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Civil Engineering Jobs in Ottawa, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Civil Engineering information

See Ottawa, IL salary details

$37.6K

$81.7K

$121.6K

How much do civil engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil engineering in Ottawa, IL is $81,734.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $97,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a civil engineer do?

Civil engineers design, build, supervise, operate, and maintain infrastructure projects and systems such as roads, bridges, airports, dams, and water supply systems. Their work involves planning, analysis, and overseeing construction to ensure that structures are safe, sustainable, and meet regulatory standards. Civil engineers often collaborate with architects, construction managers, and government officials to deliver projects that serve communities and support economic development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a civil engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Civil Engineer, you need a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software, project management tools, and structural analysis programs is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and teamwork help civil engineers effectively manage projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient infrastructure and ensuring projects meet regulatory standards and client expectations.

How to get a civil engineering job?

To land your first civil engineering job, you need is a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. If you want to go for more in-depth studies, you can pursue a master’s degree, but you still need to gain experience. You can do this via an internship or an assistant position. This is a great time to focus in on the type of projects you want to design and build. Following graduation, you need to take the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the Principles and Practices of Engineering exam. After this, you can start working as a civil engineer. Joining the American Society of Civil Engineers is a good career move, as they can help you network, guide you to training resources, and point you to relevant job listings.

What types of projects and team collaborations can a civil engineer expect to be involved with in a typical role?

Civil engineers often work on a wide range of projects, including infrastructure such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as civil engineers frequently coordinate with architects, construction managers, surveyors, and government officials to ensure project success. They participate in both office-based planning and on-site supervision, balancing technical design work with field assessments. This variety provides valuable experience and opportunities for career growth, especially as projects increase in complexity and scale.

What is the difference between Civil Engineering vs Structural Engineering?

AspectCivil EngineeringStructural Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil or Structural Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, urban planning, infrastructure projectsDesign offices, construction sites, focus on structural safety
Industry UsageBroadly used in transportation, water resources, urban developmentSpecialized in designing and analyzing structures like buildings and bridges

While civil engineers oversee a wide range of infrastructure projects, structural engineers focus specifically on the safety and stability of structures. Civil engineering provides a broader scope, whereas structural engineering is a specialized subset within civil engineering, often requiring similar credentials and working in overlapping environments.

What is the best career path for a civil engineer?

A civil engineer can pursue a career path that includes working in design, construction, project management, or consulting. Advancing often involves gaining professional licensure such as a Professional Engineer (PE) license, developing specialized skills, and obtaining experience in areas like infrastructure, transportation, or environmental engineering.

What type of jobs do civil engineers do?

Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, dams, and water supply systems. They analyze project requirements, create detailed plans, and oversee construction to ensure safety and compliance, often using tools like CAD software and adhering to engineering standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Civil Engineering jobs in Ottawa, IL?

The most popular types of Civil Engineering jobs in Ottawa, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Civil Engineering jobs in Ottawa, IL?

For Civil Engineering jobs in Ottawa, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Ottawa, IL are hiring for Civil Engineering jobs?

Cities near Ottawa, IL with the most Civil Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Civil Engineering job openings in Ottawa, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $81,734 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Civil Engineering New Graduate | Ottawa, IL

IMEG

Ottawa, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


IMEG rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

267th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

100% Employee-Owned | Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE IMEG culture

This posting is for Summer 2027 New Graduate opportunities.

IMEG is hiring a Civil Engineering New Graduate in Ottawa, IL to work closely with experienced engineers and consultants to provide engineering solutions and advice that support positive client outcomes. This entry-level role offers hands-on design, analysis, and project execution experience, with mentorship, training, and opportunities to grow your expertise from day one.

In this role, you will support engineering analysis, design, field inspections, report writing, permit applications, and site drainage and grading work while collaborating with cross-functional teams and working within project budgets. The team you would join serves municipal and transportation work across the Chicago suburbs, delivering resilient, environmentally responsible infrastructure.

At a Glance

Location: Ottawa, IL
Discipline: Civil
Markets: Municipal; Transportation
Ownership: 100% employee-owned (ESOP)
Travel: Up to 5%
Work Schedule: full-time in office
Sponsorship: Not available

What You'll Do

Perform basic calculations for assigned work, including hydraulic calculations, traffic projections, piling or rebar calculations, and calculations to balance site earthwork
Assist in designing water and sewer systems for smaller private and larger municipal systems
Support grading and stormwater design for commercial, industrial, and residential site plans
Interact with clients to understand needs, gather project requirements, and communicate technical information effectively while building and maintaining client relationships through professional communication
Support the execution of consulting projects as part of a project team, assisting with project planning and scheduling to meet project deadlines and objectives
Assist with documenting design decisions and client instructions while monitoring project design progress
Analyze low to medium complexity engineering tasks and collaborate with senior engineers and consultants to develop practical and efficient solutions
Participate in IMEG quality control processes to help ensure engineering designs and solutions meet IMEG quality standards, industry standards and client requirements
Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in civil engineering, contribute to research and innovation efforts, prioritize safety and regulatory compliance, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated solutions that meet project goals within the project's monetary budget

What You'll Bring

Required Education
Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Civil Engineering, or equivalent required

Required Skills/Abilities
Basic skills or knowledge with AutoCAD Civil 3Dsoftware and the ability to complete AutoCAD training sessions as quickly as possible
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and concepts involved in the production of technical plans and specifications
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Eagerness to learn and adapt to new challenges
Ability to clearly communicate in both oral and written communication to individuals or groups
Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, and Outlook
Ability to travel up to 5% with occasional overnight stays

Preferred
Prior internship experience in the building design consulting industry preferred
Engineer in Training (EIT) License preferred

About the Team

Civil and municipal engineering across the Chicago suburbs from Naperville, Ottawa, and Gurnee
Roadway, sidewalk, and parking design plus school-district and recreational facility improvements
Land surveying, utility coordination, water system upgrades, and ADA transition planning
Diverse client base spanning municipalities, school districts, healthcare, and entertainment
Recent work includes Lake County Health Dept Water & Parking Improvements, Healthcare; Six Flags Great America Survey, Gaming & Entertainment; and CCSD15 Kimball Hill Elementary Survey, Education

Why IMEG

We put people at the center of who we are, creating positive outcomes for people, communities, and our planet.

Consultancy 101: our structured development program that builds your consulting and technical foundation from day one
An assigned mentor to guide your growth from day one
IDEA Program: a firm-wide innovation accelerator where employees across every discipline develop and scale new tools, from VR and AI to carbon-reduction technology
MEG, our in-house AI platform, helps employees find information and build agents that streamline project workflows and calculations
Employee ownership (ESOP): fully vested at all times, with a 3% to 6% company contribution, plus year-end profit sharing
PE, SE, and other license exam prep, with a clear path from EIT to PE
Dress for Your Day flexibility (wear what fits your day)
Generous time off, including 6 paid holidays and 3 additional floating holidays
Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one, with preventive care at 100%, a $50/month wellness credit, and a Calm subscription

State of Illinois Pay Range: $33.65-$35.82 per hour

The range listed above represents the base pay IMEG reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this position in the work location identified above at the time of posting. For positions available in multiple locations, the minimums and maximums may vary based on work location.

Individual compensation will be determined based on job-related factors, including the candidate's experience, education, knowledge, skills, abilities, and licensure and certifications.

Other rewards may include annual bonuses and stock ownership options. In addition, IMEG provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO). This information is being provided in compliance with local laws. Additional information regarding employee benefits may be found on our company website at www.imegcorp.com.

Bring Your Career to IMEG

Apply today and start building your consulting and technical foundation through meaningful civil engineering work that supports clients, communities, and project outcomes


IMEG, an employee-owned corporation, is committed to investing in employees' futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement. Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.

Want to learn more about IMEG and our other amazing career opportunities? Please visit https://www.imegcorp.com/careers/.

IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard torace, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information(including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions includinglactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran'sstatus, political affiliation, non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibitsdiscrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws andregulations.

All applicants have the right to request access, correction, and deletion of their personal information from our system. In order to make a request, please email careers@imegcorp.com.


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