Early Career Structural Engineering Designer

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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…