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Structural Engineering Research Assistant Jobs in Chicago, IL

WSP

Senior Structural Engineer (Buildings)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Perform professional structural engineering work and conduct research and inspections of proposed ... assist with laying out installations, establishing reference points/elevations/grades to guide ...

WSP

Senior Structural Engineer (Buildings)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$103K - $140K/yr

Perform professional structural engineering work and conduct research and inspections of proposed ... assist with laying out installations, establishing reference points/elevations/grades to guide ...

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Structural Engineering Research Assistant information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$67

$92

How much do structural engineering research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural engineering research assistant in Chicago, IL is $67.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.44 and $78.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a structural engineering research assistant do?

A Structural Engineering Research Assistant supports research projects focused on the analysis, design, and evaluation of structures such as buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure. Their tasks include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, preparing technical reports, and assisting with literature reviews. They often work under the supervision of senior researchers or professors and may use specialized software to model and simulate structural behavior. This role is essential for advancing knowledge in structural engineering and helping to develop safer, more efficient construction methods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a structural engineering research assistant?

To thrive as a Structural Engineering Research Assistant, you need a solid background in civil or structural engineering principles, data analysis, and research methodologies, typically supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with finite element analysis software (like ANSYS or Abaqus), CAD tools, and programming languages such as MATLAB or Python is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with research teams and presenting findings. These competencies enable accurate experimental work, effective problem-solving, and contribution to advancements in structural engineering research.

How does a structural engineering research assistant typically collaborate with senior researchers and other team members?

As a Structural Engineering Research Assistant, you will regularly interact with senior researchers, faculty, and fellow assistants to support ongoing projects. Collaboration often involves contributing to experimental design, data collection, and analysis, as well as assisting in the preparation of research reports and publications. You may also participate in weekly team meetings to discuss progress and troubleshoot challenges, fostering a dynamic and supportive work environment. Effective communication and openness to feedback are key to thriving in this collaborative academic or research-focused setting.

What is the difference between Structural Engineering Research Assistant vs Civil Engineering Technician?

AspectStructural Engineering Research AssistantCivil Engineering Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering; some roles may require a master'sAssociate's degree in civil engineering technology or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, university settings, or industry research departmentsConstruction sites, engineering firms, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageAcademic institutions, research organizations, engineering firms

The Structural Engineering Research Assistant typically focuses on research, analysis, and testing related to structural systems, often in academic or research settings. In contrast, Civil Engineering Technicians are more involved in fieldwork, construction support, and practical implementation. Both roles require technical knowledge but differ mainly in their focus on research versus field application.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineering Research jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Structural Engineering Research jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Structural Engineering Research Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Structural Engineering Research Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Structural Engineering Research Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Structural Engineering Research Assistant jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Structural Engineering Research Assistant jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Structural Engineering Research Assistant job openings:

Structural Engineering Research Assistant jobs near you

Senior Structural Engineer

Clayco (LJC - Structural Engineering)

Chicago, IL

$125K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Clayco rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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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