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

Job Title: Civil Engineer

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of site civil and land development projects while working closely with experienced engineers in a highly collaborative environment. You will support the preparation of civil design documentation, perform site engineering analyses, and participate in construction phase activities for projects such as K–12 and higher education facilities, sporting venues, office buildings, municipal facilities, and roadway/bridge work. The position emphasizes hands-on learning, cross-discipline collaboration, and continuous professional development within an integrated architecture, engineering, and construction setting.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing design documentation, including Autodesk Civil 3D models and drawings, under the guidance and supervision of senior engineers.
• Conduct research on materials, products, municipal and zoning codes, systems, and sustainable design practices to inform project decisions and improve design quality.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including architecture, sustainability, construction, and other consultants, to support integrated project delivery.
• Perform onsite surveys of existing site conditions and document field measurements, observations, and site constraints for use in design and analysis.
• Assist in the production of final permit, bid, and construction drawings, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Support construction phase activities, including reviewing submittals, performing construction site observations, and documenting field conditions.
• Utilize Autodesk Civil 3D for civil design, modeling, and documentation of site layouts, grading, utilities, and stormwater management systems.
• Perform civil and site engineering analyses for site plans, site layout, utilities, stormwater management, green infrastructure, earthwork, grading, and erosion control under the direct supervision of a senior engineer.
• Assist in preparing due diligence and site analysis reports, including engineering opinions of probable cost, utility computations, detention and retention computations, stormwater reports, and earthwork analyses.
• Support the preparation of permit applications and associated documentation for submission to applicable jurisdictional agencies.
• Participate in cross-discipline career development by engaging in continuous learning, attending industry events, and taking part in internal training sessions to enhance technical and professional skills.
• Contribute to a production-focused environment by meeting project deadlines, coordinating with team members, and maintaining clear communication on design progress and issues.

Essential Skills

• B.S. or M.S. in Civil Engineering.
• Minimum 1–2 years of civil design experience preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in site civil or land development is a plus, including knowledge of site grading, stormwater management, sanitary sewer design, water supply systems, and basic site development design for private and public sector projects.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) or Engineering Intern (EI) credential, or a clear plan to pass the FE exam within the next year.
• Proficient working knowledge of AutoCAD Civil 3D for civil design and documentation.
• Experience or familiarity with site planning, site design, and land development projects.
• Experience or familiarity with stormwater management and stormwater design, including detention and retention systems.
• Experience or familiarity with grading, erosion control, and green infrastructure concepts.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to effectively coordinate with team members and stakeholders.
• Valid driver’s license to support travel for site visits and field observations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with stormwater management design, including stormwater reports and detention/retention computations.
• Experience with site development and land development projects across education, sports, office, municipal, and transportation sectors.
• Familiarity with sanitary sewer design, water supply systems, and basic utility design.
• Ability to prepare due diligence and site analysis reports, including engineering opinions of probable cost and utility computations.
• Comfort working in a production-based role with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Interest in cross-discipline collaboration with architecture, interiors, MEP, structural, and construction teams.
• Motivation to engage in continuous learning, attend industry events, and participate in internal training to advance professional growth.

Work Environment

This role is based in an open-office environment with an open floor plan and cubicle layout designed to encourage collaboration and communication. The Land Development team consists of approximately six to seven engineers and designers, creating a close-knit, highly collaborative setting where you will work closely with others and actively discuss designs. The position is primarily in-office Monday through Wednesday, with the option to work from home on Friday. Fridays are half days year-round, with typical hours Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday. You can expect a minimum of 40 hours per week, with occasional overtime depending on project needs. The dress code is business professional, with business casual attire required Monday through Thursday, and a slightly more relaxed business casual standard on Fridays. The office is located in a LEED Platinum building with ample parking, including preferred parking near the front entrance for hybrid vehicles. The workspace offers lots of natural light and an open, modern feel, along with a kitchen equipped with a microwave and seating for lunch breaks. The organization operates as an integrated architecture, interiors, MEP, structural, civil, and construction firm, providing exposure to the full construction process and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines. The company maintains a strong backlog of work, offering stability and consistent project opportunities in sectors such as K–12 and higher education, sporting facilities, office buildings, municipal facilities, and roadway and bridge projects.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Darien, IL.

The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $37.02/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Darien,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.