Senior Structural Engineer

Structural Engineer (PE, SE track) | 5-15 Years | Ownership Pathway | Chicago Loop (Hybrid)

Competitive base, up to $130K+ depending on experience, plus profit sharing, 401(k) match and bonus

I'm working with one of Chicago's best-kept secrets in structural engineering. It's a boutique firm that has been practising for over 40 years. Its portfolio would surprise most engineers at firms ten times its size.

This isn't a "small firm, small projects" role. They work on projects from 5,000 sq ft to 1,000,000 sq ft, with construction budgets from $1M up to $900M. They have work across the US and internationally. Some of their projects are so high-profile that they're still under NDA years later.

They're busy and want someone who can take on project work quickly. They're also planning a leadership transition over the next few years. For the right engineer, this is a real route to firm leadership and ownership, not a vague promise.

Why this one is different

• A clear path to leadership. The current owners took over in a 2017 ownership transition. They're now planning the next one and want someone who could step into firm leadership within about 4 to 6 years.
• Variety you won't get at a large firm. Everyone works on everything. Current work includes healthcare, higher education, Department of Defense projects and residential. You won't be pigeonholed.
• Stability. The firm got through 2008 and later downturns without laying anyone off. Many of the team have been there for decades, and one owner has been there for 32 years.
• Direct mentorship. You'll work alongside principals who hold PE and SE licences across multiple states.
• Close-knit culture. It's a small team that treats each other like family. Long-serving staff say that's why they've stayed.

What you'll be doing

• Designing and analysing building structures across a wide range of sectors and project sizes
• Running multiple projects at once, from small renovations to major new builds
• Working directly with architects, owners and contractors
• Taking on client relationships and business development over time, if that's the route you want
• Helping shape how the firm grows as it moves through its next leadership transition

What they're looking for

• 5 to 15 years of structural engineering experience, ideally in buildings
• A PE licence, with an Illinois SE or a clear plan to sit the SE exam
• If you're toward the senior end of that range, you'll need to be licensed. The firm wants engineers who are building their careers, not plateauing.
• Comfort switching between projects quickly in a busy environment
• Ideally some entrepreneurial drive and an interest in client development and leadership. Strong technical engineers will still be considered.

Package

• Base salary: competitive and negotiable. Around $100K to $130K for an engineer with about 10 years' experience and an SE licence, with flexibility for the right person.
• 401(k) with a company match of around 3%
• Health insurance with 50% of the premium paid by the company

Location and flexibility

The office is in the Chicago Loop, on W Jackson Blvd. You'll be in the office while you settle in, then move to a hybrid schedule with at least 3 days a week in the office.

If you're a PE who wants your work to have a real impact on the business and would like a real shot at leading a firm, I'd love to ta