Entry Level Structural Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

This position has a target start date of Summer 2027.

• 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, energy and industrial related projects, creating calculations to develop structural document designs, and preparing technical specifications. Additionally, you will conduct structural analyses, which include complex loading conditions such as wind, seismic, and pressurization.
• Using our state-of-the-art computer tools, you will perform the structural analysis and design of steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations.
• There is the potential for you to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews, and to plant site locations for structural condition assessments, construction coordination and field verification of designs. 

This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week.

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

Essential skills and experience:

• This position requires a BS or MS of Civil Engineering and a strong academic background and interest in behavior of materials, structural analysis, structural steel design, and reinforced concrete design.
• Knowledge of the practical application of structural engineering including loads analysis for structural supports, and design integrity.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Valued but not required skills and experience:

• Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training.
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program.
• Experience in writing and providing support documentation for Structural Engineering calculations.
• Proficiency with any of the following programs: MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, STRUDL, or ANSYS.
• Familiarity with design codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI 318.
• Related engineering internship or co-op work experience.

Sargent & Lundy values the appropriate use of technology to improve how work gets done and deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients. Depending on the role, employees may use data, automation, artificial intelligence, and other digital tools to support research, analysis, engineering and design activities, workflow improvement, or other aspects of their work.
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.

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

The Energy & Industrial Group (EIG) specializes in delivering advanced engineering solutions across various sectors, including power generation, environmental compliance, oil & gas, and industrial projects, from new plant design to plant betterment and upgrade services for operating facilities. We have designed nearly 900 conventional power plants, yielding over 100,000 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity. Our expertise includes numerous recent and ongoing combined cycle projects that leverage the latest advanced machinery, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, and heat recovery steam generators from all leading suppliers. EIG is recognized for its commitment to decarbonization through innovative technologies in renewable energy, carbon capture, and hydrogen power. We excel in detailed engineering services for photovoltaic (PV) solar projects and energy storage integration, and lead the industry in carbon capture technologies, managing projects from conceptual studies, pilot demonstrations and through commercial scale implementation for utilities and industrial plants.

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.