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Design Build Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer

Downers Grove, IL ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

RWE Design Build is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support our growing portfolio of projects in the veterinary, dental, and medical sectors. This role focuses primarily on HVAC system design within ...

Project Engineer II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Summit Design + Build is growing in Chicago and is looking for experienced Project Engineer IIs. This role plays an important part in supporting projects and ongoing growth. You'll have the ...

Project Engineer II

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Summit Design + Build is growing in Chicago and is looking for experienced Project Engineer IIs. This role plays an important part in supporting projects and ongoing growth. You'll have the ...

Project Manager

Downers Grove, IL ยท On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

RWE Design Build is a rapidly growing design-build general contractor seeking an exceptional Project Manager to lead healthcare construction projects from pre-construction through closeout. This is ...

Project Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Summit Design + Build is actively seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our team in Chicago, IL. This role is ideal for someone with strong multi-family construction experience who can lead ...

Project Manager

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

Summit Design + Build is actively seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our team in Chicago, IL. This role is ideal for someone with strong multi-family construction experience who can lead ...

Senior Project Manager

Downers Grove, IL ยท On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

RWE Design Build is a rapidly growing design-build general contractor seeking an exceptional Senior Project Manager to lead complex healthcare construction projects from preconstruction through ...

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Design Build information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$58.2K

$116.1K

$174.1K

How much do design build jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for design build in Chicago, IL is $116,084.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,100.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design build professional?

Design Build professionals are experts who manage both the design and construction phases of a building project under a single contract. Unlike the traditional method where design and construction are handled separately, the Design Build approach streamlines communication, reduces project timelines, and often lowers costs by integrating all aspects of the project. These professionals can include architects, engineers, and contractors who work together as a unified team. This method is popular in commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects for its efficiency and collaborative nature.

How does a design build professional typically collaborate with clients and contractors throughout a project?

In a Design Build role, professionals act as the main point of contact for both clients and contractors, ensuring that communication is streamlined and project goals are clearly understood by all parties. They participate in client meetings to gather requirements and feedback, coordinate with architects, engineers, and construction teams, and oversee project timelines and budgets. Regular site visits and status meetings are common to address any challenges promptly and maintain alignment. This collaborative approach helps reduce project delays, control costs, and deliver results that meet or exceed client expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design build project manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design-Build Project Manager, you need a solid background in architecture, engineering, or construction management, often supported by a relevant degree and professional certifications like PMP or DBIA. Familiarity with project management software (like Procore, AutoCAD, or Revit), budgeting tools, and scheduling systems is essential. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help coordinate multidisciplinary teams and manage client relationships. These competencies are crucial for delivering projects efficiently, on time, and within budget while ensuring high-quality outcomes.

What is the difference between Design Build vs Construction Manager?

AspectDesign BuildConstruction Manager
CredentialsArchitects, engineers, or licensed contractorsConstruction management certifications (e.g., CCM, PMP)
Work EnvironmentIntegrated team handling design and constructionOversees multiple contractors, manages construction process
Industry UsageDesign firms, general contractors, project ownersConstruction firms, project owners, developers

Design Build involves a single entity responsible for both design and construction, streamlining communication and project delivery. Construction Managers oversee the construction process, coordinating multiple contractors without directly handling design. Both roles are vital in construction projects but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a design build do?

A design-build professional manages both the design and construction phases of a project, providing integrated services to streamline communication and reduce project timelines. They coordinate architects, engineers, and contractors, often using project management tools to ensure the project meets specifications, budget, and deadlines.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Build jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Design Build jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Design Build jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Build jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Design Build job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 76% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,084 per year, or $55.8 per hour.

Design Build Design Manager

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Oversee the delivery of large-scale Design-Build and other alternative delivery transportation projects.

  • Lead project teams in the development of design and project documentation, coordinating with stakeholders and subcontractors.

  • Manage project scope, schedule, and budget to ensure timely and within scope project delivery.


Job description

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

If you are ready to bridge the gap between our world and our people, join Jacobs. Letโ€™s build a brighter future together. Jacobs is much more than just a traditional engineering company. We consistently receive high rankings from Engineering News-Record (ENR) in many classifications, including the categories of Top Transportation Design Firms, Top Highway Design Firms, Top Bridge Design Firms, and our overall #1 ranking in Top 100 Pure Designer.

Jacobs is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Design/Build Design Manager to lead transportation infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest. This role is central to delivering innovative design-build and other alternative delivery solutions that drive excellence for our clients and strengthen the communities we serve. Supported by local and national resources, including Jacobs extensive network of technical experts, you will work with our geographical leadership to strengthen our competitive presence and deliver quality work.

When you join us, youโ€™ll be responsible for the following:
  • Build upon your existing and new client relationships to organize and develop teams to pursue planning, consulting, design, and alternative delivery work. Assist our Sales Teams in identifying opportunities, developing qualifications packages, and attending interviews.
  • Work closely with our clients and act as the companyโ€™s main point of contact on assigned projects and/or clients to ensure expectations are identified and met.
  • Overseeing the delivery of large-scale Design-Build and other alternative delivery transportation projects (such as CM/GC and PDB).
  • Use your technical expertise to lead project teams in the development of design and project documentation by providing overall direction to the team, coordinating with external project stakeholders, internal team members, and subcontractors.
  • Provide effective, skilled project management to help reduce the costs of delivering projects, adding value to the business by applying proven project management techniques. Deliver large complex and/or multiple projects on time, within budget, and per contracted scope. Draft, coordinate, and manage proposals, staffing plans, project delivery budgets / fee documents, progress schedules, and project delivery schedules to meet deliverable milestones and commitments.
  • Provide office environment-based construction phase services, where scope-applicable, including coordinating Jacobsโ€™ responses to RFIs, submittal and shop drawing reviews, construction modification documents, and site visits.
  • Be responsible for the overall quality of the project deliverables in adherence with Jacobsโ€™ rigorous Quality Program. You will manage and enhance project quality by providing ideas and suggestions to the team aimed at improving the effectiveness of their roles, and of project activities in general.
  • Cultivating an inclusive, collaborative team culture and mentor emerging professionals.
  • Ability to recruit additional design team resources and help build a transportation presence in the Midwest

By joining our team, youโ€™ll have the opportunity to utilize your transportation design and/or construction management expertise to serve as a lead on an exciting and engaging large-scale infrastructure projects. The final candidate could be located in Chicago, IL, St. Louis, MO, Milwaukee or Madison, WI.

Hereโ€™s what youโ€™ll need
  • Bachelorโ€™s Degree in Civil Engineering
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer and the ability to obtain reciprocity in other states.
  • Substantial years' experience on transportation projects with DOTs and established local relationships
  • Demonstrated project leadership experience
  • Substantial complex transportation project management experience leading roadway, highway, and/or bridge projects and/or programs in various stages of completeness.
  • Understanding of and practical experience applying the AASHTO design guidelines to transportation projects.
  • Demonstrated communication and writing skills including technical report writing
  • Willingness to support multi-state pursuits and delivery across alternative project delivery models.
Ideally, youโ€™ll also have:

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well-being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full-time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock.

The base salary range for this position is $180,000.00 to $255,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

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