SENIOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER / PROJECT MANAGER (BUILDINGS) - CHICAGO, IL
Hybrid / Partially Remote | Full-Time
Bring the structure. Lead the team. Shape the skyline.
We're a nationally active, mid-sized structural engineering consultancy (name confidential) known for practical, buildable design and a highly collaborative "one team across offices" culture. We're growing our Chicago office and hiring a Senior Structural Engineer / Project Manager to lead complex building projects from concept through construction-and to mentor the next generation of engineers along the way.
If you're at your best when you're owning outcomes (not just calculations), partnering directly with architects and owners, and solving real construction problems with calm confidence-this is your seat at the table.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT HERE
* Real project leadership: You'll be the point person-leading design, managing delivery, and guiding decisions that impact cost, constructability, and performance.
* Collaborative, multi-office expertise: Strong technical support and daily coordination across a connected team-without the politics of a huge firm.
* National-caliber work, grounded in field reality: We value engineers who understand what actually gets built-and we make site involvement part of the job, not an afterthought.
* A people-first culture: We invest in learning, mentoring, and integrating engineers into client meetings, site visits, and key project decisions early.
* Recognition as a great workplace: Consistent emphasis on culture, professional development, and team experience.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Project Leadership & Delivery
* Lead structural design on mid- to large-scale building projects-from schematic through CDs and CA.
* Drive structural system selection (steel, concrete, wood, cold-formed, foundations) with a focus on constructability and budget.
* Manage scope, schedule, fee, and risk; keep projects on track with clear communication and proactive problem-solving.
* Coordinate with architects, MEP, contractors, fabricators, and owners to resolve conflicts and maintain momentum.
Technical Excellence
* Perform and/or oversee analysis and design for gravity/lateral systems (braced frames, shear walls, diaphragms, etc.).
* Provide high-quality review of calculations, drawings, and details; elevate consistency and standards.
* Tackle complex conditions such as tight sites, renovations/adaptive reuse, and challenging coordination.
Client & Team Leadership
* Be a trusted advisor to clients-present options, tradeoffs, and recommendations with confidence.
* Mentor and develop engineers and technicians-helping them grow technically and professionally.
* Support business development through excellent client service and repeat-work relationships.
Construction Administration
* Stay involved during construction: RFIs, submittals, field observations, and issue resolution.
* Communicate clearly with contractors to keep the build moving while protecting design intent.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
Required
* BS or MS in Civil/Structural Engineering
* PE license (Illinois preferred; reciprocity considered)
* Typically 8+ years of structural engineering experience, including project leadership responsibilities
* Strong buildings background across multiple materials (steel/concrete/wood/cold-formed)
* Proven ability to manage projects: scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables
* Strong communication skills (clients, architects, contractors, internal teams)
Preferred / Big Pluses
* Experience with mid- to high-rise, podium structures, complex lateral systems, or deep foundations
* Adaptive reuse / restoration / existing buildings or investigative work
* Experience mentoring staff and leading teams across multiple projects
* Familiarity with Revit workflows and modern calculation/analysis tools
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE (FIRST 90 DAYS)
* Lead at least one active project as PM, with clear delivery plan and stakeholder alignment
* Build trust with Chicago-based clients and internal teams through strong communication and follow-through
* Establish a mentorship rhythm with junior staff and contribute to technical collaboration across offices
* Identify one process or coordination improvement that makes delivery smoother and more predictable
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. Details are shared early in the interview process.
