Structural Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Structural Project Engineer jobs in Illinois are in steady demand, with active hiring concentrated in commercial construction, transportation infrastructure, and industrial development at levels from early-career through senior project lead. Chicago drives the bulk of openings, with additional activity in Peoria and Rockford, where firms like Thornton Tomasetti, AECOM, and Burns & McDonnell maintain Illinois offices and regularly recruit for structural roles. The most sought-after specialties in the state include bridge and highway structures, high-rise commercial framing, and industrial facility design. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Do you enjoy building construction, have a desire to learn and make decisions, and want to have fun doing it? We are a private consulting firm looking for people interested in applying their talents to help our clients with their building related issues. Diverse, small to mid-range projects involving various materials and methods. Good written skills, computer and CAD ability, knowledge of different types of construction, and ability to perform occasional field inspections will be needed to be part of this creative solution.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40.00 - $60.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
See All 13 Structural Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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Find JobsStructural Project Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Structural Project Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Staffing & Recruiting
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in structural project engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois Professional Engineer license or EIT certification with PE eligibility required
- Bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering from an accredited program
- Proficiency in structural analysis software such as ETABS, SAP2000, or RISA
- Experience preparing and reviewing structural drawings, calculations, and project specifications
- Familiarity with IBC, ASCE 7, and ACI or AISC design standards applicable to Illinois projects
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with clients and contractors
Structural Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a structural project engineer in Illinois?
You become a structural project engineer in Illinois by earning a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering from an ABET-accredited program, then passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to become an Engineer in Training. After gaining qualifying work experience, you sit for the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam and obtain your Professional Engineer license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Most Illinois employers expect a PE license or active progress toward it for project-level roles.
How much do structural project engineers make in Illinois?
Structural project engineers 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 project engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring structural project engineers in Illinois right now include Horner & Shifrin, Jobot, and Civil Design, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's deep infrastructure investment and active commercial development in the Chicago metro mean engineering consultancies, construction managers, and public agencies consistently post openings throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most structural project engineer jobs?
The cities with the most structural project engineer openings in Illinois are Chicago, O'Fallon, and Gurnee. Chicago accounts for the largest share by far, driven by its concentration of major engineering consultancies, large-scale transit and infrastructure projects, and commercial high-rise development, while secondary markets like Peoria and Rockford attract openings tied to industrial facility work and regional transportation projects.
Are there remote structural project engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they are uncommon. Structural project engineering involves site visits, coordination with contractors, and hands-on review of drawings and field conditions that make fully remote work difficult for most positions. About 0% of structural project engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026. The portions of the role most suited to remote work include design calculations, report writing, and model review.
How can I get hired as a structural project engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a staff or junior structural engineer role at a mid-size Illinois consultancy while you work toward your EIT credential. Large Illinois employers like AECOM and Thornton Tomasetti run new-graduate programs that pair entry-level hires with licensed project engineers. Candidates coming from adjacent roles such as CAD technician, construction inspector, or civil engineering intern can transition into structural work by building a portfolio of structural calculations or coursework projects and targeting firms doing bridge, building, or infrastructure work in the Chicago metro and surrounding counties.
Where can I find and apply to structural project engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to structural project engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Find roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 13 Structural Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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