Entry Level Structural Engineer

GFT; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellness programs and family/pet_insur

401(k) savings plan

PTO accrual

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development programs

Incentive compensation

Job summary

GFT in Chicago is seeking an entry-level Structural Engineer to join our Buildings & Places team. The role combines office design work with 3+ days onsite under a hybrid model, offering mentorship and growth in sustainable building systems.

You will contribute to structural analysis, Revit-based documents, design coordination, field inspections, and ongoing professional development, while developing expertise in diverse project types.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited Civil or Architectural Engineering program, with a focus in Structural Engineering.
• 0–3 years of experience in structural engineering.
• Demonstrated interest in structural engineering through internships, past work experiences, or applied academic projects.
• Basic understanding of or willingness to learn Revit.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc...).
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in team settings.
• Self-motivated, energetic, organized, with a strong drive to excel and learn.
• Capable of field inspection activities such as climbing ladders, hiking, and lifting 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis and calculations with guidance from senior engineers.
• Assist in the development of construction documents using Revit.
• Participate in design coordination with internal and external project teams.
• Support field investigations and site inspections.
• Review structural submittals and respond to RFIs during construction phase.
• Stay current with industry trends and software through professional development.

Skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Field inspections

Learning mindset

Education

ABET-accredited Civil/Architectural Eng with Structural focus

Master's degree in Structural Engineering

Tools

Revit

Job description

What You Will Do

As GFT continues to grow and expand, we are seeking an emerging Entry Level Structural Engineer to support our Buildings & Places group in our Chicago, IL office. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring a minimum 3 days of onsite office attendance.

At GFT, the structural team is dedicated to creating efficient, innovative solutions for structural systems, ensuring comfort and sustainability in every project. From energy-efficient power systems to advanced HVAC and plumbing designs, our team contributes to a resilient and sustainable built environment, pushing the boundaries of building system design and optimizing performance while addressing the unique needs of each facility. Explore some of our signature projects.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

As an Entry-Level Structural Engineer, you will support the design and analysis of structural systems across a wide range of building types and markets. You’ll work on multidisciplinary teams, receive mentorship from seasoned engineers, and contribute to the successful delivery of technically sound and sustainable solutions.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

• Perform structural analysis and calculations with guidance from senior engineers.
• Assist in the development of construction documents using Revit.
• Participate in design coordination with internal and external project teams.
• Support field investigations and site inspections.
• Review structural submittals and respond to RFIs during construction phase.
• Stay current with industry trends and software through professional development.

Education | Experience:

What You’ll Bring To Our Firm

• Bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited Civil or Architectural Engineering program, with a focus in Structural Engineering.
• 0–3 years of experience in structural engineering.
• Demonstrated interest in structural engineering through internships, past work experiences, or applied academic projects.
• Basic understanding of or willingness to learn Revit.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc...).
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in team settings.
• Self-motivated, energetic, organized, with a strong drive to excel and learn.
• Capable of field inspection activities such as climbing ladders, hiking, and lifting 25 lbs.

What We Prefer You Bring

• Master’s degree from an ABET-accredited Civil or Architectural Engineering program, with a focus on Structural Engineering

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $80,000 - $100,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Sponsorship is not being offered for this position

Featured Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Sponsorship is not being offered for this position.

Location:

Chicago, IL

Core Business Hours:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status:

Full-Time

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles -

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco -

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California -

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.