Senior Structural Engineer
Senior Structural Engineer (7+ Years) - Chicago, IL
Confidential Client (Illinois-Based Structural Engineering Firm)
Location: Chicago, Illinois (Downtown)
About the Company
Our client is a well-established, Illinois-based structural engineering firm with decades of experience delivering high-quality structural solutions throughout the Chicago area. The firm is known for its collaborative, team-oriented culture and strong relationships with public-sector and institutional clients. Projects span a wide range of building types and complexities, with engineers involved from early design through construction support.
This role sits within one of the largest structural teams in Illinois and the largest Illinois-based structural engineering firm. As a result, engineers benefit from exceptional access to technical expertise, leadership, and project variety. The culture places a strong emphasis on mentorship, professional development, and knowledge sharing-offering both the opportunity to learn from highly experienced engineers and the expectation to mentor and develop younger staff.
The Role
As a Senior Structural Engineer, you will lead structural design and delivery for a variety of building and infrastructure projects. You will take ownership of technical solutions, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and play a key role in maintaining quality and consistency across projects. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys both technical leadership and people development.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership and Design
Lead analysis and design of structural systems including steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, and timber.
Prepare and oversee structural calculations, design narratives, and construction documents.
Develop practical, constructible solutions to complex structural challenges.
Project Delivery and Coordination
Manage technical scopes and deliverables on multiple concurrent projects.
Coordinate closely with architects, civil engineers, MEP teams, contractors, and owners.
Provide construction-phase support through field visits, RFIs, submittal reviews, and technical guidance.
Quality and Risk Management
Perform or oversee quality control and peer reviews to ensure code compliance and technical accuracy.
Identify potential risks early and communicate clearly with project stakeholders.
Mentorship and Team Development
Mentor junior engineers through design reviews, technical guidance, and day-to-day coaching.
Contribute to the development of best practices, standards, and internal knowledge sharing.
Take an active role in building a strong, collaborative, high-performing structural team.
Required Qualifications
7 or more years of progressive structural engineering experience.
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a structural focus or a Structural Engineering degree (master's preferred).
Strong knowledge of U.S. structural codes and standards and the ability to apply them in practice.
Experience delivering complete structural design packages and coordinating across disciplines.
Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-first mindset.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional Engineer (PE) license, ideally in Illinois, or active pursuit of licensure.
Experience with public-sector, institutional, or large, complex building projects.
Proficiency in common structural analysis and design software and BIM coordination tools.
Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or leading technical teams.
What Success Looks Like
Within the first 6-12 months, you are independently leading design efforts on complex projects, acting as a trusted technical resource for clients and internal teams, actively mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to continuous improvements in design quality and delivery.
Compensation and Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and licensure.
Bonus potential and comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Strong support for professional development, continuing education, and licensure.
FAQs
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