mathematics, drafting, and technical analysis. Familiarity with AutoCAD, GIS software, and project management tools is often required, along with knowledge of relevant codes and standards. Attention to detail, effective communication, and strong organizational abilities are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important because they ensure accurate project support, facilitate teamwork, and help maintain safety and compliance in engineering projects.

What challenges do civil engineering assistants face when supporting large-scale infrastructure projects?

Civil Engineering Assistants often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams, managing tight project timelines, and ensuring accuracy in technical documentation. They may also need to quickly adapt to changing site conditions and prioritize tasks as project needs evolve. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring the smooth progress of engineering projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Civil Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineering Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL? For Civil Engineering Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Civil Engineering Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Engineering Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Civil Engineering Assistant jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Civil Engineering Assistant job openings:
Civil Engineering Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Civil Engineering Assistant job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,967 per year, or $40.8 per hour.

Assistant Civil Engineer - Underground Submarine Cables (Chicago)

Burns & McDonnell

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction

Job description

The Assistant Cables Engineer will work under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer to assist project teams to create world class designs for new projects, alterations and redevelopments on a variety of projects including underground, trenchless and/or submarine power cable lines. Cable lines may include low to medium voltage distribution and high voltage transmission. The Assistant Cables Engineer will work with the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting power line plans according to budget constraints, design factors or client needs.

  • Assists in the underground power line design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion, including electrical, civil and mechanical principles.
  • Assists with modifying and reviewing production drawings for various projects involving medium-to high-voltage (13-500kV) power lines.
  • Assists in designing power line components for project needs and requirements that are set forth by the project managers, including plan and profile drawings, structure load diagrams and foundation drawings.
  • Applies basic knowledge of commonly used civil and electrical engineering/design concepts, principles, practices, codes, and procedures within the civil and electrical engineering services industry.
  • Assists with research and compiles project-related data as required by the project managers. Assists with compiling studies and reports.
  • Assists with correcting and updating drawings provided by senior engineers to verify that corrections are made within multiple CAD-related software.
  • Assists with client presentations, shop drawing review, and contract administration for the design of medium to high voltage power lines.
  • Assists in performing field inspections, measurements or calculations for public and private clients.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.
  • Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program required or; 
  • Bachelor Degree in related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam required. 
  • Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred. 
  • Basic knowledge of electrical power flow preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Basic distribution design software experience preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred. 
  • Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
  • Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.

  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently (i.e., without time limitations, without restrictions or without need for work sponsorship) in the country where this position is located.

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About Burns & McDonnell

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Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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