Design Engineer

HBK Engineering, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership opportunities

Professional growth & independence

Extended benefits package

Career progression in EngineeringTrack

PE licensure prep & support

Job summary

HBK Engineering, LLC is seeking a Design Engineer in the Chicagoland area to lead design phases for subsurface utility, roadway, grading, drainage, and stormwater projects. You will prepare documents using AutoCAD, MicroStation, and GIS, analyze surveys, and coordinate field activities with internal teams and clients.

The role emphasizes mentorship of entry-level staff, independent problem solving, and compliance with project specs and deadlines, with travel around 25% and growth within HBK's

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering program required.
• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or related field.
• EIT certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own all phases of design lifecycle from initiation through construction and closeout.
• Prepare engineering and construction documents using CAD and GIS tools.
• Analyze surveys and records to prepare clear reports.
• Conduct field walkdowns and coordinate with stakeholders; travel is typically <25%.
• Mentor junior staff and review designs for quality and risk.

Skills

2D CAD

AutoCAD

MicroStation

GIS

Office 365

Mentoring

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited Engineering program

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Engineer in Training (EIT) preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

GIS software

Job description

About Us

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support services and permitting facilitation. Since our founding in 1998, we have earned a reputation for delivering outstanding, accurate services in extremely time-sensitive, multilayered environments. That "industry-recognized" performance has propelled our expansion and the ability to provide engineering services in all 50 states. With 25 offices nationwide, including concentrations in the Midwest and on the Coasts, HBK brings together a dedicated team whose main focus is the design and protection of utilities and utility networks. We have successfully performed engineering work for a complete spectrum of utility infrastructure projects providing solutions and construction support from Coast to Coast in areas ranging from complex urban city centers, to rural greenfields, to limited access rights-of-way. In July 2020, HBK Engineering was acquired by Quanta Services. Quanta Services provides infrastructure services for electric power, pipeline, and communications industries and employees over 50,000 people. Quanta’s focus on the utility industry and HBK’s focus on constructability in our designs has made our integration into the Quanta family of companies seamless.

About this Role

A Design Engineer at HBK Engineering is a position for engineering professionals with increased independence, technical oversight, and leadership responsibilities across subsurface utility, roadway, grading, drainage, and stormwater design projects. Working with minimal oversight, this role applies sound engineering judgment and problem-solving skills to independently address complex site civil and construction challenges. Design Engineers own all phases of the project lifecycle from initial survey analysis and AutoCAD/GIS drafting to field walkdowns and project closeout. Additionally, this role serves as a key technical mentor by coaching entry-level staff, conducting peer reviews of engineering designs, and partnering with project leadership to manage risk, representing a significant step forward in professional development within HBK's Engineering Track. Location: Chicagoland or Greater Chicago Area.

What You'll Do

• Own all phases of the design lifecycle from initiation through construction completion and project closeout, designing subsurface utility systems in compliance with relevant specifications, codes, and client requirements.
• Prepare detailed engineering and construction documents using AutoCAD, MicroStation, and GIS systems, while supporting roadway, grading, drainage, utility, and stormwater design.
• Analyze topographical surveys, utility atlas information, field sketches, and client records to prepare reports and studies that present technical information clearly and concisely.
• Conduct field investigations, surveys, walkdowns, and construction phase services alongside internal staff, clients, governance authorities, and construction partners (travel typically <25%).
• Assist with scheduling, cost estimates, permitting, and plan reviews for code conformance, working closely with project management and engineering leadership to manage project risk.
• Perform peer reviews of engineering designs under professional engineering oversight, while coaching and mentoring entry-level staff.
• Communicate complex engineering matters effectively across internal project management, engineering leadership, and field resources while independently managing schedules to meet project milestones.

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related degree from an ABET-accredited program; Engineer in Training (EIT) certification preferred.

• 2.5+ years of relevant engineering experience, with demonstrated capability to address site civil, subsurface utility, and construction-related challenges using sound engineering judgment.

• Technical & CADD Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of 2D CADD software (AutoCAD, MicroStation or similar) to generate layout drawings, strong GIS capabilities, and proficiency in the Office365 suite and remote communication tools.

• Hands-on experience reviewing drawings and engineering materials developed by others, paired with an ability to come up to speed quickly on in-process projects.

• Strong track record of working independently and across interdisciplinary teams, with practical experience mentoring entry-level staff.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong persistence to see projects through to completion, and the agility to adapt to evolving project priorities across multiple project types.

What You'll Get

• Leadership opportunities through coaching and mentoring responsibilities
• Professional growth with increased independence and minimal oversight
• Experience in peer review processes under professional engineering supervision
• Advanced project management and risk management experience
• Enhanced client communication and technical reporting responsibilities
• Field experience through walkdowns and stakeholder interactions
• Travel opportunities for project work and professional development
• Collaborative work environment with project management and engineering leadership
• Clear career progression pathway within the HBK Organization's Engineering Track
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Continued preparation for Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.

Compensation Range

The anticipated compensation for this position is USD $85,000.00/Yr. - depending on experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company’s Human Resources department.