Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Launch your structural engineering career with the largest, #1 nuclear engineering firm in the United States and work on projects that truly matter. This is a rare opportunity for a new graduate or early‑career engineer to join a top‑tier engineering organization supporting safe, sustainable, zero‑emission nuclear energy.

From day one, you’ll be immersed in real, high‑impact engineering work, learning directly from industry experts while contributing to technically complex structural designs that support critical infrastructure across the country.

• Work on mission‑critical nuclear and infrastructure projects
• Learn directly from leading structural and nuclear engineering experts
• Clear career progression with mentorship and structured development
• Hands‑on exposure to concrete, steel, and foundation design
• Long‑term stability with a highly respected engineering organization
• Competitive benefits, generous PTO, and 401(k) match

As an Entry‑Level Structural Engineer, you’ll support the design and analysis of structural systems for buildings and infrastructure under the guidance of sr engineers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and analyze structural systems using established engineering principles and codes
• Prepare structural calculations for concrete, steel, and foundation systems under supervision
• Develop and refine structural models to evaluate performance, safety, and constructability
• Produce detailed construction documents and drawings using AutoCAD and related tools
• Assist with structural steel framing and connection design
• Support foundation design and evaluation for infrastructure projects
• Review loads, load paths, and overall system behavior
• Collaborate with sr engineers and multidisciplinary teams
• Participate in customer‑facing engineering discussions and technical reviews
• Support engineering documentation, reports, and design packages
• Engage in structured interviews and ongoing feedback processes with structural leadership

Required Qualifications

• ABET‑accredited degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or related field)
• Coursework in structural analysis, concrete, and/or steel design (from undergrad)

You’ll join a U.S.-based engineering organization dedicated to advancing zero‑emission nuclear energy through hands‑on engineering solutions. The culture is highly technical and collaborative, emphasizing mentorship, knowledge sharing, and continuous development.

• Surrounded by top technical experts invested in your professional growth
• Work on challenging design and modification projects with direct customer impact

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

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $36.06/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 fully onsite position in Naperville,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.