Structural Project Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Illinois structural project engineer roles are concentrated in Chicago, where firms like Thornton Tomasetti, WSP, and AECOM regularly hire for complex commercial, transit, and infrastructure projects. The state's dense urban core, ongoing transit expansion, and university pipeline from Illinois Tech and UIUC drive consistent demand, making it one of the stronger markets for visa sponsorship in structural engineering.
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INTRODUCTION
Our Rosemont office is centrally located within the Chicago metropolitan area and serves as the hub for our engineering services operations. Our Structural staff is focused on meeting the design and construction needs of our public and private clients throughout the area, including providing structural solutions for a wide range of projects such as transportation, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, stormwater, parks/public spaces, and site development. Our staff’s primary focus is roadway and pedestrian bridge design and rehabilitation, retaining wall and floodwall design, spillway/dam design, culvert design and design of other structures needed to support other CBBEL projects. Additionally, our Structural Group regularly performs bridge and dam inspections throughout Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana. The Project Engineer role goes beyond design and offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement. It’s about impact, leadership, and collaboration. If you love solving problems, managing teams, and making a difference through civil and structural design, this might be the perfect next step in your career.
At CBBEL, Our Values Guide Everything We Do
Integrity – We follow through on our promises.
Excellence – We’re always learning, growing, and raising the bar.
Fellowship – We support each other like a true team.
Resilience – We stay steady even when challenges arise.
Collaboration – We bring our best when we work together.
Sound like your kind of environment? Let’s dive into the details.
What You’ll Do
- Prepare design plans, specifications, and related documents for the development of engineering projects.
- Document all design work progress in writing, drawings, sketches, calculations, or tabulations for the quality assurance reviews of work performed by other staff including completion of the department QA/QC checklist.
- Evaluate existing site conditions, including topographic survey and geotechnical data.
- Coordinate with utility companies to determine if relocations are necessary with regards to the design project as needed.
- Perform required calculations for the accurate and complete design of project features.
- Develop and/or back check quantity and cost estimates for design projects.
- Assist in the preparation of permitting documents.
- Utilize value engineering, technical input and contributions from others throughout design process.
- Undertake research related to new methods or materials for use in projects.
- Assist in the preparation of proposals for future work.
- Assist with work across departments for multi-disciplinary jobs.
- Assist in managing sub-consultants engaged in support of design projects.
- Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
- Continually develop personal knowledge of engineering and construction best practices and standards by leveraging job experience.
- May act as liaison with client, contractors, or others directly involved with the project, assisting with required coordination and problem solving between all parties and site activities.
- Assist in controlling project costs by managing the budget, invoicing, and reporting of projects, for both internal and client needs.
- Assist with and eventually lead bridge and other inspections after completing required training.
- Contribute to team effort by providing guidance and technical insight to Structural Engineers.
- Expand existing network by attending networking events and fostering new relationships that can contribute to potential talent identification and business development opportunities.
- Other assignments as needed.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering or related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in the structural engineering field.
- Engineer Intern Certification in the State of Illinois, Professional Engineer (PE) licensure preferred.
- Structural Engineer (SE) licensure or ability to take the Structural Engineering Exam within 2 years of hire date.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proficiency with software applications including MicroStation and Geopak, or similar tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D or OpenRoads Designer.
- Familiarity with common structural design software (Enercalc, Risa 3D, Merlin Dash, Open Bridge Designer, AASHTOWare, etc.)
Not Sure You’re a Perfect Match?
That’s okay. If you have related experience and are passionate about structural design, we encourage you to apply. Bring your initiative and technical expertise. We’ll bring mentorship, flexibility, and opportunities to help you grow.
Why Join CBBEL?
CBBEL is a full-service civil engineering firm with more than 250 professionals committed to delivering accurate, timely and cost-effective solutions to a wide range of engineering and environmental challenges. One out of every three team members has been with us for more than 20 years, demonstrating how our values create a place where people want to grow. Our Team Serves As Municipal Engineer For 26 Communities And Supports Hundreds Of Public And Private Sector Clients With Planning, Design, And Construction Services. We Boast a Highly Talented, Experienced And Educated Team And Are Proud Of Our Successful, Long-term Relationships With a Wide Variety Of Clients Throughout Chicagoland.
When You Join Us, You’ll Find
- Clear growth opportunities in structural design technical development and project management.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, generous PTO, 401(k) matching, and discretionary bonuses.
- A team that values your input, supports your goals, and celebrates shared success.
Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
It is the policy of CBBEL to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, parenthood, creed, veteran’s status, veteran’s disability and physical or mental disability, citizenship status or unfavorable discharge from the military. CBBEL intends that all matters related to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, terminations, layoffs and recalls, as well as all CBBEL sponsored social and recreational programs, and all treatment on the job, be free of unlawful discriminatory practices. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email hr@cbbel.com.

INTRODUCTION
Our Rosemont office is centrally located within the Chicago metropolitan area and serves as the hub for our engineering services operations. Our Structural staff is focused on meeting the design and construction needs of our public and private clients throughout the area, including providing structural solutions for a wide range of projects such as transportation, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, stormwater, parks/public spaces, and site development. Our staff’s primary focus is roadway and pedestrian bridge design and rehabilitation, retaining wall and floodwall design, spillway/dam design, culvert design and design of other structures needed to support other CBBEL projects. Additionally, our Structural Group regularly performs bridge and dam inspections throughout Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana. The Project Engineer role goes beyond design and offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement. It’s about impact, leadership, and collaboration. If you love solving problems, managing teams, and making a difference through civil and structural design, this might be the perfect next step in your career.
At CBBEL, Our Values Guide Everything We Do
Integrity – We follow through on our promises.
Excellence – We’re always learning, growing, and raising the bar.
Fellowship – We support each other like a true team.
Resilience – We stay steady even when challenges arise.
Collaboration – We bring our best when we work together.
Sound like your kind of environment? Let’s dive into the details.
What You’ll Do
- Prepare design plans, specifications, and related documents for the development of engineering projects.
- Document all design work progress in writing, drawings, sketches, calculations, or tabulations for the quality assurance reviews of work performed by other staff including completion of the department QA/QC checklist.
- Evaluate existing site conditions, including topographic survey and geotechnical data.
- Coordinate with utility companies to determine if relocations are necessary with regards to the design project as needed.
- Perform required calculations for the accurate and complete design of project features.
- Develop and/or back check quantity and cost estimates for design projects.
- Assist in the preparation of permitting documents.
- Utilize value engineering, technical input and contributions from others throughout design process.
- Undertake research related to new methods or materials for use in projects.
- Assist in the preparation of proposals for future work.
- Assist with work across departments for multi-disciplinary jobs.
- Assist in managing sub-consultants engaged in support of design projects.
- Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
- Continually develop personal knowledge of engineering and construction best practices and standards by leveraging job experience.
- May act as liaison with client, contractors, or others directly involved with the project, assisting with required coordination and problem solving between all parties and site activities.
- Assist in controlling project costs by managing the budget, invoicing, and reporting of projects, for both internal and client needs.
- Assist with and eventually lead bridge and other inspections after completing required training.
- Contribute to team effort by providing guidance and technical insight to Structural Engineers.
- Expand existing network by attending networking events and fostering new relationships that can contribute to potential talent identification and business development opportunities.
- Other assignments as needed.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering or related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in the structural engineering field.
- Engineer Intern Certification in the State of Illinois, Professional Engineer (PE) licensure preferred.
- Structural Engineer (SE) licensure or ability to take the Structural Engineering Exam within 2 years of hire date.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proficiency with software applications including MicroStation and Geopak, or similar tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D or OpenRoads Designer.
- Familiarity with common structural design software (Enercalc, Risa 3D, Merlin Dash, Open Bridge Designer, AASHTOWare, etc.)
Not Sure You’re a Perfect Match?
That’s okay. If you have related experience and are passionate about structural design, we encourage you to apply. Bring your initiative and technical expertise. We’ll bring mentorship, flexibility, and opportunities to help you grow.
Why Join CBBEL?
CBBEL is a full-service civil engineering firm with more than 250 professionals committed to delivering accurate, timely and cost-effective solutions to a wide range of engineering and environmental challenges. One out of every three team members has been with us for more than 20 years, demonstrating how our values create a place where people want to grow. Our Team Serves As Municipal Engineer For 26 Communities And Supports Hundreds Of Public And Private Sector Clients With Planning, Design, And Construction Services. We Boast a Highly Talented, Experienced And Educated Team And Are Proud Of Our Successful, Long-term Relationships With a Wide Variety Of Clients Throughout Chicagoland.
When You Join Us, You’ll Find
- Clear growth opportunities in structural design technical development and project management.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, generous PTO, 401(k) matching, and discretionary bonuses.
- A team that values your input, supports your goals, and celebrates shared success.
Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
It is the policy of CBBEL to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, parenthood, creed, veteran’s status, veteran’s disability and physical or mental disability, citizenship status or unfavorable discharge from the military. CBBEL intends that all matters related to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, terminations, layoffs and recalls, as well as all CBBEL sponsored social and recreational programs, and all treatment on the job, be free of unlawful discriminatory practices. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email hr@cbbel.com.
Structural Project Engineer Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Structural Project Engineer Jobs in IllinoisStructural Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for structural project engineers in Illinois?
Chicago-headquartered and regional firms with established immigration programs are the most consistent sponsors. Thornton Tomasetti, WSP USA, AECOM, Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM), and Smith Group have all filed H-1B Labor Condition Applications for structural engineering roles in Illinois. Larger multidisciplinary engineering and architecture firms tend to have in-house HR processes for sponsorship, making them more reliable options than smaller specialty practices.
Which visa types are most common for structural project engineer roles in Illinois?
The H-1B is the most common visa for structural project engineers in Illinois, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in civil or structural engineering. Candidates from Australia may pursue the E-3 visa instead. Those with Canadian or Mexican citizenship may qualify under the TN visa category, which lists engineers among eligible professions and does not require an annual lottery.
Which cities in Illinois have the most structural project engineer sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the large majority of structural project engineer sponsorship activity in Illinois. The city's high-rise construction market, CTA and Metra infrastructure projects, and concentration of national engineering firms all drive demand. Evanston and Champaign see some activity tied to Northwestern University and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign respectively, but Chicago is by far the primary hiring center for sponsored structural engineering roles in the state.
How to find structural project engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for roles that include visa sponsorship, so you can search for structural project engineer positions in Illinois without manually screening out companies that don't sponsor. The platform is designed for international candidates, making it more efficient than general job searches for this purpose. Filtering by Illinois and the structural engineering category surfaces active openings from firms with documented sponsorship histories in the state.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for structural project engineers seeking visa sponsorship?
Illinois requires structural engineers who stamp drawings to hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. For visa candidates early in their careers, most sponsored roles are at the project engineer level and do not require licensure immediately. However, employers in Illinois often value or require an EIT (Engineer in Training) credential, and candidates from ABET-accredited programs, including UIUC and Illinois Tech, tend to meet H-1B specialty occupation criteria more cleanly.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored structural project engineer jobs in Illinois?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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