This role is designed for engineers ready to grow beyond task‑based design into technical leadership, client interaction, and project ownership. You’ll gain hands‑on experience leading projects, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to the growth of our Structural Group.
Our Rosemont office is centrally located within the Chicago metropolitan area and serves as the hub for our engineering services operations. Our Structural staff is focused on meeting the design and construction needs of our public and private clients throughout the area, including providing structural solutions for a wide range of projects such as transportation, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, stormwater, parks/public spaces, and site development. Our staff’s primary focus is roadway and pedestrian bridge design and rehabilitation, retaining wall and floodwall design, spillway/dam design, culvert design and design of other structures needed to support CBBEL projects. Additionally, our Structural Group regularly performs bridge and dam inspections throughout Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana.
The Structural Project Engineer role offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement. It’s about impact, leadership, and collaboration. If you love solving problems, managing teams, and making a difference through civil and structural design, this might be the perfect next step in your career.
At CBBEL, our values guide everything we do:
Integrity – We follow through on our promises. Excellence – We’re always learning, growing, and raising the bar. Fellowship – We support each other like a true team. Resilience – We stay steady even when challenges arise. Collaboration – We bring our best when we work together.
Sound like your kind of environment? Let’s dive into the details.
What You’ll Do
Design and Technical Leadership
- Evaluate existing site conditions, including topographic survey and geotechnical data.
- Prepare design plans, specifications, and related documents for the development of engineering projects.
- Document all design work progress in writing, drawings, sketches, calculations, or tabulations for the quality assurance reviews of work performed by other staff including completion of the department QA/QC checklist.
- Perform required calculations for the accurate and complete design of project features.
- Develop and/or back check quantity and cost estimates for design projects.
- Assist in the preparation of permitting documents.
- Utilize value engineering, technical input and contributions from others throughout design process.
- Undertake research related to new methods or materials for use in projects.
- Assist with and eventually lead bridge and other inspections.
Project Coordination & Management
- Coordinate with utility companies to determine if relocations are necessary.
- Coordinate work across departments for multi-disciplinary jobs.
- Manage sub-consultants engaged in support of design projects.
- Rely on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
- Continually develop personal knowledge of engineering and construction best practices and standards by leveraging job experience.
- Assist in controlling project costs by managing the budget, invoicing, and reporting of projects, for both internal and client needs.
Client and Team Engagement
- Act as liaison with client, contractors, or others directly involved with the project, assisting with required coordination and problem solving between all parties and site activities.
- Contribute to team effort by providing guidance and technical insight to Structural Engineers.
- Assist in the preparation of proposals for future work.
- Expand existing network by attending networking events and fostering new relationships that can contribute to potential talent identification and business development opportunities.
What You Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering or related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in the structural engineering field.
- Structural Engineer (SE) licensure or ability to take the Structural Engineering Exam within 2 years of hire date, with exam preparation support from CBBEL preferred.
- Engineer Intern Certification in the State of Illinois, Professional Engineer (PE) licensure preferred.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Proficiency with software applications including MicroStation and Geopak, or similar tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D or OpenRoads Designer.
- Familiarity with common structural design software (Enercalc, Risa 3D, Merlin Dash, Open Bridge Designer, AASHTOWare, etc.)
- Familiarity with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, the IDOT Bridge and Culvert Manuals and the Illinois Tollway Structure Design Manual.
Not Sure You’re a Perfect Match?
- That’s okay. If you have related experience and are passionate about structural design, we encourage you to apply.
- Bring your initiative and technical expertise. We’ll bring mentorship, flexibility, and opportunities to help you grow.
Why Join CBBEL?
CBBEL is a full-service civil engineering firm with more than 250 professionals committed to delivering accurate, timely and cost-effective solutions to a wide range of engineering and environmental challenges. One out of every three team members has been with us for more than 20 years, demonstrating how our values create a place where people want to grow.
Our team serves as Municipal Engineer for 26 communities and supports hundreds of public and private sector clients with planning, design, and construction services. We boast a highly talented, experienced and educated team and are proud of our successful, long-term relationships with a wide variety of clients throughout Chicagoland. When you join us, you’ll find:
- Clear growth opportunities in structural design technical development and project management.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, generous PTO, 401(k) matching, and discretionary bonuses.
- A team that values your input, supports your goals, and celebrates shared success.
Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of CBBEL to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, parenthood, creed, veteran’s status, veteran’s disability and physical or mental disability, citizenship status or unfavorable discharge from the military. CBBEL intends that all matters related to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, terminations, layoffs and recalls, as well as all CBBEL sponsored social and recreational programs, and all treatment on the job, be free of unlawful discriminatory practices. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email hr@cbbel.com.