ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Junior Structural Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sargent & Lundy

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$84K - $129K/yr

You will be responsible for guiding junior-level engineers and designers in structural engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

Sargent & Lundy

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$103K - $140K/yr

You will be responsible for guiding junior-level engineers and designers in structural engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

Sargent & Lundy

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$103K - $140K/yr

You will be responsible for guiding junior-level engineers and designers in structural engineering design efforts, including providing guidance with the coordination of detailed design phases for all ...

Sargent Lundy

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$82.38 - $125.86/hr

Guide junior-level engineers and designers in structural engineering design efforts, including coordinating detailed design phases for all aspects of structural engineering work. * Work on ...

exp Federal

Structural Engineer, PE, SE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$113K - $131K/yr

Oversee the creation and manage structural models and project drawings prepared by junior engineers and BIM staff using Revit and AutoCAD. * Apply knowledge of structural steel, cold-formed steel ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsStructural Engineer JobsJunior Structural Engineer JobsJunior Structural Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Junior Structural Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$74K

$112.9K

How much do junior structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior structural engineer in Chicago, IL is $74,020.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a junior structural engineer do?

A Junior Structural Engineer assists in designing, analyzing, and evaluating structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. They work under the supervision of more experienced engineers, preparing drawings, calculations, and reports. Their responsibilities often include site visits, reviewing construction materials, and ensuring compliance with safety and building codes. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates who are looking to gain practical experience and work towards professional licensure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior structural engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Structural Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering principles, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with structural analysis software such as AutoCAD, SAP2000, or ETABS, and progress toward EIT or FE certification, is often required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this collaborative field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant structural designs and contribute to successful project delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by junior structural engineers when starting their careers?

Junior Structural Engineers often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex design codes, managing time across multiple projects, and effectively communicating technical details to senior engineers and other stakeholders. Adjusting to the fast-paced nature of the construction industry and learning to balance fieldwork with office-based design tasks can also be demanding. However, many organizations support new engineers with mentorship, training sessions, and collaborative team environments to help them overcome these challenges and grow professionally.

What is the difference between Junior Structural Engineer vs Structural Designer?

AspectJunior Structural EngineerStructural Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; EIT/FE certification often preferredBachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering; certification not always required
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, site visits, collaboration with engineers and architectsFocus on creating detailed structural drawings and specifications
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, construction companies, consulting firmsArchitectural firms, engineering consultancies, construction companies

While both roles involve structural design, Junior Structural Engineers typically engage in analysis, site visits, and project collaboration, whereas Structural Designers focus primarily on creating detailed drawings and specifications. The roles often overlap in education and industry, but their core responsibilities differ slightly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Junior Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Junior Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Junior Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Structural Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Structural Engineer job openings:

Junior Structural Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Structural Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,022 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Structural Engineer - Mission Critical

Harley Ellis Devereaux

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Structural Engineer - Mission Critical

Our Structural Engineering team is looking to add a talented engineer to our team. As a Structural Engineer at HED, you bring 8+ years of professional experience and hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license, with licensure as a Structural Engineer (SE) preferred.

About HED

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

Position Summary
You are recognized as a highly experienced technical leader who drives design excellence, quality, and innovation on projects of significant complexity. You lead structural efforts across sectors, mentor project teams, and contribute strategically to the growth and evolution of HED’s engineering practice. With broad technical knowledge and sector expertise, you act as a trusted advisor and resource within multidisciplinary teams.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead and manage structural design for large and complex building projects from concept through construction.
  • Apply advanced engineering judgment and analytical tools (RAM, RISA, ETABS, Enercalc) to deliver efficient, resilient, and integrated structural solutions. 
  • Direct the preparation and quality review of engineering calculations, specifications, construction documents, and reports. 
  • Coordinate and collaborate with architects, MEP engineers, civil consultants, and other stakeholders to deliver fully integrated, high-performance design solutions.
  • Lead or co-lead internal and external project meetings, client presentations, and key stakeholder engagements.
  • Provide expert-level support during construction administration, including site visits, responses to RFIs and submittals, and resolution of field conditions.
  • Interpret and apply applicable codes and standards (IBC, ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC 360, NDS/SDPWS, TMS 402) to ensure compliance, safety, and design integrity.
  • Support the development of discipline standards, templates, tools, and best practices.
  • Mentor and guide junior and mid-level structural team members; contribute to talent development, technical training, and performance feedback. 
  • Champion innovation, sustainability, and resilience in structural system design and material selection. 
  • Maintain an active presence in the industry through technical knowledge-sharing, research, and professional engagement. 
  • Provide project-level QA/QC oversight and participate in firm-wide quality initiatives.
  • Act as a sector resource, applying specialized knowledge while continuing to work across markets as needed.
  • Engage in the Discipline Work Plan process, including delegation, planning, and oversight of discipline workload and task completion. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Discipline Leader or sector leadership.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering or similar related field, from an ABET/EAC accredited institution.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required; licensed Structural Engineer (SE) preferred.
  • 8+ years of structural engineering experience in a professional setting.
  • Mastery of structural design and analysis software (RAM, RISA, ETABS, Enercalc). 
  • Proficiency in Revit (core) preferred; proficiency in Bluebeam, Microsoft Office Suite, and collaboration tools required.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of relevant codes, standards, and engineering fundamentals.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex, interdisciplinary projects.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and client-facing abilities.
  • Proven record of mentoring and team development.
  • Passion for integrated design and a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
  • Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.

Work Environment

  • We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture. 
  • The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.