Structural Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Structural engineer jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand from entry-level project engineers through senior principal roles concentrated in transportation infrastructure, commercial construction, and industrial facilities. Chicago leads hiring volume by a wide margin, with additional openings in Peoria and Rockford tied to manufacturing and public works projects. Well-established employers with lasting Illinois footprints include AECOM, WSP, and Burns & McDonnell, which staff structural teams across bridge, building, and heavy civil work. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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This Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Structural Engineer for our Chicago, IL office. Be involved in projects with our Property and Buildings Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.
Provides technical assistance and guidance for multi-site/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, improvement, and/or construction of building and infrastructure projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include assisting with the research, design, concept development, planning, and construction of load-bearing structures. Substantiates reports and documentation regarding material, installations, and construction specifications. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, structural soundness, and functionality.
Your Impact
- Determine well-defined methods for collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, subsurface utility information, maps, geotechnical data, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.
- Perform professional structural engineering work and conduct research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, resources, building and infrastructure to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Develop construction plans and specifications.
- Develop or incorporate advanced modeling techniques, concept development, design requirements, and operating strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, transportation vehicles/systems, and incorporate future-ready solutions with structural engineering design standards.
- Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team of engineers, architects, planners, and scientific professionals to execute project work on multiple concurrent projects, assist with laying out installations, establishing reference points/elevations/grades to guide construction, selecting appropriate materials to ensure durability, calculating costs and quantities of material/equipment/labor, and ensuring project work conforms with specifications, permit applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
- Verify the characteristics of a site, providing technical guidance on securing structural soundness from loads and pressures caused by environmental or human influence.
- Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and 2D/3D illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
- Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, statistical analysis, and reporting.
- Assist with development and scoping of medium-sized projects.
- Provide guidance and training to entry-level engineers.
- Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or construction issues or opportunities.
- Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during site investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities.
- Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
- Comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to the data integrity, documentation, procedures, training, monitoring systems, and record compliance and retention.
- Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
- Remain current in latest structural engineering techniques and practices.
- Work collaboratively with other engineers, professionals, and infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, local, and privately funded improvement and development projects.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures. Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or Civil Engineering, or closely related discipline.
- 5 to 7 years of relevant post education experience in engineering discipline and prior structural or civil design experience.
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Proficient knowledge of structural engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to project work-related issues.
- Experience with design, and construction management; including active involvement in a variety of rehabilitation and new design projects.
- Working knowledge of relevant structural and civil construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations.
- Project management experience with small to mid-level projects including tracking hours and expenses for project work.
- Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of buildings, facilities, or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
- Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., RAM Concept, ETABS, etc.), technology, math principles, physics, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
- Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
- Ability to assertively direct others in the field such as subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Engineering.
- Essential Professional Licensure/Certification. Experience managing small to mid-size projects.
Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Compensation:
Expected Salary (all locations): $95,500 - $131,910
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
#LI-GA1
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
See All 93 Structural Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Structural Engineer JobsStructural Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Structural Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy10

- Burns & McDonnell6

- Baxter & Woodman5

- CB&I4

- Horner & Shifrin3

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services27
- Construction & Real Estate10
- Energy4
- Staffing & Recruiting2
- Technology & Software2
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in structural engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility for reciprocal registration
- Bachelor's or master's degree in civil or structural engineering from an ABET-accredited program
- Proficiency in structural analysis software such as SAP2000, ETABS, or RISA
- Experience with IBC, ASCE 7, and ACI or AISC design standards applicable to Illinois projects
- Familiarity with Illinois DOT bridge and highway structural specifications for transportation roles
- EIT or FE certification for entry-level candidates awaiting full PE licensure
Structural Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a structural engineer in Illinois?
Becoming a licensed structural engineer in Illinois requires earning a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering from an ABET-accredited program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to earn an EIT credential, gaining qualifying work experience, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issues the Professional Engineer license, which is required to seal structural drawings in the state.
Which companies hire structural engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring structural engineers in Illinois right now include Sargent & Lundy, Burns & McDonnell, and Baxter & Woodman, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of large infrastructure owners, municipal transit agencies, and industrial manufacturers creates steady demand across both private consulting firms and public-sector engineering departments.
Which Illinois cities have the most structural engineer jobs?
Chicago, Plainfield, and Springfield have the most structural engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because of its volume of commercial high-rise, transit, and bridge projects, while Peoria and Rockford draw openings through heavy manufacturing facilities and regional transportation infrastructure that require dedicated on-site structural teams.
Are there remote structural engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 59% of structural engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the field's dependence on site visits, construction observation, and collaboration with contractors. The portions of the role most likely to be performed remotely are design modeling, report writing, and code-compliance review work that doesn't require physical presence.
How can I get hired as a structural engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to project engineer or junior structural engineer roles at Chicago-area consulting firms, many of which recruit new graduates directly from Illinois programs at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Purdue. Large firms including AECOM and WSP run structured new-graduate programs that pair candidates with senior engineers on active Illinois infrastructure projects. Holding an active EIT credential and building a portfolio through senior capstone or internship work gives candidates a clear advantage over those without any documented project exposure.
Where can I find and apply to structural engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to structural engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across consulting, construction, transportation, and public-sector employers. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly without creating an account or signing up.
See All 93 Structural Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Structural Engineer Jobs