Senior Level Civil Structural Designer Jobs
Senior level civil structural designer jobs put experienced professionals in charge of technical direction, project outcomes, and the engineers or designers who execute the work. The mix skews toward 25% remote and hybrid opportunities across Consulting & Professional Services, Construction & Real Estate, and Staffing & Recruiting, with employers like HDR, Jobot, and Stantec hiring at this level now.
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Showing 5 of 275+ Senior Level Civil Structural Designer jobs
SALARY
$39.12 - $55.89
Position Summary
Under direction, functions as lead structural engineer managing projects of considerable complexity involving the selection and application of engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, track and facilities projects.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participates in inspection audits to determine condition of track elevated structure, tunnels, viaducts and retaining walls. Maintains structure inspection records in CTA’s Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) System. Prepares inspection reports. Develops inspection standards. Provides repair details for deteriorated structural elements.
- Coordinates the planning, estimating and construction of structural engineering projects.
- Coordinates structural design and analysis of rapid transit elevated structures, bridges, buildings and related facilities.
- Manages structural renewal projects.
- Reviews work assignments to ensure compliance with established Structural Engineering standards. Provides guidance and mentorship of Structural Engineering staff to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
- Reviews engineering drawings and specifications of Authority projects and foreign construction projects interfacing with CTA structures.
- Represents the Authority at meetings of various consultants, contractors, governmental agencies and transit organizations.
- Assists in the development and administration of the CTA Capital Construction and maintenance programs for the rail and bus systems and their related facilities.
- Develops specifications for structural projects.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position are the following jobs:
Job Title
- None
CHALLENGES
- Provide engineering services in order to maintain 52.3 miles of elevated structure as well as 115 bridges and viaducts over streets, highways and waterways, along with 64 elevated stations – all over 100 years old – to keep the structures safe for the riding public.
- Interact with a diverse workforce.
- Optimize structure designs that are cost effective and constructible.
- Designing structures for maximum useful life to limit the disruption to our passengers.
- Keeping abreast of changes in scientific knowledge and engineering technology and utilizing changes in solving theoretical or practical structural engineering problems.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering with a Structural Engineering concentration, or a combination of education and approximately 8 years of experience relating to this position.
- Must be a Registered Illinois Professional Engineer or Registered Illinois Structural Engineer.
- Must possess extensive experience in the design, construction and maintenance of facilities, and a thorough knowledge of railroad and/or transit structure design and maintenance.
- Valid State of Illinois Driver’s License.
Physical Requirements
- Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity and fingering for working with computer key boards.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Must be able to walk track on elevated structures, in subway tunnels and at grade conditions, after proper safety training.
- Must be able to operate an aerial lift, after proper safety training.
- Ability to work in confined spaces.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Detailed knowledge of structural engineering principles, methods, and techniques.
- Detailed knowledge of materials, techniques, and municipal codes and ordinances as applied to design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities projects.
- Detailed knowledge of municipal codes and ordinances as applied to the design, construction, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, track structures, and facilities.
- Advanced skill using AutoCAD to create drawings for permitting.
- Strong research, attention to detail, and problem solving skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong critical thinking skills to assess how one change can affect the entire project.
- Advanced skill using personal computer, engineering applications, and data management software.
- Ability to apply engineering knowledge to complex structural engineering problems with versatility, judgment, and perception.
- Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate complex structural engineering problems and provide practical and cost effective solutions.
- Ability to adapt well to change.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Ability to manage advanced complex engineering projects.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- General office environment.
- Occasionally exposed to electrically energized conductors, moving trains, and other hazardous conditions.
- Travels within the Chicago Metropolitan area when conducting field inspections and meetings.
- Occasionally required to travel out of the Chicago Metropolitan area to meet with suppliers, manufacturers, other transit agencies, etc.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
- Standard office equipment.
- Computers – including programs, e.g., Word, Excel, Power Point, Database, Auto Cad, calculators, local/national codes, CTA and national standards, STAAD-PRO.
Additional Details Employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.
Rate to be determined by applicant's entered service date and service date in union jurisdiction of this classification.
CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.
TO BE CONSIDERED APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN THEIR ENTIRETY INCLUDING:
- UPLOADED RESUME / WORK HISTORY
- QUALIFICATIONS
- JOB ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
INFORMATION PROVIDED MUST BE ACCURATE AND TRUTHFUL.
Failure to respond to correspondences during the hiring process in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.
Primary Location
: USA-Illinois-Chicago
Job
: Engineering
Job Posting
: Nov 13, 2026, 6:00:46 AM
Position Type: Full-time Permanent (FTP)
Department: Chief Engineer
SALARY
$39.12 - $55.89
Position Summary
Under direction, functions as lead structural engineer managing projects of considerable complexity involving the selection and application of engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, track and facilities projects.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Participates in inspection audits to determine condition of track elevated structure, tunnels, viaducts and retaining walls. Maintains structure inspection records in CTA’s Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) System. Prepares inspection reports. Develops inspection standards. Provides repair details for deteriorated structural elements.
- Coordinates the planning, estimating and construction of structural engineering projects.
- Coordinates structural design and analysis of rapid transit elevated structures, bridges, buildings and related facilities.
- Manages structural renewal projects.
- Reviews work assignments to ensure compliance with established Structural Engineering standards. Provides guidance and mentorship of Structural Engineering staff to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
- Reviews engineering drawings and specifications of Authority projects and foreign construction projects interfacing with CTA structures.
- Represents the Authority at meetings of various consultants, contractors, governmental agencies and transit organizations.
- Assists in the development and administration of the CTA Capital Construction and maintenance programs for the rail and bus systems and their related facilities.
- Develops specifications for structural projects.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position are the following jobs:
Job Title
- None
CHALLENGES
- Provide engineering services in order to maintain 52.3 miles of elevated structure as well as 115 bridges and viaducts over streets, highways and waterways, along with 64 elevated stations – all over 100 years old – to keep the structures safe for the riding public.
- Interact with a diverse workforce.
- Optimize structure designs that are cost effective and constructible.
- Designing structures for maximum useful life to limit the disruption to our passengers.
- Keeping abreast of changes in scientific knowledge and engineering technology and utilizing changes in solving theoretical or practical structural engineering problems.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering with a Structural Engineering concentration, or a combination of education and approximately 8 years of experience relating to this position.
- Must be a Registered Illinois Professional Engineer or Registered Illinois Structural Engineer.
- Must possess extensive experience in the design, construction and maintenance of facilities, and a thorough knowledge of railroad and/or transit structure design and maintenance.
- Valid State of Illinois Driver’s License.
Physical Requirements
- Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, visual acumen, manual dexterity and fingering for working with computer key boards.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Must be able to walk track on elevated structures, in subway tunnels and at grade conditions, after proper safety training.
- Must be able to operate an aerial lift, after proper safety training.
- Ability to work in confined spaces.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Detailed knowledge of structural engineering principles, methods, and techniques.
- Detailed knowledge of materials, techniques, and municipal codes and ordinances as applied to design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities projects.
- Detailed knowledge of municipal codes and ordinances as applied to the design, construction, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure, track structures, and facilities.
- Advanced skill using AutoCAD to create drawings for permitting.
- Strong research, attention to detail, and problem solving skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong critical thinking skills to assess how one change can affect the entire project.
- Advanced skill using personal computer, engineering applications, and data management software.
- Ability to apply engineering knowledge to complex structural engineering problems with versatility, judgment, and perception.
- Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate complex structural engineering problems and provide practical and cost effective solutions.
- Ability to adapt well to change.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Ability to manage advanced complex engineering projects.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- General office environment.
- Occasionally exposed to electrically energized conductors, moving trains, and other hazardous conditions.
- Travels within the Chicago Metropolitan area when conducting field inspections and meetings.
- Occasionally required to travel out of the Chicago Metropolitan area to meet with suppliers, manufacturers, other transit agencies, etc.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
- Standard office equipment.
- Computers – including programs, e.g., Word, Excel, Power Point, Database, Auto Cad, calculators, local/national codes, CTA and national standards, STAAD-PRO.
Additional Details Employees and/or union members will be given priority consideration in the hiring process, per the applicable labor contracts.
Rate to be determined by applicant's entered service date and service date in union jurisdiction of this classification.
CTA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
No employee or applicant for employment will be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, disability or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws; except where a bona fide occupational qualification exists. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our workforce and supporting the communities we serve. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.
TO BE CONSIDERED APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN THEIR ENTIRETY INCLUDING:
- UPLOADED RESUME / WORK HISTORY
- QUALIFICATIONS
- JOB ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
INFORMATION PROVIDED MUST BE ACCURATE AND TRUTHFUL.
Failure to respond to correspondences during the hiring process in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.
Primary Location
: USA-Illinois-Chicago
Job
: Engineering
Job Posting
: Nov 13, 2026, 6:00:46 AM
Position Type: Full-time Permanent (FTP)
Department: Chief Engineer
See All 275+ Senior Level Civil Structural Designer Jobs
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Find JobsSenior Level Civil Structural Designer Job Market
Who's Hiring
- HDR13
- Jobot13
- Stantec13
- WSP11
- Osborn Engineering11
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services176
- Construction & Real Estate54
- Staffing & Recruiting19
- Technology & Software14
- Manufacturing7
Senior Level Civil Structural Designer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level civil structural designer job?
Employers at this level want candidates who can own a project from concept through construction documents without close supervision. Demonstrate experience leading structural analyses, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and mentoring junior staff. A Professional Engineer license strengthens your candidacy significantly. Highlight complex projects where your technical decisions drove the outcome, and be ready to speak to code compliance, load calculations, and constructability reviews in depth.
Which companies hire senior level civil structural designers?
Companies hiring senior level civil structural designers right now include HDR, Jobot, and Stantec, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level comes primarily from large engineering and architecture firms, public infrastructure agencies, and major industrial or energy developers that require deep structural expertise on high-stakes projects.
Are there remote senior level civil structural designer jobs?
Yes, though site-dependent projects do limit full remote arrangements for some roles. About 25% of senior level civil structural designer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the design and coordination work can be completed off-site. Hybrid schedules are common, allowing office or site visits during key project milestones while keeping day-to-day design work location-flexible.
What makes a civil structural designer role senior level?
Senior level civil structural designer roles are defined by independent technical ownership rather than task execution. At this stage, you are expected to lead structural system selection, resolve complex design challenges without escalation, and sign off on work produced by junior team members. Project coordination across disciplines, client-facing communication, and responsibility for deliverable quality and schedule are standard expectations at the senior level.
Which industries hire the most senior level civil structural designers?
Senior level civil structural designer roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Construction & Real Estate, and Staffing & Recruiting, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because their projects involve complex structural systems, tight regulatory requirements, and long build cycles that demand experienced designers who can lead technical work from early design through construction support.