Design Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL
Design Project Manager jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the Loop, River North, and Fulton Market, where architecture firms, product studios, and enterprise tech companies keep steady demand for experienced project leads. Top employers hiring right now include Rush University Medical Center, Corgan, and Raya Workforce. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Collins is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm. We have opportunities for you.
Collins is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Structural Project Engineer II to play a key role on our team in Chicago, Illinois. The ideal candidate will have experience in structural design and structural inspection and an interest in bridge engineering who can bring creative design practice skills balanced with a solid background in the field of structural engineering. This position requires the ability to manage projects, liaise with clients and government agencies, and perform both structural inspections and design. This is a great opportunity for a highly motivated, technically driven professional who is looking for career growth.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities:
- Independently performs engineering computations involving conventional engineering practices.
- Provides technical engineering expertise to ensure the project complies with all engineering standards, codes, specifications, and design instructions.
- Reviews, analyzes, and resolves field and/or design issues.
- Prepares complete engineering plans or reports.
- Demonstrates strong proficiency in computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design documents.
- Makes design recommendations and/or adaptations.
- Is active in technical societies.
- Publishes engineering papers and/or articles.
- Able to work directly with clients. Responsible for engineering projects of varying size and complexity in field or office in accordance with plans and specifications.
- Plans, schedules, conducts, and/or coordinates detailed phases of assigned project work.
- Is familiar with project budgets and timelines and apprises the Project Manager of potential or anticipates changes in scope.
- Assists in coordinating project schedules and timely completion of projects.
- Assists in proposal preparation, project scoping, estimating project costs, project planning, and project quality.
- Is available to attend meetings or events outside of normal working hours.
- Directs and supervises the work of other engineers, technicians, drafters and administrative staff.
- Actively observes and acts in an appropriate manner related to safety.
- Ensures that staff needing specialized training in health and safety procedures and practices receive such training and that safety is discussed as an important aspect of their work.
- Relocation is available
Click HERE to see the variety of benefits Collins has to offer.
Education and/or Experience:
- Bachelor's degree and/or master’s degree in civil engineering from an accredited four-year university.
- 4-10 years of experience in structural engineering.
- Experience in the design of, but not limited to, bridges, roadways, railroads, marinas, and/or ports.
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) and/or Structural Engineer (S.E.) required.
- Proficient knowledge of office software (Word, Excel, Bluebeam, etc.).
- Working knowledge in office automation, CADD, and engineering automation tools. Microstation and Openroads/bridge at a minimum.
- Working knowledge of structural design software and automation software for component design (Excel, Mathcad). BrR and STAAD experience at a minimum.
- Must possess strong technical verbal and writing skills and be able to read technical literature and engineering plans.
- Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and be able to apply professional knowledge to the solution of both routine and non-routine tasks and engineering activities.
- The employee must be capable of driving/operating a motor vehicle for company business and maintain a valid driver’s license in the state of residence.
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Find Design Project Manager JobsDesign Project Manager Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
Design Project Manager Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a design project manager job in Chicago?
Focus your search on the Loop's architecture and consulting firms, Fulton Market's tech and creative agencies, and River North's product design studios, which collectively post the most openings. Candidates with experience in cross-functional team coordination, budget ownership, and Agile or design-thinking workflows stand out. Building a portfolio that shows end-to-end project delivery, not just design output, gives you a clear edge in Chicago's competitive market.
Which companies hire design project managers in Chicago?
Companies currently hiring design project managers in Chicago include Rush University Medical Center, Corgan, and Raya Workforce, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's hiring pool is especially active among large professional services firms, regional architecture and engineering practices, and mid-size product companies with in-house design functions.
Are there remote design project manager jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though availability depends on the role type: fully remote is more common for software product design than for architecture or physical space projects that require on-site coordination. About 75% of design project manager openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with hybrid arrangements being the dominant model. Client-facing coordination and vendor management are the tasks most commonly handled off-site.
How can I get a design project manager job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is through a junior project coordinator or design operations role at a mid-size agency or architecture firm in areas like River North or the West Loop. Many Chicago firms promote internally, so starting in a production or studio coordinator position builds the project management credentials you need. Volunteering with Chicago's design nonprofit community or completing a PMP prep course also signals seriousness to local hiring managers.
Which industries hire the most design project managers in Chicago?
Chicago design project manager roles concentrate in Construction & Real Estate, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's deep roots in architecture, corporate headquarters, and technology services create sustained cross-sector demand for project leads who can manage design workflows from concept through delivery.
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