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Director Subsurface Utility Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... Direct client interface responsibilities including budget and schedule discussions * Professional ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Engineer

Chicago, IL

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... Direct client interface responsibilities including budget and schedule discussions * Professional ...

Quanta Services

Design Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... Direct client interface responsibilities including budget and schedule discussions * Professional ...

Quanta Services

Power Up Academy 2026 Graduates

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$19 - $23/hr

... engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

Farnsworth Group

Telecom/SUE Technician

Lisle, IL · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Experience in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) locating and/or surveying * Familiarity with utility atlases/records and/or GIS programs * Experience with AutoCAD, Microstation or ARAMIS Who We ...

Farnsworth Group

Telecom/SUE Technician

Lisle, IL · Hybrid

$24 - $34/hr

Experience in Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) locating and/or surveying * Familiarity with utility atlases/records and/or GIS programs * Experience with AutoCAD, Microstation or ARAMIS Who We ...

Sargent & Lundy

Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $152K/yr

SLC works on behalf of clients to support utility-scale solar, wind, battery energy storage ... Prepare and review specifications for subsurface investigations, deep foundations, ground ...

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All JobsSubsurface Utility Engineer JobsDirector Subsurface Utility Engineer JobsDirector Subsurface Utility Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director Subsurface Utility Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$75.2K

$200.6K

$261.7K

How much do director subsurface utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for director subsurface utility engineer in Chicago, IL is $200,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,800.00 and $260,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director subsurface utility engineer?

A Director Subsurface Utility Engineer is a senior professional responsible for overseeing the detection, mapping, and management of underground utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and telecommunication lines. They lead teams that use specialized technologies to locate and document subsurface assets, ensuring construction and infrastructure projects avoid damaging these utilities. In addition to technical expertise, they typically manage budgets, client relationships, and regulatory compliance. This role requires a combination of engineering knowledge, leadership skills, and experience with utility coordination and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director subsurface utility engineer?

To excel as a Director Subsurface Utility Engineer, you need a deep understanding of civil engineering, utility mapping, and project management, typically supported by a PE license and a degree in civil or related engineering. Familiarity with utility locating technologies, CAD/GIS software, and industry standards such as ASCE 38-22 is essential. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart in managing teams and client relationships. These competencies ensure accurate utility detection, risk mitigation, and the successful delivery of complex infrastructure projects.

What are some common challenges faced by a director subsurface utility engineer, and how can they be addressed?

Directors in Subsurface Utility Engineering often encounter challenges related to coordinating across multidisciplinary teams, managing project risk due to unknown or outdated utility data, and ensuring compliance with varying local and federal regulations. To address these issues, strong communication and leadership skills are essential for aligning stakeholders and ensuring accurate data collection. Implementing advanced geospatial technologies and maintaining strong relationships with utility owners can also help mitigate risks and streamline project delivery.

What is the difference between Director Subsurface Utility Engineer vs Subsurface Utility Engineer?

AspectDirector Subsurface Utility EngineerSubsurface Utility Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, with extensive experienceRequires a degree in engineering, surveying, or related field, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and oversees utility coordination in large infrastructure projectsPerforms utility location, data collection, and analysis on-site or in office settings
Industry UsageUsed in large-scale infrastructure, transportation, and utility projectsCommonly involved in utility detection, mapping, and coordination tasks

The main difference is that the Director Subsurface Utility Engineer holds a leadership role overseeing projects and teams, while the Subsurface Utility Engineer focuses on technical utility detection and data collection. The director manages broader project strategies, whereas the utility engineer executes specific field and analysis tasks.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Director Subsurface Utility Engineer job openings:

Director Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs near you

Design Engineer

HBK Engineering, LLC

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

About Us
HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta's focus on the utility industry and HBK's focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.
About this Role
HBK Engineering is looking for a Design Engineer which offers the opportunity to be part of a project team consisting of professional engineers, project engineers and designers who are involved in the design, modification, and analysis of new and existing utility systems. The candidate would also support our municipal related designs as well as our growing portfolio of land development projects, including electric vehicle charging stations, commercial and utility-scale solar, electric substation, battery energy storage sites and utility-related civil site work. A civil engineering project manager is responsible for managing staff, providing leadership, and assessing project deadlines and financial expenditures for large-scale engineering projects. A critical focus of this role will involve utility and roadway conflict analysis, right-of-way (ROW) engineering, and coordinating infrastructure design packages with municipal and state DOT frameworks. This position can be seated in one of the following office locations: Chicago, Oak Brook, or Geneva, IL, Spring TX and Denver CO
What You'll Do
  • Design engineering systems in compliance with relevant specifications, codes, and client requirements for Civil Municipal engineering projects.
  • Use engineering judgment and problem-solving skills to independently address unique and complex electrical, structural, civil, and construction-related challenges with minimal oversight.
  • Perform peer reviews of engineering Civil designs under the oversight of professional engineering staff.
  • Own all phases of the design lifecycle from initiation through construction completion and project closeout.
  • Prepare detailed engineering and construction documents using a variety of software tools including AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS systems, and client-specific enterprise asset management platforms.
  • Assess utility impacts on roadway profiles, perform utility conflict tracking, and design overhead/underground distribution reroutes around complex municipal roadway corridors.
  • Coordinate directly with public works departments, utility companies, and state/local permitting agencies to secure required Right-of-Way (ROW), maintenance of traffic (MOT), and utility occupancy permits.
  • Analyze information from supplementary data sources including topographical survey, utility atlas information, field sketches, client records, manufacturer equipment datasheets, etc.
  • Prepare reports and studies meeting client requirements that present technical information clearly and concisely.
  • Work with project management and engineering leadership to manage project risk.
  • Communicate complex engineering matters to internal project management, engineering leadership, and field resources.
  • Independently manage time and schedule to achieve project milestones.
  • Perform field walkdowns with internal staff, clients, customers, governance authorities, and construction partners.
  • 20% to 25% local travel is required.

What You'll Bring
  • Experience with site civil grading and stormwater design.
  • Experience with roadway and infrastructure design.
  • Proven familiarity with municipal utility coordination standards, roadway construction specification manuals (e.g., IDOT standard specifications), and public right-of-way permitting interfaces.
  • Possess a desire to work on Civil Municipal engineering projects.
  • In-depth knowledge of 2D CADD software (AutoCAD or similar) including its use to generate layout drawings or other project materials.
  • Water CAD or similar knowledge preferred.
  • Review of Civil drawings or engineering materials developed by others.
  • Training and mentoring of entry-level staff.
  • Ability to come up to speed quickly on in-process projects and hit the ground running.
  • Experience collaborating with a team in order to complete a larger project.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Wastewater and water design experience preferred.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related degree from an ABET-accredited program.
  • EIT Certification or PE License (Highly Preferred) .
  • Must have minimum 2.5+ years of experience in civil site, roadway, or utility engineering.

What You'll Get
  • Senior leadership opportunities combining technical expertise with project management
  • Direct client interface responsibilities including budget and schedule discussions
  • Professional growth within the HBK Organization's senior Design Track
  • Opportunity to lead coordination of complex utility engineering projects with full lifecycle ownership
  • Project financial management and proposal development experience
  • Team leadership and mentoring responsibilities
  • Collaborative work environment with project management and engineering leadership
  • Travel opportunities for field work and client engagement
  • Career advancement opportunities in senior design and project management roles.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability and employer paid life insurance. In addition, all full-time roles are also eligible for 401(k) retirement plan with company match, paid time off and holidays. Tuition reimbursement and other role specific company paid professional development opportunities are also available.

Compensation Range
The anticipated compensation for this position is - depending on experience and qualifications.
Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.

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