Regional Planner Jobs in Chicago, IL
Regional Planner jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the Loop, West Loop, and the Chicagoland suburban corridor, with strong demand across public agencies, transit authorities, and urban development firms. Employers hiring right now include GFT, Clayco, and JPMorganChase. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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About Us
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.
About LJC
LJC is a growing architecture, design and planning firm committed to creating and delivering design solutions that improve and enhance the human experience of the built environment. Youthful in outlook, seasoned in experience, LJC offers a diverse portfolio of expertise across a range of project scales and typologies, including commercial, mixed use and residential. We believe our work is a fundamental expression of optimism in the future, and that design is a means to effect positive, enduring change.
The Role We Want You For
LJC is looking to hire a Lab Planner to support ourteam and serve as a technical resource within the Life Sciences market sector. This individual will work closely with Senior Lab Planner and support the planning, programming, and design of complex laboratory and research facilities, working closely with clients, scientists, and multidisciplinary design teams to deliver high-performance, flexible, and compliant environments.
The Lab Planner will contribute technical expertise, support user engagement, and participate in project delivery while continuing to expand their knowledge of laboratory operations, planning methodologies, and industry standards.
The Specifics of the Role
- Support the planning, programming, and design of laboratory and research facilities across a range of life sciences project types.
- Develop laboratory layouts, workflows, and space requirements that optimize functionality, flexibility, safety, and adaptability.
- Integrate technical, operational, regulatory, and sustainability considerations into laboratory planning and design solutions.
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to develop innovative, efficient, and buildable laboratory designs.
- Show understanding of applicable health, safety, and regulatory standards, including NIH, CDC, BSL, GMP, ISO, and LEED requirements.
- Support the planning and coordination of laboratory casework, furniture, equipment, and utility requirements.
- Support and facilitate user meetings, programming workshops, and stakeholder presentations to establish project goals and planning criteria.
- Mentor and develop junior lab planners, architects, and designers, supporting technical growth and professional development.
- Promote a culture of one-team collaboration across disciplines and offices.
- Travel, as required, to support client engagement, project pursuits, and planning efforts.
Requirements
Lab Planners at LJC possess:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Laboratory Planning, Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in laboratory planning and design within life sciences.
- Professional licensure (RA) preferred but not required.
- Strong knowledge of laboratory typologies, equipment, operational needs, and planning strategies.
- Knowledge of building codes, laboratory safety guidelines, and industry regulations.
- Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and other relevant planning and design tools.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
- Strong communication and presentation abilities, including client-facing presentations.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients.
- LEED accreditation or demonstrated knowledge of sustainable laboratory design preferred.
- Experience with biosafety level (BSL) laboratories and/or cleanroom environments preferred.
Some Things You Should Know
- Our clients and projects are nationwide
- No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
- We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
- The pace is fast!
Why Clayco and LJC?
- 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
- 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
- 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
- 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).
Benefits
- Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!
Compensation
- The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $100,000 - $130,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).
About Us
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.
About LJC
LJC is a growing architecture, design and planning firm committed to creating and delivering design solutions that improve and enhance the human experience of the built environment. Youthful in outlook, seasoned in experience, LJC offers a diverse portfolio of expertise across a range of project scales and typologies, including commercial, mixed use and residential. We believe our work is a fundamental expression of optimism in the future, and that design is a means to effect positive, enduring change.
The Role We Want You For
LJC is looking to hire a Lab Planner to support ourteam and serve as a technical resource within the Life Sciences market sector. This individual will work closely with Senior Lab Planner and support the planning, programming, and design of complex laboratory and research facilities, working closely with clients, scientists, and multidisciplinary design teams to deliver high-performance, flexible, and compliant environments.
The Lab Planner will contribute technical expertise, support user engagement, and participate in project delivery while continuing to expand their knowledge of laboratory operations, planning methodologies, and industry standards.
The Specifics of the Role
- Support the planning, programming, and design of laboratory and research facilities across a range of life sciences project types.
- Develop laboratory layouts, workflows, and space requirements that optimize functionality, flexibility, safety, and adaptability.
- Integrate technical, operational, regulatory, and sustainability considerations into laboratory planning and design solutions.
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, and consultants to develop innovative, efficient, and buildable laboratory designs.
- Show understanding of applicable health, safety, and regulatory standards, including NIH, CDC, BSL, GMP, ISO, and LEED requirements.
- Support the planning and coordination of laboratory casework, furniture, equipment, and utility requirements.
- Support and facilitate user meetings, programming workshops, and stakeholder presentations to establish project goals and planning criteria.
- Mentor and develop junior lab planners, architects, and designers, supporting technical growth and professional development.
- Promote a culture of one-team collaboration across disciplines and offices.
- Travel, as required, to support client engagement, project pursuits, and planning efforts.
Requirements
Lab Planners at LJC possess:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Architecture, Laboratory Planning, Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in laboratory planning and design within life sciences.
- Professional licensure (RA) preferred but not required.
- Strong knowledge of laboratory typologies, equipment, operational needs, and planning strategies.
- Knowledge of building codes, laboratory safety guidelines, and industry regulations.
- Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and other relevant planning and design tools.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
- Strong communication and presentation abilities, including client-facing presentations.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and clients.
- LEED accreditation or demonstrated knowledge of sustainable laboratory design preferred.
- Experience with biosafety level (BSL) laboratories and/or cleanroom environments preferred.
Some Things You Should Know
- Our clients and projects are nationwide
- No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
- We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
- The pace is fast!
Why Clayco and LJC?
- 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
- 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
- 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
- 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).
Benefits
- Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
- Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!
Compensation
- The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $100,000 - $130,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).
See All 26 Regional Planner Jobs in Chicago
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Find Regional Planner JobsRegional Planner Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Fintech
- Banking & Financial Services
- Investment & Asset Management
Regional Planner Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a regional planner job in Chicago?
The strongest path into Chicago's regional planning market runs through the public sector and quasi-governmental bodies, including the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, the Regional Transportation Authority, and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development. Candidates who can demonstrate GIS proficiency, familiarity with Cook County land-use frameworks, and experience with transit-oriented development projects stand out most. Networking through the American Planning Association's Illinois Chapter, which is based in Chicago, also opens doors with smaller municipal and nonprofit employers across the metro.
Which companies hire regional planners in Chicago?
Employers hiring regional planners in Chicago right now include GFT, Clayco, and JPMorganChase, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Chicago's hiring mix is broad, covering large metropolitan planning organizations, county and municipal agencies, engineering consultancies, and real estate development firms concentrated in the Loop and West Loop.
Are there remote regional planner jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though remote availability is limited by nature, since regional planning regularly involves site visits, public meetings, and collaboration with local government offices. About 78% of regional planner openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, and those arrangements tend to apply most to research-heavy, policy writing, and GIS analysis roles rather than community engagement or project management positions.
How can I get a regional planner job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point in Chicago is an internship or junior analyst role with a public agency or a mid-size planning consultancy. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the City of Chicago's planning department both run structured early-career programs. Entry-level GIS technician and transportation analyst positions at regional consultancies in the Loop frequently serve as lateral paths in. A portfolio demonstrating local zoning analysis, neighborhood plans, or transit research specific to Cook or the collar counties gives candidates a concrete edge over generalist applicants.
Which industries hire the most regional planners in Chicago?
Most regional planner openings in Chicago sit in Fintech, Banking & Financial Services, and Investment & Asset Management, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Chicago's role as a major transit hub and its scale of ongoing waterfront, corridor, and suburban growth planning keep demand concentrated in government, transportation infrastructure, and private development consulting.
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See All 26 Regional Planner Jobs in Chicago
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