Structural Designer Jobs in Illinois
Structural designer jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with demand concentrated in commercial construction, civil infrastructure, and industrial engineering across entry-level through senior roles. Chicago drives the largest share of hiring, with Rockford and Peoria also generating steady openings, and established firms like Thornton Tomasetti, Burns & McDonnell, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill maintaining a lasting presence in the state. The most in-demand specialties include steel and concrete detailing, BIM coordination, and bridge or transportation infrastructure design. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 22+ Structural Designer jobs
Description
The Senior Structural Designer will lead various phases of planning, site evaluations, and preparation of proposal and construction documentation and structural plans as part of a project team. This position will work on various projects with a diverse portfolio of project types and clients.
- Lead the preparation of 3D models and detailed construction drawings for steel and reinforced concrete structures using structural specifications, engineering calculations, sketches, detailed drawings, and design information according to project standards and procedures.
- Lead a full range of drawing production work including problem analysis, design layout and calculations on non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity.
- Lead design on a variety of projects pertaining to power generation clients ranging from facility modifications to new facilities.
- Quality review 2D drafting and 3D modeling tasks. Design will be prepared using engineering standards and procedures.
- Lead a variety of assignments using prescribed methods and standard techniques including drawing sequence and presentation, sizing various system components and refining rough sketches.
- Responsible for quality review of structural designs or sketches and redlines or mark-ups on ongoing projects.
- Prepare structural calculations. Quality review design codes and specifications related to structural design requirements.
- Design and draft structural elements and details.
- Review design drawings within scope, budget and schedule.
- Incorporate schedules, budgets and project criteria into structural design and layouts.
- Approve all revisions of project drawings, plot files and project-related information in a logical and well-structured manner.
- Train, mentor, and develop less experienced drafting, detailing and design staff members.
- Participate in marketing and client development meetings.
- Responsible for the structural design QA/QC process.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in drafting technology or related field and 13 years related experience required or Associate Degree and 14 years related experience required or 15 years progressive detailing and design experience required.
- Advanced understanding of design software such as: Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and Excel to develop the design deliverables. Experience with Tekla Structures is preferred.
- Expert knowledge in design, calculations and design systems.
- Expert knowledge in the theory and practices of structural discipline; competent in the fundamental concepts of other disciplines as they relate to the assigned discipline; and capable of operating related discipline design software necessary to execute production tasks.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others (Project Managers, Engineers and Designers) in a multi-discipline project team environment to resolve design or drawing issues as appropriate and to accomplish objectives.
- Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
Compensation
$135,000.00-195,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Computer Aided Drafting & Design
Primary Location US-MO-Kansas City
Other Locations US-CO-Denver, US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Req ID: 264790
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JJ #PWR
Description
The Senior Structural Designer will lead various phases of planning, site evaluations, and preparation of proposal and construction documentation and structural plans as part of a project team. This position will work on various projects with a diverse portfolio of project types and clients.
- Lead the preparation of 3D models and detailed construction drawings for steel and reinforced concrete structures using structural specifications, engineering calculations, sketches, detailed drawings, and design information according to project standards and procedures.
- Lead a full range of drawing production work including problem analysis, design layout and calculations on non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity.
- Lead design on a variety of projects pertaining to power generation clients ranging from facility modifications to new facilities.
- Quality review 2D drafting and 3D modeling tasks. Design will be prepared using engineering standards and procedures.
- Lead a variety of assignments using prescribed methods and standard techniques including drawing sequence and presentation, sizing various system components and refining rough sketches.
- Responsible for quality review of structural designs or sketches and redlines or mark-ups on ongoing projects.
- Prepare structural calculations. Quality review design codes and specifications related to structural design requirements.
- Design and draft structural elements and details.
- Review design drawings within scope, budget and schedule.
- Incorporate schedules, budgets and project criteria into structural design and layouts.
- Approve all revisions of project drawings, plot files and project-related information in a logical and well-structured manner.
- Train, mentor, and develop less experienced drafting, detailing and design staff members.
- Participate in marketing and client development meetings.
- Responsible for the structural design QA/QC process.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in drafting technology or related field and 13 years related experience required or Associate Degree and 14 years related experience required or 15 years progressive detailing and design experience required.
- Advanced understanding of design software such as: Tekla Structures, AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks, and Excel to develop the design deliverables. Experience with Tekla Structures is preferred.
- Expert knowledge in design, calculations and design systems.
- Expert knowledge in the theory and practices of structural discipline; competent in the fundamental concepts of other disciplines as they relate to the assigned discipline; and capable of operating related discipline design software necessary to execute production tasks.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others (Project Managers, Engineers and Designers) in a multi-discipline project team environment to resolve design or drawing issues as appropriate and to accomplish objectives.
- Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
Compensation
$135,000.00-195,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Computer Aided Drafting & Design
Primary Location US-MO-Kansas City
Other Locations US-CO-Denver, US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Req ID: 264790
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-JJ #PWR
See All 22 Structural Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Structural Designer JobsStructural Designer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Structural Designer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in structural designer jobs across Illinois.
- Illinois Professional Engineer license or active EIT registration with a qualifying employer
- Bachelor's degree in civil, structural, or architectural engineering from an accredited program
- Proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, or Tekla Structures for structural detailing and BIM workflows
- Experience producing construction documents, shop drawings, or structural calculations for commercial projects
- Familiarity with IBC, AISC, and ACI standards as applied in Illinois commercial and industrial projects
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with contractors and project teams
Structural Designer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a structural designer in Illinois?
The most direct path is earning a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering from an ABET-accredited program, then sitting for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam administered through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to earn your Engineer Intern credential. From there, most Illinois firms hire structural designers at the EIT level while candidates accumulate the experience needed to pursue full Professional Engineer licensure through IDFPR.
How much do structural designers make in Illinois?
Structural designers in Illinois earn a median of about $99,760 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,590 for the lowest 10% to over $157,410 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire structural designers in Illinois?
Employers hiring structural designers in Illinois right now include Sargent & Lundy, Burns & McDonnell, and KPFF Consulting Engineers, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's dense commercial development pipeline and major public infrastructure programs keep a wide range of engineering consultancies and contractors actively recruiting for the role throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most structural designer jobs?
Chicago, Lisle, and Bolingbrook have the most structural designer openings in Illinois. Chicago accounts for the majority of listings given its concentration of large engineering consultancies, high-rise commercial development, and public transit infrastructure projects, while Rockford and Peoria generate consistent openings tied to industrial manufacturing facilities and regional transportation work anchored by large institutional employers in those metros.
Are there remote structural designer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields, since structural designers frequently coordinate with on-site teams and review physical drawings. About 67% of structural designer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with flexibility most often extended to BIM coordination, structural calculations, and report writing rather than roles requiring regular site visits or client meetings.
How can I get hired as a structural designer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying for EIT or junior structural designer roles at mid-size Illinois engineering consultancies, which routinely hire new graduates and pair them with licensed engineers on commercial or infrastructure projects. Firms in Chicago's construction sector, including those working on city transit or institutional building programs, often bring on recent graduates with a strong portfolio of coursework projects. Earning your Illinois EIT credential through IDFPR immediately signals readiness to employers and removes a common screening barrier.
Where can I find and apply to structural designer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to structural designer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers actively hiring for the role. Find the roles that fit your experience and specialization, then apply directly without creating an account or signing up.
See All 22 Structural Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Structural Designer Jobs