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Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Bridge Civil Engineer (EIT)

Lisle, IL

$76K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Candidate may be recent graduate or an experienced individual with up to (3) years of experience (salary commensurate with experience) * Candidates with a master's degree in structural engineering ...

Management Trainee

Schiller Park, IL · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview SwiftX is seeking highly motivated and ambitious Management Trainees to join our ... graduate soon * Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business, Economics, Operations ...

Management Trainee

Schiller Park, IL · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview SwiftX is seeking highly motivated and ambitious Management Trainees to join our ... graduate soon * Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business, Economics, Operations ...

Packaging Engineer

Itasca, IL

$70K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career engineer with hands-on Eng View and AutoCAD experience who is eager to grow their skills in corrugate structural design, retail display ...

Operation Management Trainee

Schiller Park, IL · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview SwiftX is seeking highly motivated and ambitious Management Trainees to join our ... graduate soon * Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business, Economics, Operations ...

Operation Management Trainee

Schiller Park, IL · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview SwiftX is seeking highly motivated and ambitious Management Trainees to join our ... graduate soon * Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, Business, Economics, Operations ...

Civil Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... structural engineering, transportation engineering and community planning. You'll quickly find ...

Civil Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... structural engineering, transportation engineering and community planning. You'll quickly find ...

Civil Engineer

Aurora, IL · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... structural engineering, transportation engineering and community planning. You'll quickly find ...

Civil Engineer

Hammond, IN · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

There are no uniforms, no drilling, and no service obligation until after you graduate. Simply work ... structural engineering, transportation engineering and community planning. You'll quickly find ...

Showing results 41-60

Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51.5K

$102.4K

$156.6K

How much do trainee graduate structural engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee graduate structural engineer in Chicago, IL is $102,396.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $116,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trainee graduate structural engineer do?

A Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer assists in designing, analyzing, and assessing building structures to ensure they are safe, stable, and meet regulatory standards. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers, helping to create technical drawings, perform calculations, and visit construction sites. Their day-to-day tasks often include using software for modeling structures, preparing reports, and collaborating with architects and other professionals. This role is designed to provide practical experience and training for recent graduates pursuing a career in structural engineering.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a trainee graduate structural engineer?

To thrive as a Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer, you need a degree in civil or structural engineering and a solid understanding of structural analysis and design principles. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and structural analysis tools, along with knowledge of relevant codes and standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, teamwork, and clear communication skills make candidates stand out. These competencies are crucial for delivering safe, effective engineering solutions and collaborating efficiently on complex construction projects.

What types of projects can a trainee graduate structural engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As a Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer, you’ll typically be involved in a diverse range of projects, from assisting with the design of residential and commercial buildings to supporting infrastructure developments like bridges or public facilities. Early in your career, you’ll likely focus on tasks such as preparing technical drawings, conducting site visits under supervision, and performing calculations using industry-standard software. This exposure helps you understand different construction methods, materials, and regulatory requirements while collaborating closely with experienced engineers, architects, and construction teams.

What is the difference between Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer vs Graduate Civil Engineer?

AspectTrainee Graduate Structural EngineerGraduate Civil Engineer
QualificationsTypically a Bachelor's or Master's in Structural or Civil EngineeringUsually a Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, consulting engineering offices, construction sitesConstruction sites, design firms, infrastructure projects
CertificationsMay pursue Chartered Engineer status (CEng)Likewise, may pursue CEng or similar certifications
Job FocusStructural design, analysis, and safety assessmentsBroader civil engineering tasks including transportation, water, and structural work

The main difference is that a Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer specializes in structural design and analysis, while a Graduate Civil Engineer has a broader focus on various civil engineering disciplines. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their work environments and project types differ slightly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Graduate Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Trainee Graduate Structural Engineer job openings:

Bridge Civil Engineer (EIT)

Hansoninc

Lisle, IL

$76K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Hanson Values

Integrity | Commitment | Quality | Relationships | Innovation

If you're looking for a firm that encourages innovative thinking and challenges you every day, with an opportunity to learn and advance, a career at Hanson is right for you. The belief in sustainability within our company's practices creates a focus on client success and partnerships that are important to our communities and our environment.

A Day in Life of a Bridge Engineer (EIT) at Hanson

Here's a snapshot of what you would do in this role:

  • Assist and participate in design of bridges and structures
  • Assist and participate in the inspection of in-service bridges and structures
  • Conduct analysis and design, calculation, preparation of specifications, details, and construction plans
  • Assist and participate in construction engineering
  • Conduct observation and documentation of construction activity
  • Conduct evaluation of construction for compliance with contract documents
  • Interpret plans for design intent
  • Other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For

We feel the following qualifications would set you up for success in this role:

Skills:

  • Experience with MicroStation preferred
  • Experience with MS Office Suite preferred
  • Experience with AutoCAD, LPILE and RISA 3-D a plus
  • Must be able to communicate complex technical concepts to engineers, clients, and/or public stakeholders
  • Must be able to build effective relationships with internal and external client bases
  • Must be able to work independently and as a team member to problem solve and learn new technical skills
  • Interest in experiencing a variety of assignments is important

Education/Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering
  • 18 credit hours of structural engineering coursework (may include design project credit hours if your role was structural). For those 6 or fewer credit hours short of the 18 credit hour requirement, proof of class enrollment to achieve this level is required (reimbursable).
  • The ability to sit for the 16-hour NCEES Structural exam
  • Registration as an Engineer Intern (EI) with the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation required or the ability to obtain in 6 months, or an equivalent registration from another jurisdiction recognized by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
  • Demonstrated excellence in academia
  • Candidate may be recent graduate or an experienced individual with up to (3) years of experience (salary commensurate with experience)
  • Candidates with a master's degree in structural engineering are preferred

Compensation range: $76,000 - $95,000

Benefits

Our focus on people means we offer a generous benefits program to help you create a solid foundation for health and security throughout your career, including:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Performance bonuses
  • 401(k) with matching contribution
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Comprehensive health & well-being plans
  • Financial wellness plans
  • Work-life balance programs

Want to know more? Visitour benefits pagefor all the details.

Culture

We understand that selecting a job is about more than the day-to-day tasks. It's important to feel like you belong and safe to grow and progress along your career path. You'll find that at Hanson. We have an inclusive, diverse workforce awaiting to connect with you and numerous opportunities to cultivate your career, including:

  • Monthly educational webinars
  • Leadership training
  • Lunch & learn development sessions
  • 24/7 access to thousands of skill-building courses
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Award-winning internship program
  • Employee recognition
  • And so much more!

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EEO - EMPLOYER

We do not accept unsolicited resumesfrom recruiters or agencies/staffing firms.Resumesare only accepted from recruiters and agency/staffing firms if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position.