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Structural Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Varsity Tutors

Structural Engineering Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$40/hr

About the Job The Varsity Tutors Live Learning Platform has thousands of students looking for online Structural Engineering tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ...

SOM

Designer - Structural Engineering

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

Performs structural engineering analysis and design and prepares design and construction documents, integrating own work and the work of others. * Solves complex problems in connection with ...

Dewberry

Structural Engineer

Peoria, IL

$97K - $125K/yr

Structural Engineering (SE) License in Illinois, or ability to obtain through reciprocity within one year of start date. Take charge of exciting structural design projects across various sectors ...

Primera

Structural Engineering Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description AECOM-DBS JV is seeking a Structural Engineering Construction Manager to support the Chicago Department of Water's multi-billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP). This ...

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All JobsStructural Engineering JobsStructural Engineering Jobs in Illinois

Structural Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$48.5K

$96.3K

$147.3K

How much do structural engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for structural engineering in Illinois is $96,321.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is structural engineering?

Structural engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and ensuring the safety and stability of buildings, bridges, and other structures. Structural engineers work to make sure that structures can withstand the loads and forces they encounter, such as gravity, wind, earthquakes, and human use. Their work involves selecting appropriate materials, creating blueprints, and sometimes inspecting construction sites to ensure compliance with design specifications. Structural engineering plays a vital role in the safety and durability of the built environment.

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

To thrive as a Structural Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, mathematics, and physics, usually backed by a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering and relevant licensure (such as a PE license). Proficiency in structural analysis software (like SAP2000, ETABS, or AutoCAD) and familiarity with building codes are essential technical requirements. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients. These skills ensure the safety, stability, and efficiency of structures while facilitating teamwork and compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges structural engineers face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Structural engineers often collaborate closely with architects, civil engineers, and construction teams on multidisciplinary projects. One common challenge is aligning structural requirements with architectural aesthetics and project budgets without compromising safety or functionality. Effective communication and early involvement in the design process are key to resolving conflicts and ensuring structural integrity. Additionally, adapting to changing project scopes and coordinating with multiple stakeholders can require strong project management and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Structural Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectStructural EngineeringCivil Engineering
CredentialsRequires a bachelor's degree in structural or civil engineering, PE license often preferredRequires a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing and analyzing structural systems for buildings, bridges, and towersEncompasses a broader range of infrastructure projects including roads, water systems, and urban planning
Industry UsageSpecialized within construction, architecture, and engineering firmsUsed across construction, transportation, urban development, and environmental sectors

Structural engineering is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on designing and analyzing structures to ensure safety and stability. Civil engineering covers a broader scope of infrastructure projects. While structural engineers concentrate on the integrity of individual structures, civil engineers handle a wide range of infrastructure systems. Both roles often require similar credentials and work environments, but their project focus and scope differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Engineering jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Structural Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Structural Engineering jobs in Illinois? For Structural Engineering jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Structural Engineering jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Structural Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Structural Engineering jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Structural Engineering job openings:
Structural Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Structural Engineering job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,321 per year, or $46.3 per hour.
Designer - Structural Engineering

Designer - Structural Engineering

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.
Success at SOM Means
  • Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
  • Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
  • Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
  • Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.
  • Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
  • Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

Position Responsibilities
  • Performs structural engineering analysis and design and prepares design and construction documents, integrating own work and the work of others.
  • Solves complex problems in connection with structural engineering segments of projects.
  • Generates ideas, reviews and filters ideas generated by junior engineers in preparation of drawings and engineering design and analysis.
  • Coordinates details and dimensions.
  • Reviews structural engineering documents for code compliance.
  • Develops portions of structural engineering design concepts incorporating planning, architectural, engineering, and other required systems.
  • Participates in coordination efforts with other disciplines in collaboration with project leadership.
  • Reviews structural engineering design documents for compliance with approved program requirements.
  • Confers with clients, consultants, contractors, and others during various stages of project development.
  • Reviews shop drawing and product submittals for general conformance with the structural engineering documents.
  • Proactively handles a reasonable workload to meet project task deadlines and commitments and self manages own time effectively.

Leadership Responsibilities
  • Actively supports the development of internal SOM community activities.
  • Guides and encourages the development of Junior and Intermediate Professional Structural Engineers
  • Creates a supportive inclusive working environment with focus on design excellence and innovative, creative ideas.
  • Assists project leaders and senior structural engineering professionals in achieving project budget, deliverables and schedule.
  • Encourages incorporation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments.
  • Protects SOM from financial and legal risk.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Structural Engineering.
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in design development, structural analysis, documentation and detailing on a variety of projects.
  • Professional licensure process is close to completion; LEED accreditation preferred. Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task specific level.
  • Actively collaborates at a project team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas.
  • Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
  • Demonstrates general knowledge of site planning, civil, structural and mechanical, electrical engineering, and architectural practice.
  • Demonstrates practical knowledge of building codes.
  • Possesses advanced knowledge of computational and FEM tools for daily use on project design.

Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM.
Our Benefits:
Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
Work/Life Balance: Hybrid/Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development
Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $75,000 - $90,000.
Our Culture:
Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you'll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.
We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy as well as additional information such as a privacy notice for California residents and how to apply offline.
For more about SOM: www.som.com
Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.

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