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.
Find Structural Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 131+ Structural Engineer 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.
Qualifications
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.
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
Failure to respond to correspondences during the hiring process in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.
CTA Benefits
https://www.transitchicago.com/hrbenefits/
Primary Location
: USA-Illinois-ChicagoJob
: EngineeringJob Posting
: Nov 13, 2026, 6:00:46 AMSALARY
$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.
Qualifications
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.
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
Failure to respond to correspondences during the hiring process in a timely fashion may result in your application being closed out for non-responsiveness.
CTA Benefits
https://www.transitchicago.com/hrbenefits/
Primary Location
: USA-Illinois-ChicagoJob
: EngineeringJob Posting
: Nov 13, 2026, 6:00:46 AMSee All 131+ 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 & Lundy16
- Burns & McDonnell8
- Lochmueller6
- AECOM5
- Brindley Engineering5
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services23
- Construction & Real Estate8
- Staffing & Recruiting4
- Cybersecurity1
- Technology & Software1
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 Lochmueller, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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, Lisle, 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 69% of structural engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 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 131+ Structural Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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