ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Building Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

HDR

Structural EIT/Coordinator

Chicago, IL

... entry level civil or structural engineer who has experience working hard and is excited to design structural system in building systems. This position is responsible for production of design drawings ...

HDR

Structural EIT/Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

... entry level civil or structural engineer who has experience working hard and is excited to design structural system in building systems. This position is responsible for production of design drawings ...

The LaSalle Group

Mechanical Engineer Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

... * Entry-level position; minimum of one year of experience * Experience with mechanical building ... Experience with engineering deliverables such as mechanical equipment sizing, system sizing ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsBuilding Engineer JobsEntry Level Building Engineer JobsEntry Level Building Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Building Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18

$33

$54

How much do entry level building engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level building engineer in Chicago, IL is $33.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.25 and $37.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Building Engineer vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectEntry Level Building EngineerMaintenance Technician
CertificationsHVAC, electrical, or plumbing licenses; relevant certificationsHVAC, electrical, plumbing certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommercial or residential buildings, facilities managementSimilar settings, often hands-on repair and maintenance
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with building systems, monitor operations, perform basic repairsPerform repairs, troubleshoot equipment, routine maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageProperty management, facilities services, real estateFacilities management, property maintenance, service companies

Both roles involve maintaining building systems and require similar certifications. An Entry Level Building Engineer typically oversees building operations and assists with system management, while a Maintenance Technician focuses more on hands-on repairs and troubleshooting. The roles often overlap, but the Building Engineer may have broader responsibilities related to building systems management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level building engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Building Engineer, you need a basic understanding of building systems, HVAC, and general maintenance, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with Building Management Systems (BMS), power tools, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and good communication make candidates stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure efficient building operations, quick troubleshooting, and effective teamwork in maintaining facility safety and functionality.

What does an entry level building engineer do?

An Entry Level Building Engineer assists in the maintenance, repair, and operation of building systems such as HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and general facilities upkeep. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers or facility managers, performing routine inspections, troubleshooting basic issues, and ensuring that equipment operates efficiently. This role often involves hands-on work, responding to service requests, and learning industry standards and safety procedures on the job.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level building engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level building engineers often encounter challenges such as learning complex building systems, adapting to preventative maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting unexpected equipment issues. To address these, new engineers should proactively seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, participate in on-the-job training, and make use of available technical documentation. Building strong communication skills is also essential, as collaboration with facility managers, contractors, and other engineers is a regular part of the role. Embracing a willingness to learn and asking questions can help ease the transition and foster professional growth.
What are the most commonly searched types of Building Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Building Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Building Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Building Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Building Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Building Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Entry Level Building Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Building Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,314 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Structural EIT/Coordinator

HDR

Chicago, IL

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 439 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story' 

We believe building engineering is more than systems and structures, it's about powering progress and enabling innovation. As part of HDR's Building Engineering Services Group, you'll help design the critical infrastructure that supports the digital age and shapes the spaces where people work, connect, and thrive. From high-performance data centers driving the future of AI to dynamic commercial environments, your work will directly support technological advancement, sustainability, and human experience. We bring together mechanical, electrical, structural, and civil engineering experts to solve complex design challenges with precision, creativity, and collaboration. Whether you're optimizing energy efficiency, integrating resilient systems, or engineering the backbone of next-generation facilities, your contributions will help define the future of the built environment. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of excellence.
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. 
HDR is currently seeking a Structural EIT/Coordinator for our Building Engineering Services Business Group located in downtown Chicago, IL. Our team is an integrated facility and infrastructure design team consisting of core services of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Structural and Site Civil Engineering. With a team of experienced Mission Critical engineers, our local team also focuses on Healthcare, Science and Technology, Justice, Power Distribution, and Transportation projects. We are also developing our market presence in the Commercial Real Estate, Finance, Hospitality, Municipal, Manufacturing/Industrial, and Federal sectors. Regardless of the market sector we provide engineering excellence for our clients by setting realistic expectations and delivering high quality designs, on time.

To help support our rapidly growing Structural needs, HDR is seeking a talented entry level civil or structural engineer who has experience working hard and is excited to design structural system in building systems. This position is responsible for production of design drawings, calculations and specifications. 

In the role of Structural EIT/Coordinator, we'll count on you to: 
  • Conduct analyses to develop design options or recommendations and assist in the preparation of cost estimates and specifications for structural engineering projects
  • Perform routine engineering assignments requiring application of standard techniques and procedures
  • Work independently on small projects or assist more senior engineers on larger projects
  • Give direction to clerical and technical personnel as needed
  • Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications 
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate. 
  • Candidates hired without their EIT will have the title of "Coordinator" and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression.
  • Proficiency in Revit
  • Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
  • 2+ years' experience designing structural systems for building projects

#LI-EV1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Structural Engineering
  • Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, RISA, Staad, SAP, Tedds, RAM, ETABS, SAFE or similar
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

View All HDR Jobs

Apply