Structural Department Lead
Structural Department Manager
Location: Downtown Chicago (Loop) | Type: Full-time, on-site | Salary: $140,000 - $180,000 + bonus and benefits
About the firm
A well-established, Chicago-born structural and civil engineering and construction management firm is looking for a Structural Department Manager to lead its structural team. Founded in the early 1980s and still headquartered in the heart of the downtown Loop, this is one of the largest structural engineering practices in the city by headcount, all under one roof.
Over four decades in, the firm has delivered more than 2,000 completed projects and collected 30+ industry awards for technical excellence and innovation. It holds MBE and DBE certification and has built long-standing relationships with clients including the City of Chicago, Chicago Public Schools, universities and government agencies.
The work spans a genuinely diverse portfolio: municipal and recreational projects, transportation infrastructure, healthcare, K-12 and higher education, historic renovations, industrial and utility site design, and airports, mass transit and rail. There's a strong current backlog in industrial work, with plenty of concrete and steel projects keeping the team busy.
One thing that sets this firm apart: the sheer depth of licensure. The team carries around a dozen SE-licensed engineers, which is exceptional for a firm of this size and a real advantage in a market where the SE is what everyone needs to stamp and seal drawings.
The role
As Structural Department Manager, you'll take ownership of the structural group, both as a technical authority and as a leader of people. You'll oversee the design, analysis and execution of structural projects while running departmental operations to keep quality high and delivery on track. This is a chance to shape a department, mentor a talented team and put your name on some of the most recognisable infrastructure in Chicago.
What you'll do
- Lead and inspire the team. Mentor a group of talented structural engineers and build a culture of creativity, accountability and growth.
- Own project delivery. Manage multidisciplinary design teams and oversee structural projects from concept through to construction.
- Drive technical excellence. Develop and review structural drawings, calculations and specifications, and seal engineering documents as Engineer of Record.
- Run the department. Oversee budgets, resource planning and workload forecasting to keep the group efficient and profitable.
- Coordinate and collaborate. Work with suppliers, consultants, architects and other disciplines to deliver integrated, constructable solutions.
- Engage clients and agencies. Partner with clients and code officials to deliver compliant, high-quality engineering, and support business development and repeat work.
- Set the standard. Establish and uphold QA/QC procedures, technical standards and best practice across the group.
What you'll bring
- BS in Civil or Structural Engineering (Master's welcomed).
- 15+ years of structural engineering experience, including time in a leadership or management capacity.
- Illinois PE required; SE license strongly preferred and highly valued here.
- Strong command of structural design across steel, concrete, masonry and wood.
- Proficiency in Revit Structure and industry analysis tools (RAM, RISA, ETABS or similar).
- A proven ability to lead teams, manage budgets and keep projects on time and on scope.
- Clear, confident communication with clients, agencies and project teams.
What's on offer
- Competitive base of $120,000 - $150,000, plus bonus potential.
- Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Paid vacation and holidays.
- Continuing education and professional development support.
- Wellness programs and employee assistance services.
- A stable, respected firm with a deep project backlog, real licensure depth and a genuine path to shape a department and its people.
FAQs
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