2

Remote Playground Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead Structural Engineer - Bridge

Aurora, IL · On-site +1

$140K - $180K/yr

Description Are you a forward thinker with a passion for designing bridges? Fehr Graham is a fast ... Bridge inspection and design will be your playground, where you can showcase your skills and ...

Are you a forward thinker with a passion for designing bridges? Fehr Graham is a fast-growing ... Bridge inspection and design will be your playground, where you can showcase your skills and ...

Remote Playground Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$22

$51

$96

How much do remote playground designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote playground designer in Chicago, IL is $51.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.74 and $63.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote playground designer?

A Remote Playground Designer is a professional who creates and develops playground layouts, equipment, and spaces while working remotely, often using digital design tools and collaborating with clients and teams online. They focus on creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments for children, considering factors such as safety standards, accessibility, and developmental needs. Remote Playground Designers may work for design firms, manufacturers, or as independent consultants, and their work often involves site analysis, conceptual design, 3D modeling, and virtual presentations. The remote aspect allows them to manage projects and communicate with stakeholders from any location.

How does a remote playground designer collaborate effectively with onsite teams during the design and installation phases?

As a Remote Playground Designer, collaboration with onsite teams is essential throughout both the design and installation processes. Designers typically use video conferencing, shared digital workspaces, and cloud-based design tools to communicate ideas, review project progress, and address site-specific challenges in real time. Regular virtual meetings and clear documentation help ensure that your vision aligns with client requirements and site constraints. Being proactive in communication and open to feedback from installation teams is key to resolving issues quickly and delivering successful playground projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote playground designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Playground Designer, you need strong skills in landscape architecture, CAD design, and knowledge of safety regulations, typically supported by a degree in landscape architecture or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and playground safety certification (e.g., CPSI) is often required. Creativity, effective communication, and project management skills help remote designers collaborate with clients and teams and deliver engaging, safe play spaces. These skills ensure the creation of innovative, compliant playgrounds that meet client needs and promote children's wellbeing, even when working remotely.

What is the difference between Remote Playground Designer vs Remote Landscape Architect?

AspectRemote Playground DesignerRemote Landscape Architect
CredentialsDesign certifications, CAD skillsLandscape architecture license, design certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, client sites, remote collaborationOutdoor spaces, urban areas, remote planning
Industry UsagePlayground safety, child-friendly designPublic parks, commercial landscapes
Search & ComparisonOften compared for design roles involving outdoor spaces

Remote Playground Designers focus on creating safe, engaging play areas for children, often requiring safety standards and CAD skills. Remote Landscape Architects design broader outdoor environments like parks and urban spaces, with a focus on sustainability and aesthetics. While both roles involve outdoor design and share some certifications, their project scopes and client bases differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Playground Designer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Playground Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Remote Playground Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Remote Playground Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Remote Playground Designer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Remote Playground Designer job openings:

Lead Structural Engineer - Bridge

Fehr Graham

Aurora, IL • On-site, Remote

$140K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Description
Are you a forward thinker with a passion for designing bridges? Fehr Graham is a fast-growing Midwest engineering environmental firm looking for a motivated Structural Engineer to join our team. 

We’re not just seeking someone to fill a position. We want a proactive communicator who can take charge and lead our growing structural engineering team. Your ideas and vision will be vital as we expand into new markets. You’ll be at the forefront of our growth. 

What’s in it for you?
We offer an exciting and engaging work environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. As a Structural Engineer, you’ll have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that push the boundaries of innovation. Bridge inspection and design will be your playground, where you can showcase your skills and expertise while having a real impact on communities. Your knowledge of structural components, including bridges, retaining walls and Department of Transportation design standards, will be the backbone of our success. 

Where you’ll work
Whether you prefer the convenience of remote work or the adventure of relocating to a community near one of our offices, we have you covered. At Fehr Graham, we believe in work-life balance, and that includes injecting a healthy dose of fun into everything we do. It’s even part of our Core Values! We celebrate milestones and enjoy friendly team-building activities and office outings. A happy and engaged work team is a successful one. Each of our offices brings an environment filled with positive energy and enthusiasm. We encourage our teams to connect on multiple levels and support each other’s personal and professional growth.

Go beyond the job description: Uncover projects that ignite your passion. Structural Engineering - Fehr Graham
What you’ll do
As the Lead Structural Engineer, we promote a team environment, so you’ll work with fellow engineers, environmental scientists and many others. You’ll also: 
  • Provide bridge inspection and design services.
  • Actively lead, develop and grow the structural engineering team.
  • Be familiar with structural components. 
  • Work cross functionally with the Transportation team on projects.
What it takes
Ideally, you’ll have a Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering. You should have 7 to 11 years of experience designing steel and concrete structures. You should be a licensed structural engineer in Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin or demonstrate the ability to secure these licensures. Ideally, you’ll also: 
  • Know construction methods and materials and code requirements.
  • Know how to develop design and construction plans.
  • Use structural engineering software.
  • Speak and write well.
  • Have strong analytical and organizational skills.
  • Be a team player.
What you’ll get
You’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow professionally at our progressive firm, which started in 1973. Our people-first organization is focused on giving our employees the opportunity for growth. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer:
  • Medical/dental/vision
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401K Retirement Plan
  • Profit-sharing bonus plan
  • Paid time off
  • An awesome work environment.  
Learn more about Fehr Graham’s people, culture and projects on our website. 

Equal Opportunity Employer
Fehr Graham provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company’s good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.
#LI-KC1