Structural Engineer Chicago or Indianapolis area's
New Today
Structural Engineer
Location:Chicago, Illinois OR Indianapolis, Indiana (Local position with minimal travel up to 10-15% within the Midwest region)
Salary Range:$105,000$135,000 - Based on experience and specific location
Reporting To: Senior Engineering Leadership
Our client, a national leader in structural preservation, is expanding its specialized engineering team in the Midwest and needs a Senior Structural Engineer to inspect, diagnose, and repair complex parking structures and infrastructure throughout the Chicago or Indianapolis metropolitan areas.
You'll use cutting-edge inspection technology (like smart glasses for live technical guidance, GPR, and imaging tools) to lead structural assessments primarily within these major Midwest markets, supporting the region's diverse industrial, commercial, and transportation infrastructure needs.
This role combines office-based engineering work with regular field inspections throughout the Chicagoland area or Greater Indianapolis region. The Senior Structural Engineer will focus on high-priority projects within the Midwest, performing on-site inspections, diagnosing concrete and structural issues, and recommending long-term repair or preservation strategies for the region's unique challenges including harsh winter conditions, aging infrastructure, and heavy industrial usage.
Our client is growing rapidly in the Midwest market and needs someone who understands local building codes, regional construction practices, and the specific challenges posed by the region's extreme weather conditions, freeze-thaw cycles, and extensive use of de-icing chemicals.
If you're a licensed PE who enjoys combining technical expertise with hands-on field work in America's industrial heartlandlet's talk.
You're a Fit If You're:
Weather-resilientyou work effectively in challenging Midwest conditions year-round
Industrial market focusedyou understand the Midwest's unique structural, environmental, and industrial challenges
A collaborative team playeryou work effectively with local teams, industrial clients, and municipal authorities
A clear communicatoryou translate technical knowledge for clients ranging from Fortune 500 manufacturers to municipal agencies
What You'll Do
Conduct structural inspections of parking garages, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings throughout Chicago or Indianapolis metro areas, focusing on concrete durability, freeze-thaw damage, and repair design
Support the Midwest's manufacturing and logistics infrastructure with expert structural assessments
Utilize state-of-the-art technologies and non-destructive testing methods (NDE) to conduct comprehensive structural assessments across Midwest markets
Serve as a technical expert for high-priority accounts including manufacturing facilities, distribution centers, and transportation infrastructure
Address Midwest-specific structural challenges including extreme temperature variations, freeze-thaw cycles, de-icing salt corrosion, and heavy snow loading
Diagnose complex structural issues and develop engineering solutions compliant with Illinois/Indiana Building Codes and local requirements
Work with aging urban infrastructure (Chicago) and growing industrial developments (Indianapolis)
Create detailed engineering reports that account for harsh winter conditions and industrial loading requirements
Collect data via non-destructive testing methods (e.g., ground-penetrating radar, corrosion mapping, thermal analysis)
Draft assessment reports and repair solutions, collaborating with local and regional design teams
Support assessments of transportation infrastructure including bridges and elevated structures
What You Need
Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Related Field(Master's Preferred)
PE License (Illinois or Indiana preferred, or ability to obtain licensure quickly)
57+ years in structural engineering, ideally with concrete/material science focus
Understanding of Illinois/Indiana Building Codes and local municipal requirements
Experience with field assessments, inspections, or forensic engineering
Knowledge of harsh winter climate challenges (freeze-thaw, snow loading, de-icing salt corrosion)
Understanding of industrial facility requirements and heavy loading conditions
Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse client presentations
Ability to work independently while maintaining strong team collaboration
Experience working in extreme weather conditions
(Nice-to-haves)
Experience with industrial facilities, manufacturing plants, or distribution centers
Background in parking structures, retrofit design, or construction oversight in Midwest markets
Knowledge of transportation infrastructure and bridge inspection
Experience with Chicago's complex high-rise environment or Indianapolis logistics sector
Familiarity with municipal requirements for Chicago or Indianapolis
Understanding of seismic considerations (moderate seismic zone)
Leadership experience with proven ability to manage teams and drive results
Experience with aging infrastructure rehabilitation
Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range:
Chicago:$115,000$135,000 Annually (Higher cost of living adjustment)
Indianapolis:$100,000$120,000 Annually (Competitive for local market)
Comprehensive Health Insurance:Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
Retirement Savings:401(k) with Company Match
Generous PTO:Vacation, Sick Days, and Company Holidays
Vehicle Allowance:$8,000 Annually (for local and regional travel)
Performance Bonuses:Target of up to 13% of Base Salary
Professional Development:Access to industry conferences, workshops, and Midwest-specific training programs
Relocation Assistance:Available for qualified candidates relocating to Chicago or Indianapolis areas
- Location:
- Chicago
- Category:
- Construction