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

Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$86K - $103K/yr

Mentor and support junior engineers and designers, fostering technical growth and teamwork ... Structural design experience using concrete, steel, and masonry. Wood design would be a plus * Must ...

Sr. Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$99K - $141K/yr

Coordinates structural project team efforts to facilitate effective execution of structural ... Supervises junior project team members, both engineering and drafting staff. Delegates appropriate ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Frankfort, IL ยท On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Ability to use and review work prepared in structural design and modeling software and provide mentorship to junior and mid-level staff. Required Qualifications: * B.S. in Civil Engineering with an ...

New

Senior Structural Engineer

South Holland, IL ยท On-site

$115K - $150K/yr

Ability to use and review work prepared in structural design and modeling software and provide mentorship to junior and mid-level staff. Required Qualifications: * B.S. in Civil Engineering with an ...

New

May supervise the work of junior engineers on project work. Skills & Abilities * Expert Knowledge ... Structural Engineering (SE) license. * 10 years of related experience. * Domestic and/or ...

May supervise the work of junior engineers on project work. Skills & Abilities * Expert Knowledge ... Structural Engineering (SE) license. * 10 years of related experience. * Domestic and/or ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Junior Structural Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34.5K

$74K

$112.8K

How much do junior structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior structural engineer in Chicago, IL is $73,964.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $82,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Junior Structural Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Junior Structural Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Structural Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,964 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Structural Engineer

Shive Hattery Group, Inc.

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site, Remote

$86K - $103K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Description

Who We Are


Our commercial structural team is growing fast - and we're having a great time doing it. We're a crew of creative problem-solvers who bring energy, curiosity, and good vibes to every project. Hot takes are welcome (and encouraged), and collaboration is our favorite sport. At Shive-Hattery, you'll sharpen your skills, push boundaries, and tackle exciting challenges with teammates who make work genuinely fun.


Testimonials:


  • Mike-Managing Director: "Shive-Hattery has been an amazing place for me to grow as a Structural Engineer and develop as a Leader. I know a lot of companies preach culture, but it truly is Shive-Hattery's culture that has kept me here for the past 18 years. Here you'll get to work on some incredible projects and learn from some amazing engineers. I enjoy going to work everyday, I feel lucky to work with such amazing people, and do a job I love doing."


  • Bre-Design Professional: "Our group is an "all hands on deck" team. We are always supporting and helping each other so we can provide our clients with the best solutions for their project needs. Whether you are in one of our office locations or working remotely, you always feel welcome and fully part of the group. Shive offers so many opportunities for growth. They encourage you to try new things and explore whether a certain path is right for you. You're a structural engineer but interested in project management? Great! There are plenty of people available to provide guidance and mentorship, helping you learn and grow in that career path.


Responsibilities

  • Lead the structural design of industrial, commercial, and educational projects of varying sizes, with a primary focus on ย ย ย ย ย industrial facilities.
  • Collaborate with experienced engineers, technicians, and multi-disciplinary teams to deliver high-quality structural solutions ย ย ย ย ย for local and national clients.
  • Oversee the structural design phase from schematic design through construction documentation for both single- and ย ย ย ย ย multi-discipline projects.
  • Make design recommendations and decisions; ensure the completion, accuracy, and quality of construction drawings, ย ย ย ย ย specifications, reports, and other project deliverables.
  • Establish and manage structural scope, schedules, and budgets to meet client and project requirements.
  • Serve as a key point of contact and company representative with clients and contractors throughout the design and ย ย ย ย ย construction process.
  • Manage and review shop drawings and coordinate field data collection activities.
  • Mentor and support junior engineers and designers, fostering technical growth and teamwork.
  • Handle multiple concurrent projects efficiently while maintaining attention to detail and project quality.

Requirements

What You'll Bring

  • Professional Engineer licensure in Illinois or Indiana or the ability for immediate licensure in Illinois and Indiana
  • Structural design experience using concrete, steel, and masonry. Wood design would be a plus
  • Must be willing to travel short distances to job sites to evaluate existing buildings or observe current projects under ย ย ย ย ย construction
  • Experience and willingness to collaborate with other disciplines
  • Ability to manage time and workload effectively, which includes planning, organizing, and prioritizing work
  • Capability to delegate minor work to younger engineers or designers
  • Must have great attention to detail
  • Possess good oral and written communication skills, and comfortable presenting design solutions to Owners
  • Experience using Revit, 3D software (Navisworks/Recap), structural engineering design software, and Microsoft Office softwareย 
  • Must be capable of working on multiple projects simultaneously
  • Must be able to drive and have access to an automobile, climb ladders and work off of elevated platforms and open grating, and wear personal protective equipment required for specific clients and sites


Benefit Highlights


Shive-Hattery offers an outstanding and competitive total compensation package including competitive pay and over 35 different benefits.

  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  Compensation Range: $86,000-$103,000 per year
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Medical, Dental, Vision - 4 tiers of coverage
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Voluntary Life Insurance - Employee, Spouse, and Childย 
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Voluntary Insurance Plans - Accident, Critical Illness, & Hospital Indemnity
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย FSA ย - Medical & Dependent Care
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 8 Paid Holidays + PTOย 
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Paid Parental Leave
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย 401K/Roth 401K with Company Matchย 
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Overtime Bonusย 
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Profit Sharing Bonus
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย First Time License Bonus
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Tuition Reimbursement & Licensure/Certification Financial Support
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Professional Development Opportunitiesย 
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย Calm Meditation & Stress Relief Subscription
  • ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ...And Many More!ย 

ย ย U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

  • At ย this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: To protect the interests of all parties, Shive-Hattery and its partners will not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from a recruiter or staffing agency who is not operating under an executed recruiting or staffing services contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or otherwise submit unsolicited candidate information in any form.


Shive-Hattery offers a flexible work environment and supports balancing personal and professional responsibilities. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.