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Subsurface Utility Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in ... HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support ...

Design Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

Design engineering systems in compliance with specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects. * Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and ...

Design Lead

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Design engineering systems in compliance with specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects. * Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and ...

Design Lead

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Design engineering systems in compliance with specifications, codes, and client requirements for overhead and subsurface utility projects. * Apply broad knowledge of engineering principles and ...

This role involves designing engineering systems for overhead and subsurface utility projects while developing creative and unique solutions to address complex electrical, structural, civil, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Subsurface Utility Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$36.1K

$99.7K

$172K

How much do subsurface utility engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for subsurface utility engineering in Chicago, IL is $99,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $122,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Subsurface Utility Engineering vs Utility Locator?

AspectSubsurface Utility EngineeringUtility Locator
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like SUE Level I-IVTraining in utility detection, often no formal engineering degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and coordination for construction projectsFieldwork, locating underground utilities on-site
Industry UsageUsed in civil engineering, construction, infrastructure projectsPrimarily in construction, excavation, and utility companies

Subsurface Utility Engineering involves detailed analysis, design, and management of underground utilities, often requiring engineering credentials. Utility Locators focus on field detection and marking underground utilities, typically with specialized training. While both roles are essential for safe construction, SUE provides comprehensive planning, whereas utility locators perform the critical task of locating utilities on-site.

What is Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE)?

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) is a specialized branch of civil engineering focused on the identification, mapping, and management of underground utilities such as water, gas, electric, and telecommunications. SUE professionals use a combination of surveying, geophysical methods, and records research to locate and document these utilities before construction or excavation projects begin. This process helps prevent costly damages, improves safety, and ensures more efficient project planning by reducing the risk of unexpected utility conflicts. SUE is increasingly important for urban development and infrastructure maintenance.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

In subsurface utility engineering, high-paying roles such as senior geotechnical engineers, project managers, or specialized consultants can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced technical skills, industry experience, and sometimes involve managing large projects or teams.

What are some common challenges faced by Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) professionals when coordinating with construction and design teams?

SUE professionals often encounter challenges in ensuring accurate and up-to-date utility data is communicated to construction and design teams. Discrepancies between existing records and actual field conditions can lead to design changes, project delays, or safety risks. Effective coordination requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex utility maps and geophysical data. Regular meetings and clear documentation help bridge gaps between SUE findings and project requirements, supporting safer and more efficient project execution.

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

To excel in Subsurface Utility Engineering, a strong background in civil engineering, surveying, and utility mapping—often with a relevant engineering degree and licensure—is essential. Familiarity with ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic locating devices, CAD software, and GIS systems is typically required, along with certifications like ASCE 38 or NULCA. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication with multidisciplinary teams are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate utility detection, risk mitigation, and the successful integration of utility data into infrastructure projects.

What does a subsurface utility engineer do?

A subsurface utility engineer (SUE) identifies, maps, and assesses underground utilities to prevent conflicts during construction projects. They use specialized tools like ground-penetrating radar and utility locators, and often work closely with engineers and construction teams to ensure accurate utility data and safe excavation practices.

What is the highest paying job for EE?

In electrical engineering, high-paying roles include systems engineer, engineering manager, and power systems director, often requiring advanced degrees and certifications. Specialized fields like aerospace, semiconductor design, and energy management tend to offer the highest salaries for electrical engineers.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In the field of Subsurface Utility Engineering, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and professional certifications can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary, especially in high-demand regions or consulting roles. These positions often require advanced knowledge of geotechnical analysis, project management, and the use of specialized tools like GIS and CAD software.
What are the most commonly searched types of Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? For Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Subsurface Utility Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Project Manager

T2 Utility Engineers

Palatine, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Join T2 Utility Engineers in Palatine, IL to play an integral role in mentoring and empowering team members to creatively develop solutions for our clients and their projects. The Project Manager will work closely with clients and the design teams to coordinate the completion of projects while ensuring quality standards, maintaining project schedules, and staying within project budgets

T2 Utility Engineers specializes in providing reliable underground and above-ground utility information to reduce the risks that utilities present for infrastructure projects. 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 provide project stakeholders with quality utility information, professional insight, and deliverables that streamline construction, improve project safety, and set the standard for the utility engineering industry. Since 1993, our reputation has been built on providing incomparable service based on high standards of technical ability and project understanding.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Interfaces with clients to obtain work
  • Develops and maintains relationships with existing and new clients
  • Report on client and competitor activities and initiate action accordingly
  • Monitor and evaluate the activities of the competition
  • Prepare business activity and forecast reports
  • Support the local office or regional marketing efforts
  • Working with proposal team and respond to requests for information, proposals and/or quotations
  • Prepares work plans, assembles project team, delegates tasks and ensures compliance with scope and timely completion of tasks
  • Reviews and approves design calculations submittals, specifications and other submittals
  • Initiates, prepares, reviews, and participates in proposals, rate & staff hour estimate preparation, and negotiations
  • May serve as representative of T2 at client meetings
  • Oversees all QA/QC functions to ensure accurate and high quality deliverables to clients

Qualifications:

  • 4-year degree in civil engineering plus 4-7 years’ experience in civil engineering or 6-8 years’ experience in an engineering or related field
  • Must be a licensed professional engineer, or in the process of obtaining their PE
  • Ability to effectively network to obtain strategic growth KPl's for new business and key clients
  • Ability to effectively work under pressure, strategic vision, organizational capability, market intimacy
  • Must have strong written and oral communication, supervisory and mentoring, attention to details and accuracy, planning, decision making, problem solving
  • Preferred MicroStation, GEOPAK, CAiCE, AutoCAD / Civil 3D knowledge a plus
  • Proficient in MS Office and Database Management
  • Knowledge of Subsurface Utility Engineering and Utility Coordination a plus
  • Proficient in survey related mathematical computations
  • Normal office environment with occasional field site visits for progress review and quality control or estimating new work and be able to travel out of town overnight for project assignments

We Offer a Complete Benefits Package!

In addition to the opportunity to grow and advance, we offer competitive salaries, paid training, and comprehensive benefits with options to meet your needs, including;

  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Company provided cell phone or cell phone allowance
  • Medical and prescription drug coverage – multiple plan options
  • Flexible Spending (FSA), Dependent Care (DCA), or Health Savings (HSA) accounts
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs
  • Parental, Family and Medical leave
  • 401-K retirement plan w/company match
  • Life insurance
  • Short / long term disability
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Spot and annual bonus incentives
  • Employee discounts and perks

* Please Note that selected candidates will be required to pass a drug, background, and reference screening.

T2 Utility Engineers is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status or disability. If you require an accommodation at any time during the recruitment or application process, please contact Human Resources.

T2 Utility Engineers does not accept unsolicited resumes from any 3rd party agencies. No fee will be paid to 3rd parties who submit unsolicited resumes to any T2 Utility Engineers employee. Resumes from approved vendors must be specifically requested by T2 Utility Engineers and approved by the T2 Utility Engineers Talent Acquisition Team.