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Subsurface Utility Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

T2 Utility Engineers

Project Manager

Palatine, IL · On-site

T2ue helps clients manage the complexity of existing utilities with our professional and comprehensive Subsurface Utility Engineering, Utility Coordination, and Surveying services. Our mission is to ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Engineering Specialist

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$70K/yr

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... Advanced preparation for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Compensation Range The anticipated ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Engineering Specialist

Geneva, IL · On-site

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... Advanced preparation for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Compensation RangeThe anticipated ...

Quanta Services

Engineering Specialist

Oak Brook, IL

HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ... Advanced preparation for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. The anticipated compensation for ...

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All JobsSubsurface Utility Engineer JobsSubsurface Utility Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Subsurface Utility Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$33.9K

$93.8K

$161.8K

How much do subsurface utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for subsurface utility engineer in Illinois is $93,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,300.00 and $114,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a subsurface utility engineer?

A Subsurface Utility Engineer (SUE) is responsible for locating, mapping, and assessing underground utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and telecommunications. They use technologies like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic detection to identify buried infrastructure and prevent conflicts with construction projects. SUEs help reduce risks, improve project efficiency, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Their work is essential in urban planning, civil engineering, and infrastructure development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a subsurface utility engineer?

To thrive as a Subsurface Utility Engineer, you need a strong background in civil engineering or surveying, a degree in a related field, and knowledge of underground utility location and mapping methods. Familiarity with geophysical surveying tools, GPS/GIS systems, utility designation standards, and certifications such as ASCE's UESI utility engineering credential are often required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective verbal and written communication distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are essential to ensure accurate utility mapping, minimize project risks, and facilitate collaboration with multidisciplinary project teams.

What are the typical challenges faced by subsurface utility engineers in their daily work?

Subsurface Utility Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as interpreting incomplete or outdated utility records, working in congested urban environments, and addressing unforeseen underground conditions during excavation or construction planning. They must closely collaborate with utility owners, municipal agencies, and construction teams to gather accurate data and resolve conflicts. This role often requires adaptability and quick problem-solving, as unexpected situations can affect project timelines and safety. Successfully navigating these challenges ensures smoother project delivery and minimizes costly utility conflicts or service disruptions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Subsurface Utility Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Subsurface Utility Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 94% Full Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 90% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,782 per year, or $45.1 per hour.

Entry Level Utility Engineer

Prairie Engineers

Columbia, IL • On-site

$62K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

If you're a Jr. Engineer who likes problem-solving, technology, and seeing immediate impact on projects, come uncover more of your career and contribute to Subsurface Utility Engineering at Prairie Engineers.

This entry level position will focus heavily on subsurface utility engineering with occasional travel throughout the U.S. While in the office, you will analyze subsurface data and turn it into actionable engineering deliverables - technical reports, conflict analyses, and utility mapping plans. Ideally, you will be located within one hour of the greater St. Louis MO region. We're a team looking to make a lasting impact and want people who embrace challenges, drive change, and help shape our collective future. Prairie Engineers is a growing and progressive business with opportunities for career advancement, a diverse range of clients, and varied projects across the nation. At Prairie, we're looking to be in the forefront of subsurface detection technology in one of the fastest-growing specialties in infrastructure. Our goal resonates with you? Great, let's connect!

What you Need:
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an ABETaccredited program.
  • Licensure: Passed FE exam or will within the first 6 months of employment.
  • Experience: 02 years of experience in civil engineering focused on subsurface utility engineering (SUE) or utility design. More experience definitely a plus.
  • Software: Microsoft Office Suite, CAD and/or GIS tools (ArcGIS, QGIS, AutoCAD, Microstation), ability to quickly learn and understand new software.
  • Travel: Able to travel and work nights/weekends as project schedules require.
  • Safety: Valid driver's license with insurable driving record; able to pass background check, preemployment and random drug screens; able to walk equivalent of several miles daily and lift up to 80 lbs. consistently.
    • What you will Do:
  • Contribute to the collection, interpretation, and analysis of subsurface utility data using advanced geophysical and survey technology.
  • Develop detailed utility maps and engineering drawings using AutoCAD, Microstation, and GIS systems.
  • Ensure the accuracy and integrity of deliverables through thorough quality review.
  • Support the development of SUE work plans and technical reports for complex civil infrastructure projects.
  • Solve underground conflicts and coordinate solutions in partnership with project teams, clients, and utility owners.
  • Uphold a strong culture of safety in both field and office environments.
    • How you Align:
  • People Focused: Professional, respectful, and teamoriented, with a strong work ethic and the ability to collaborate internally and externally.
  • Can Do Attitude: Positively engages with challenges, facilitates problemsolving, and takes initiative to deliver solutions.
  • Responsive: Communicates openly, proactively, and promptly, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

    • Salary range: $62,400 - $74,880 per year, determined by education, experience, licensure, and knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant, as well as internal and external benchmarking.

    Check out the Careers page at prairieengineers.com for details on the benefits package available including 401(k), medical insurance starting on day one, generous paid time off, professional development and to find out why employees chose to join our team. Prairie Engineers is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information (including family medical history), or any other legally protected status.

    Potential candidates for this position should apply with cover letter and resume. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. However, we are not able to sponsor current or future visas for this position.

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