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

Whiting Corporation

Design Engineer

Crete, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Engineered Material Handling Products * TrackRunner Robot * Industries * Automotive & Stamping ... Focus in machinery, mechanical or structural design preferred. * A demonstrated working knowledge ...

K2N CREST

Structural Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

In this role, you will work on a diverse mix of projects, including structural design for new and ... Education Requirements * BS or MS in Civil or Structural Engineering Experience & Skills Required

K2N CREST

Structural Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

In this role, you will work on a diverse mix of projects, including structural design for new and ... Education Requirements * BS or MS in Civil or Structural Engineering Experience & Skills Required

Ware Malcomb

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

At Ware Malcomb, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking design firm committed to pushing the ... Project management for the execution of structural building projects. * Supervise engineers and ...

Actalent

Structural Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$48.08 - $67.31/hr

Structural Engineer (Industrial Projects) Location: Fully Remote | Must Reside in Illinois Build ... Design concrete and steel structures for heavy industrial facilities * Develop structural designs ...

Ware Malcomb

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

At Ware Malcomb, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking design firm committed to pushing the ... As a Senior Structural Engineer at Ware Malcomb, you will lead the structural design and delivery ...

Ware Malcomb

Senior Structural Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

At Ware Malcomb, we are a dynamic and forward-thinking design firm committed to pushing the ... As a Senior Structural Engineer at Ware Malcomb, you will lead the structural design and delivery ...

Protouch Staffing

Structural Project Engineer

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Prepare structural design plans, specifications, calculations, drawings, and technical documentation. * Perform structural analysis and engineering calculations. * Conduct quality assurance and ...

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All JobsStructural Design Engineer JobsStructural Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Structural Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$23.7K

$105.8K

$164.8K

How much do structural design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural design engineer in Chicago, IL is $105,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $135,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, obtaining professional certifications, and taking on managerial or executive positions.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software development often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Leadership roles like engineering managers or principal engineers in high-demand industries can also reach or exceed this salary level.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Structural Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Structural Design Engineer, you need a strong background in civil or structural engineering, proficiency in mathematics and physics, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering along with relevant licensure (such as a PE). Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, SAP2000, ETABS, and Revit, as well as knowledge of building codes and standards, is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with project teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and compliant structural designs that meet project requirements and support public safety.

What are Structural Design Engineers?

Structural Design Engineers are professionals who analyze, design, and plan the structural systems for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure to ensure they are safe, stable, and meet all relevant codes and standards. They use their expertise in materials, physics, and engineering principles to create designs that can withstand loads and environmental factors. Their work often involves collaborating with architects, contractors, and other engineers throughout the construction process.

What do structural design engineers do?

Structural design engineers develop and analyze structural systems for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure to ensure safety and stability. They use engineering principles, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and materials knowledge to create detailed plans and specifications, often working closely with architects and construction teams. Certification and adherence to building codes are essential parts of their role.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes leadership or executive responsibilities.

What is the difference between Structural Design Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectStructural Design EngineerCivil Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and analyzing structural systems for buildings, bridges, and infrastructurePlanning, designing, and overseeing construction of various civil projects including roads, water systems, and buildings
CredentialsEngineering degree, often with specialization in structural engineering, PE licenseEngineering degree, PE license, and broader civil engineering credentials
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, construction sites, consulting firmsConstruction sites, urban planning agencies, consulting firms
Industry UsageCommonly employed in structural and architectural firmsUsed across civil infrastructure, transportation, and urban development sectors

While both roles require engineering credentials and often overlap in project collaboration, Structural Design Engineers specialize in creating safe, efficient structural systems, whereas Civil Engineers have a broader scope including infrastructure planning and development.

What are the typical challenges Structural Design Engineers face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Structural Design Engineers often collaborate with architects, mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers, which can present challenges in aligning design objectives and timelines. Balancing structural integrity with aesthetic and functional requirements requires clear communication and compromise. Additionally, adapting to varying codes, standards, and client expectations across projects adds complexity, making effective project coordination and problem-solving skills essential for success.
What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Structural Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Structural Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Structural Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Structural Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,849 per year, or $50.9 per hour.
Senior Structural Engineer

Senior Structural Engineer

Clayco (LJC - Structural Engineering)

Chicago, IL

$125K - $160K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.


About LJC

LJC Design & Engineering is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a team of high-energy professionals who share a passion for design, a collaborative approach, and a casual culture. We solve challenges by leveraging the collective expertise and ingenuity of the best and brightest minds across development, design, and construction.

The Role We Want You For

LJC is currently seeking a licensed Senior Structural Engineer to join our design team. In this role you will be working with in-house Development, Architecture, and Construction teams to provide Structural Design and Quality Assurance on industrial, mission critical, life sciences, and residential projects for our nationwide clients.

The Specifics of the Role

  • Define and develop preliminary structural systems that coordinate with other design trades in an effort to provide a collaborative design.
  • Project designs based on construction schedule versus fully finished package.
  • Preliminary pricing advantages due to historical construction experience.
  • Value engineering is ongoing as the design is refined.
  • Input from jobsite can identify construction issues.
  • Projects can be designed to the builder’s strength.
  • Easier for engineer to issue changes or make revisions.
  • Opportunity for site and Quality visits to assist in solving field issues.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering required; Master’s Degree with Structural emphasis preferred.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience designing commercial projects, ideally industrial, mission critical, and/or life sciences.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE)
  • Knowledge of CAD software, such as AutoCad and Revit
  • Proficiency with structural analysis software such as Tekla Structural Designer
  • Experience working in a multi-disciplinary project team.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.

Some Things You Should Know

  • No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
  • We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
  • The pace is fast!

Why Clayco and LJC?

  • 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
  • 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits

  • Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

  • The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $125,000  - 160,000 annually (not adjusted for location).

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