Physical Design Engineer Parttime Jobs in Chicago, IL

Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world's challenges. An independent organization of creative thinkers and innovative doers collaborating from offices worldwide, our mission is to bring our clients' ideas to life and, in the process, lay the groundwork for a better, more resilient future. We provide support and opportunities to our employees to achieve their full potential and cultivate a rewarding career.
Our Structural Engineering practice collaborates with architects, building owners, and builders to design elegant solutions for projects of all types, sizes, and levels of complexity. From designing the world's tallest buildings and most extended spans to engineering inventive "jewel-box" structures and designing major expansion projects, we continually seek the best balance among the demands of form, function, sustainability, constructability, schedule, and budget.
Your Role
As an Engineer in our Structural Practice, you will perform structural analysis, design and detailing for all types of buildings, using a variety of materials and building codes. You will contribute to a variety of small to mid-sized projects, including high-rise, cultural buildings, stadiums, healthcare, and more while learning the foundational skills needed to deliver high-quality design. With support from your team, you will work on projects in a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, ideal for engineers eager to grow their technical and creative skills.
What You'll Do

• Tackle real structural analysis and design challenges across a variety of building types while applying core engineering principles to create impactful, high-quality solutions.
• Create construction documents in a BIM environment, sharpening your technical skills through collaborative hands-on work.
• Work side-by-side with seasoned engineers who will coach, guide, and support your growth from day one.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with teammates and project partners as you learn to navigate real-world project environments.
• Build your early-career network and get to know TT's culture, values, and services while practicing leadership behaviors like authenticity, trust-building, and effective communication.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering; Master's degree preferred.
• Familiarity with tools like SAP2000, ETABS, RAM, StructurePoint Software, and Revit are a plus.
• Strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a genuine eagerness to learn, ask questions, and grow through feedback.
• A detail-oriented approach with the ability to apply fundamental engineering concepts and check your work with care and curiosity.

Compensation
The rate for this position generally is $1 - $400 hourly. This range is a good faith estimate provided pursuant to the Illinois State Pay Transparency Law. It is based on what a successful Illinois State applicant might be paid and assumes that the successful candidate will be in Illinois State or perform the position from Illinois State. Similar positions located outside of Illinois State will not necessarily receive the same compensation. Actual pay rates may vary from the range, as permitted by Illinois Equal Pay Transparency Law. Compensation offers will be based on various factors, including operational needs, individual education, qualifications and experience, work location and comparison to employee already in the role, as well as other considerations permitted by law. A potential new employee's pay history will not be used in compensation decisions.
Benefits
Depending on your employment status, benefits may include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability and other voluntary benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Medical and Childcare
• Paid Time Off, Family Leave for New Parents, Volunteer Time
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Commuter Transit (where available)
• 401k retirement savings with Company matching on employee contributions and/or qualified student loan repayments
• Fitness Reimbursement
• And other various wellness, diversity/inclusion and employee resource programs and initiatives

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Thornton Tomasetti is proud to be an equal employment workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Thornton Tomasetti are considered without regards to age, ancestry, color, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, race, religion (including beliefs and practices or the absence thereof), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
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