Early Career Structural Engineering Designer

Location: Chicago, IL, us Department: St. Louis Employment Type: {'id': 'permanent', 'label': 'Full-time'}

Company Description

At KPFF Consulting Engineers, we are more than just an engineering design firm. For 65 years, we have dedicated ourselves to innovative, sustainable engineering that shapes the built environment and tackles complex infrastructure challenges. Our team culture emphasizes balance, growth, and well-being, supporting each member’s professional journey with flexibility, generous benefits, and a collaborative approach to work-life integration.

With over 1,500 professionals across 36 offices nationwide, KPFF’s decentralized structure allows each office the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with their regional strengths. Learn more at www.kpff.com.

Our decentralized structure gives local teams the autonomy to pursue meaningful work and build strong client relationships, while providing access to the resources, technical expertise, and stability of an established national firm.

Our growing Chicago presence represents the next chapter of that growth: an opportunity to help build something locally while being part of a firm with decades of experience behind it

Job Description

KPFF is growing its structural engineering presence in Chicago, and we are looking for an early-career Structural Designer who is excited to develop their engineering experience while helping us build what comes next.

You will work alongside experienced engineers who are invested in your development, gaining hands-on experience across a variety of structural systems, project types, and phases of design. You will be closely connected to our established St. Louis Structural team while also having opportunities to contribute to the built environment in the Chicago area, and to collaborate with colleagues across KPFF.

As your technical skills and experience develop, you will have opportunities to take on increasing responsibility and to play a larger role in shaping KPFF's future in Chicago.

Whether you are preparing to graduate, recently graduated, or have already started your structural engineering career, we are interested in engineers who are curious, collaborative, and excited to keep learning.

A Growing Chicago Presence, Backed by 65+ Years of KPFF

You will be joining KPFF at an exciting stage of our growth in Chicago, but you will be part of an established engineering firm from day one.

Our St. Louis Structural team will be an important partner to the Chicago team, providing opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and project experience. You will also work with engineers and project teams across KPFF's nationwide network, giving you access to a broad range of technical expertise, project types, and design challenges.

As the Chicago project base develops, you will have opportunities to contribute locally while continuing to support projects in St. Louis and across the firm.

What You'll Be Doing

Perform structural analysis and design under the guidance of experienced engineers.

Assist with the design of steel, concrete, wood, masonry, and other structural systems.

Prepare engineering calculations, drawings, and technical documentation.

Collaborate with architects, contractors, owners, and multidisciplinary project teams.

Work closely with the St. Louis Structural team and collaborate with engineers across KPFF.

Contribute to projects in Chicago, St. Louis, and across the firm, based on project needs and opportunities.

Participate in project coordination and design meetings.

Support construction administration and respond to project questions during construction.

Participate in project site visits, field observations, and structural assessments.

Develop your knowledge of applicable building codes, design standards, and industry practices.

Gain exposure to different project types, structural systems, and phases of design.

Take on increasing responsibility as your technical skills and experience grow.

Contribute to the culture and growth of KPFF's developing Chicago presence.

Why This Opportunity Is Different

Early in your career, the people you learn from and the projects you are exposed to matter. At KPFF, you will have access to experienced engineers, active project teams, and technical expertise across an established national firm while also experiencing what it takes to grow something new.

You will have the opportunity and visibility that come with being an early member of our Chicago team, with the stability, resources, and project experience of a firm that has been growing for more than 65 years.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline with an emphasis in structures, completed or expected prior to starting the position.

Coursework in structural engineering and design, including steel and concrete design.

Understanding of fundamental structural engineering principles.

Strong technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to collaborate and contribute as part of a project team.

Curiosity and a desire to continue learning and developing as an engineer.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree or current pursuit of a Master's degree (graduating in summer of 2027) in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering with an emphasis in structures. Previous internship or early-career professional experience in structural engineering or building design.

Coursework or experience in steel, concrete, wood, masonry, seismic analysis, or structural dynamics.

Familiarity with structural analysis and design software.

EIT certification or plans to pursue professional engineering licensure.

Additional Information

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Duties are typically performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation.

Ability to actively engage with a computer for several hours per day