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Engineering Section Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Water/Wastewater Section Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

Stanley Consultants is an award-winning and industry-leading global consulting engineering firm ... Job title - Water/Wastewater Section Manager Location - Chicago, IL Job type - Hybrid Requisition ...

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All JobsEngineering Section JobsEngineering Section Manager JobsEngineering Section Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Engineering Section Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.9K

$151.3K

$179.2K

How much do engineering section manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering section manager in Chicago, IL is $151,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineering section manager?

Engineering Section Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing a specific section or team within an engineering department. Their duties typically include managing staff, coordinating projects, ensuring compliance with engineering standards, and meeting organizational goals. They act as a bridge between upper management and engineers, providing leadership, mentorship, and resource allocation. Their role is crucial for successful project delivery and maintaining high performance within their section.

How does an engineering section manager typically balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities?

As an Engineering Section Manager, you'll often shift between overseeing technical project contributions and managing your team's performance, schedules, and development. While you may still engage in technical decision-making and reviews, much of your time will be spent on strategic planning, mentoring engineers, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration. Balancing these tasks requires strong delegation skills and the ability to set clear priorities, ensuring both your team's technical output and professional growth are supported. Open communication with project leads and upper management is key to maintaining this balance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering section manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Section Manager, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management experience, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project), CAD tools, and engineering standards is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and conflict-resolution skills are crucial for managing teams and collaborating across departments. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient project delivery, team cohesion, and the achievement of organizational goals.

What is the difference between Engineering Section Manager vs Engineering Supervisor?

AspectEngineering Section ManagerEngineering Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple teams or sections, manages projects, strategic planningSupervises daily operations, directs team activities, ensures task completion
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, management experience often preferredEngineering degree or technical background, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, project sites, cross-department collaborationWorkshop, plant floor, or site supervision
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, construction, and engineering firmsUsed across similar industries for team oversight

The Engineering Section Manager typically holds a higher-level role with strategic responsibilities, overseeing multiple teams and projects, while the Engineering Supervisor focuses on daily team supervision and task management. Both roles require engineering credentials and leadership skills, but the manager's scope is broader, often involving planning and coordination across departments.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Engineering Section Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Engineering Section Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Engineering Section Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,295 per year, or $72.7 per hour.

Environmental Engineering Section Manager - Environmental Services (Multiple Locations)

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

Burns & McDonnell
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Burns & McDonnellexternal

$110K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
The Environmental Engineering Section Manager is responsible for the managerial direction and leadership of the section and resources within a global practice or regional office. This includes supporting and executing business strategy, developing high performance teams, and promoting the Burns & McDonnell culture, values and mission. The Section Manager will lead the section in a dynamic and profitable manner based on Burns & McDonnell's core values of client satisfaction, commitment, dedication, integrity, safety and overall outstanding service.
  • Provide leadership to the team; direct and coordinate work assignments and review performance to ensure the efficient, cost-effective utilization of staff.
  • Responsible for profitable growth of the section; ensuring staff levels, staff loading, and staff assignments meet project requirements while maintaining billable goals.
  • Implement, apply and support company, global practice and/or regional office programs and initiatives; successfully navigating and managing change within the section.
  • Provide expert level technical, design guidance and support.
  • Achieve stated targets and standards for financial performance.
  • Manage department budget and expenditure of funds.
  • Prepare and present workload and monthly financial reports to global practice or regional management and applicable project managers.
  • Responsible for collaborating with business development managers, business line leads, project managers, and proposal production staff on proposals to secure work for staff.
  • Responsible for the recruitment, development, training, and retention of staff.
  • Responsible for conducting performance evaluations for department staff.
  • Provide leadership, guidance, and instruction to the department.
  • Responsible for interpreting the organization's policies, purposes, and goals to staff.
  • Responsible for overall QA/QC process adherence.
  • Enforce compliance with company and site safety policies.
  • Responsible for diversity initiatives.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction or related degree from accredited program and 5 years related professional experience in design and/or project management.
  • Previous leadership and/or management experience is preferable.
  • Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.
  • Position requires the ability to thoughtfully and positively influence, lead, and manage change.
  • Must possess strong project management skills and a strategic perspective.
  • Must be proficient in the use of computer software (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Compensation
$110,000.00-300,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Environmental Engineering
Primary Location US-IL-Downers Grove
Other Locations US-MI-Detroit, US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 260234
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-GS #ENS N/A

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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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