Construction Engineer Associate I

DB STERLIN CONSULTANTS INC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 72,800 - 80,080; Full time

Job summary

DBS Headquarters in Chicago, IL is seeking a Construction Engineer Associate I to perform basic engineering duties on civil construction projects. You will oversee contractor activities, interpret plans and specs, document field work, and measure quantities to ensure compliance with project requirements.

The role supports roadways, bridges, utilities, sewers and facilities, with mentored guidance and a focus on teamwork. A 4-year engineering degree is required, EIT preferred; travel is involved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution.
• Engineer-in-Training certificate preferred.
• 0–3 years of experience.
• Proficient verbal and written communication.
• Read and interpret plans; basic understanding of local government standards and databases (IDOT, CDOT, Bluebeam, Tollway).

Responsibilities

• Perform basic engineering duties for civil construction projects.
• Oversee contractor activities and ensure compliance with plans.
• Document field activities and submit daily reports.
• Measure quantities and observe materials testing.
• Communicate with project team and stakeholders.

Skills

Fundamental engineering concepts

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Reading plans

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Bluebeam

Adobe

Job description

Construction Engineer Associate I

Location: DBS Headquarters – Chicago, IL 60606

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 4‑Year Degree

Job Category: Construction

Salary Range: $72,800 – $80,080 per year

Position Goal

The Construction Engineer Associate I will perform basic engineering duties associated with the construction of civil engineering projects. This position supports all aspects of construction projects for roadways, bridges, utilities, sewers, facilities, etc.; oversees and inspects contractor activities; interprets plans and specifications and ensures work is performed in accordance with them; documents field activities; measures and calculates quantities of work completed; observes materials testing and ensures proper materials are incorporated into the work.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities – General

• Possesses foundational engineering concepts
• Acquires basic knowledge and develops basic skills through mentored experience
• Evaluates and applies standard techniques, procedures, and criteria to perform assigned tasks as part of a broader assignment
• Performs work assignments of minimal to moderate complexity and contributes to specific objectives and outcomes
• Receives instruction on specific objectives and direction on possible solutions to unconventional or complex problems
• Works as part of a team and coordinates work with others
• Receives close supervision on most aspects of assignments and a general review of all aspects of work
• Possesses effective oral and written communication skills
• Interacts primarily with internal project team members; may need to communicate with clients or other stakeholders
• Adheres to project deadlines and informs the Supervisor of any difficulties encountered on assignments

Essential Duties & Responsibilities – Specific

• Understands and interprets project plans and specifications
• Performs daily inspection and oversight of contractor’s activities to ensure compliance with project plans and specifications
• Documents field activities and submits daily reports
• Measures and calculates quantities of completed work
• Observes materials testing at a construction site
• Ensures proper materials are incorporated into the work
• Reports to the Project Lead
• May assist the Project Lead with other duties as assigned

Competencies

• Knowledge of mathematics and its application to engineering computations
• Can work effectively as a team player
• Ability to build constructive working relationships characterized by high acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect for stakeholders
• Shows insight into the root causes of problems and generates a range of solutions with associated benefits, costs, and risks
• Considers both short‑ and long‑term interests of the client in decision making
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor, high ethical standards, respect, and commitment to service excellence
• Understands the perspective of others before making decisions and taking action

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited institution
• Licensure: Engineer‑in‑Training Certificate Preferred
• Experience: 0 to 3 years of experience
• Communication Skills: Proficient verbal and written communication
• Technical Skills: Common engineering skills; ability to read and interpret plans; vision for potential construction issues; experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe, and Bluebeam; basic understanding of local government standards and databases (IDOT, CDOT, Bluebeam, Tollway)
• Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A

Physical Demands

Must be able to sit, walk, stand, reach with hands and arms, stoop or kneel, climb, or balance; talk, hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools, or control; lift and/or move up to 25 pounds on occasion.

Working Environment

May require long periods of standing or walking in the field with exposure to various weather conditions, noise levels, and construction hazards. Personal Protective Equipment is required while performing field work. The role also involves office work at a computer, requiring long periods of sitting in an ambient temperature, lighting, and noise level. Normal business hours are typical, and travel is required; a valid license is needed.

Continuing Education

Complete state‑required competency and attend job‑related seminars and workshops.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.