Entry Level Structural Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

This position will offer you the ability to directly apply your knowledge of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design. As a member of an engineering and design team, you will work on a wide range of power transmission modifications and upgrades to support client recommendations and reviews including creating calculations, document designs, and specifications. You will:  

• Work on challenging assignments that include investigating, troubleshooting, and solving a wide variety of structural engineering issues.
• Perform structural analysis and detailed design of steel structures, connections, concrete members, platforms, and foundations. 
• Develop integrated structural designs and perform supporting calculations for the planned work.
• Have direct interface with the client and communicate technical information.
• Prepare technical specifications for structural materials.
• Perform independent reviews of work completed by others, including calculations and drawing preparation.
• Develop your career via peer-learning through sharing of knowledge with other experienced engineers by way of S&L’s systems of process and associated “Communities of Practice.” 
• Travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to substation locations for construction coordination and field verification of designs. 

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days.

Dependent upon your location, this opportunity offers a generous relocation package.

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

• Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Structural/Civil Engineering or Architectural Engineering with a strong academic background in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with the client with appropriate level of technical detail.
• Ability to perform occasional walk-downs and visit client sites to attend scoping meetings.
• Experience in writing and providing support documentation for structural engineering calculations.
• Must be able to complete assignments within budget and schedule with a high degree of accuracy.
• Technically knowledgeable of the practical application of structural engineering including analysis for structural supports, loads, and design integrity.
• Experience with the design techniques, tools, and principals involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Proficiency with any of the following programs: MathCad, STAAD PRO, RISA 3D and RISA Floor
• Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• BSCE or MSCE from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
• EIT Certification

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

• You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
• Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
• Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
• We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA

• 401(k)
• Pre-Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Flexible Work Arrangements

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.