Junior Designer - Structural Engineering

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

401K matching

Hybrid work flexibility

Licensing and career development

Job summary

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) in Chicago seeks entry‑level structural engineers who will assist with general problem solving, drafting, and coordination on project teams. You will learn to perform analysis, prepare construction documents and review drawings under supervision.

Ideal candidates have a recent civil/structural degree, collaborative mindset, and interest in materials, detailing, and construction techniques.

Qualifications

• Recent completion of B.S. in Civil Engineering or B.Eng required; Master’s degree in Structural Engineering a plus.
• Strong collaborative ability.
• Limited experience in structural analysis, drafting, and design development.
• Demonstrates general knowledge of materials, detailing and construction techniques related to structural engineering principles, and codes.
• Exhibits initiative, problem solving, and a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task specific level.
• Able to follow instructions on timelines of deliverables, seeks guidance when needed, escalates appropriately if needed.
• Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
• Possesses basic knowledge of computational and FEM tools for daily use on project design.

Responsibilities

• Assists in preparation of solutions to general and engineering problems.
• Checks and coordinates details and dimensions under supervision.
• Performs structural analysis and design under supervision.
• Assists in preparation of design and construction documents.
• Provides independent general drafting work relating to specific areas of project.
• Reviews shop drawing and product submittals for general conformance with the structural engineering documents.
• Handles a reasonable workload to meet project tasks deadlines and commitments under regular direction from the supervisor.
• Generates ideas under direction relative to the task in hand for review and selection by others.

Skills

Collaborative ability

Structural analysis

Drafting & design development

Materials knowledge

Problem solving

Timelines & accountability

Communication skills

FEM tools knowledge

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering or B.Eng

Master’s degree in Structural Engineering (a plus)

Tools

FEM tools

Job description

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.

Success at SOM Means Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.

Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.

Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.

Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.

Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.

Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.

We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

Position Responsibilities

• Assists in preparation of solutions to general and engineering problems.
• Checks and coordinates details and dimensions under supervision.
• Performs structural analysis and design under supervision.
• Assists in preparation of design and construction documents.
• Provides independent general drafting work relating to specific areas of project.
• Reviews shop drawing and product submittals for general conformance with the structural engineering documents.
• Handles a reasonable workload to meet project tasks deadlines and commitments under regular direction from the supervisor.
• Generates ideas under direction relative to the task in hand for review and selection by others.

Minimum Qualifications

• Recent completion of B.S. in Civil Engineering or B.Eng required; Master’s degree in Structural Engineering a plus.
• Strong collaborative ability.
• Limited experience in structural analysis, drafting, and design development.
• Demonstrates general knowledge of materials, detailing and construction techniques related to structural engineering principles, and codes.
• Exhibits initiative, problem solving, and a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task specific level.
• Able to follow instructions on timelines of deliverables, seeks guidance when needed, escalates appropriately if needed.
• Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means.
• Possesses basic knowledge of computational and FEM tools for daily use on project design.

Our Benefits

• Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance.
• Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs.
• Work/Life Balance: Hybrid/Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program.
• Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development.

Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $65,000 – $70,000.

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) is a global practice of architects, engineers, and planners renowned for designing buildings, interiors, and public spaces that push the boundaries of technical and environmental innovation.

Our interdisciplinary teams collaborate across an international network of studios to deliver projects of lasting impact.

Through our built work, research, and advocacy, we are advancing strategies to decarbonize the built environment.

Learn more about our commitment to climate action.

Working at SOM Our practice was built to champion inclusivity of expertise, people, and ideas. Together, we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset that equips our teams to face new challenges. Our studio culture offers opportunities for mentorship, growth, and leadership across project teams, offices, and employee resource groups.

SOM is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and we have been recognized with the highest ranking awarded on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. We publish an annual Impact Report as part of our ongoing commitment to advancing equity in our practice and the profession.

Portfolios

• Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB.
• Portfolios must be submitted for all design and project management positions (Architecture, Interiors, City Design, Graphics, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed. Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB.

Our Benefits

• Our comprehensive benefits package is built to support many facets of your well-being - your health, your financial future, and your continued professional growth. We offer medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and accident insurance.
• We also offer retirement support, free access to employee assistance programs for employees and family members, workplace flexibility, paid holidays, family leave, and paid time off.
• We reimburse costs for professional licenses, certifications, and exams, and offer specialized, in-house career development and mentorship programs designed to help you advance your knowledge and expertise.