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Entry Level Structural Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

Structural Engineer- Champaign, ILApplicants at the entry-level, and those with extensive experience, will be considered for this role.This is a full-time, permanent, exempt-level position reporting ...

Entry Level Structural Engineer information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$50.1K

$99.5K

$152.2K

How much do entry level structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level structural engineer in Champaign, IL is $99,545.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,100.00 and $113,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of an Entry Level Structural Engineer during their first year on the job?

In their first year, Entry Level Structural Engineers usually support senior engineers with tasks such as drafting structural plans, performing basic calculations, assisting with site inspections, and preparing reports. They often use software like AutoCAD or Revit to create and modify drawings, and may participate in project meetings to gain exposure to project workflows. Collaboration with architects, contractors, and other engineering disciplines is common, allowing new engineers to learn industry standards and communication skills while gradually taking on more responsibility as they gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Structural Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Structural Engineer, you need a solid understanding of structural analysis, engineering principles, and a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis software like SAP2000 or ETABS is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address design challenges. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the safety, integrity, and successful completion of construction projects.

What is the difference between Entry Level Structural Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Structural EngineerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Structural Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificationBachelor's in Civil Engineering, EIT certification
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, construction sites, consulting firmsPublic agencies, construction, consulting, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageSpecializes in structural design and analysisBroader scope including transportation, water resources, and structural work

Entry Level Structural Engineers focus on structural design and analysis, often working closely with civil engineers who handle broader infrastructure projects. While both roles require similar credentials, structural engineers specialize in ensuring the safety and stability of structures, whereas civil engineers may work on a wider range of projects. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path within the civil engineering industry.

What does an entry level structural engineer do?

An entry level structural engineer assists in designing, analyzing, and inspecting structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to ensure that structures are safe, stable, and meet all regulatory requirements. Their tasks often include creating drawings and models, performing calculations, preparing reports, and visiting construction sites to observe and document progress. Entry level engineers also collaborate with architects, contractors, and other professionals to solve engineering problems as they arise.

What Does an Entry-Level Structural Engineer Do?

An entry-level structural engineer works under the guidance of senior engineers and on project teams to design residential and commercial buildings. Your responsibilities in this career include creating drawings, preparing cost estimates, and evaluating building codes. Your duties also involve making local field visits to review construction, meeting with clients and contractors, writing proposals, learning standard techniques, and working with 3D models. You assist others while obtaining valuable hands-on experience to move forward in your career as a structural engineer.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL? The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL? For Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Entry Level Structural Engineer jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Entry Level Structural Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Structural Engineer job openings in Champaign, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,545 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Structural Engineer - Champaign, IL

ADM

Champaign, IL

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


ADM rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 181 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 341 rated logistics


Job description

Structural Engineer  - Champaign, IL
Applicants at the entry-level, and those with extensive experience, will be considered for this role.  
This is a full-time, permanent, exempt-level position reporting into ADM's Champaign, IL or Decatur, IL location.  This is not a remote opportunity as the individual must report into the site for work.  Work visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Are you ready to launch your career with a global leader that values innovation, collaboration, and growth? As a new graduate or an experienced professional, you'll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge, continue to learn from experienced professionals, and make an immediate impact in a company recognized for excellence. 
A few highlights about ADM:
  • We have an award-winning early career program! ADM is proud to be a 2025 recipient of Handshake's Early Career Talent award as well as the RippleMatch Campus Forward Award!
  • ADM was named one of America's Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek
  • 2025 Innovation Award for ADM's Regenerative Agriculture Program
  • U.S. Newsweek America's Greatest Workplaces in Manufacturing - Best Companies to Work For in 2025

Position Summary
This is a role for professional structural engineering work, reporting to the Structural Departmental Manager.
The Structural Engineer will perform assignments designed to develop professional engineering work knowledge and abilities, requiring application of standard  techniques and procedures.
Limited exercise of judgement is required on details of work and in making preliminary sections and adaptations of engineering alternatives. Work is routine and instructions are usually detailed.
Responsibilities
  • Design and analysis of heavy, multi-story Industrial Buildings (Structural Steel)
  • Equipment and building foundation analysis and design
  • Pipe bridge design
  • Equipment support design
  • Development of structural connection details (varies from typical to complex details)
  • New buildings and retrofit of buildings and or structures
  • Structural inspections and repairs (concrete & steel)
  • Pile and drilled shaft design
  • Storage tank design
  • Corrosion investigation
Physical Requirements
  • This position relates to those that desire "hands-on" experience in a production setting
  • Ability to move throughout the facility, including climbing stairs, ladders in all buildings, and to work at heights
  • Work is performed indoors and out-of-doors year round, occasionally in environments that are dusty, noisy, or which could have work hazards
Qualifications & Attributes
  • Education: For newer graduates, pending completion of a BS degree in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering with a structural emphasis, or Architecture with structural emphasis with a recent graduation, or graduation date of May/June 2026 or December 2026. 
        Experienced candidates should have degree completed and related experience as a
        structural engineer.
  • Relocation: Willingness to work in Champaign, IL or Decatur, IL
  • GPA: Minimum graduating PA of 2.8 (3.0 GPA preferred) for newer graduates

Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? Studies have shown that applicants may self select-out of consideration if they don't meet every posted requirement.  We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.  Relocation assistance may be available for this position.
REF: 103214
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