Structural Engineer - Mission Critical

Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED); Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED) seeks a Senior Structural Engineer for its Mission Critical team in Chicago. You will lead complex structural design, guide project teams, and advance design excellence across sectors.

The role requires 8+ years of experience and a PE license, with SE licensure preferred. You will apply RAM, RISA, ETABS, and Enercalc, mentor staff, and collaborate with architects and MEP engineers to deliver high-performance, sustainable solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil/structural engineering from ABET/EAC accredited program.
• PE license required; SE license preferred.
• 8+ years of structural engineering experience.
• Proficiency with RAM, RISA, ETABS, Enercalc.
• Revit core skills; strong Office suite and collaboration tools.
• Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage structural design for large building projects from concept to construction.
• Apply RAM, RISA, ETABS, Enercalc to deliver resilient structural solutions.
• Direct preparation and QA of calculations, specifications, docs, and reports.
• Coordinate with architects, MEPs, civil consultants for integrated design solutions.
• Lead internal/external meetings and client presentations.
• Provide expert support during construction administration and RFIs/submittals.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to discipline standards and training.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and industry engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Client-facing

Mentoring

Education

ABET/EAC accredited Bachelor's degree

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Structural Engineer (SE) licensure preferred

Tools

RAM

RISA

ETABS

Enercalc

Revit

Bluebeam

MS Office

Job description

Structural Engineer - Mission Critical

Our Structural Engineering team is looking to add a talented engineer to our team. As a Structural Engineer at HED, you bring 8+ years of professional experience and hold a Professional Engineer (PE) license, with licensure as a Structural Engineer (SE) preferred.

About HED

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

Position Summary

You are recognized as a highly experienced technical leader who drives design excellence, quality, and innovation on projects of significant complexity. You lead structural efforts across sectors, mentor project teams, and contribute strategically to the growth and evolution of HED's engineering practice. With broad technical knowledge and sector expertise, you act as a trusted advisor and resource within multidisciplinary teams.

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage structural design for large and complex building projects from concept through construction.
• Apply advanced engineering judgment and analytical tools (RAM, RISA, ETABS, Enercalc) to deliver efficient, resilient, and integrated structural solutions.
• Direct the preparation and quality review of engineering calculations, specifications, construction documents, and reports.
• Coordinate and collaborate with architects, MEP engineers, civil consultants, and other stakeholders to deliver fully integrated, high-performance design solutions.
• Lead or co-lead internal and external project meetings, client presentations, and key stakeholder engagements.
• Provide expert-level support during construction administration, including site visits, responses to RFIs and submittals, and resolution of field conditions.
• Interpret and apply applicable codes and standards (IBC, ASCE 7, ACI 318, AISC 360, NDS/SDPWS, TMS 402) to ensure compliance, safety, and design integrity.
• Support the development of discipline standards, templates, tools, and best practices.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level structural team members; contribute to talent development, technical training, and performance feedback.
• Champion innovation, sustainability, and resilience in structural system design and material selection.
• Maintain an active presence in the industry through technical knowledge-sharing, research, and professional engagement.
• Provide project-level QA/QC oversight and participate in firm-wide quality initiatives.
• Act as a sector resource, applying specialized knowledge while continuing to work across markets as needed.
• Engage in the Discipline Work Plan process, including delegation, planning, and oversight of discipline workload and task completion.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Discipline Leader or sector leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering or similar related field, from an ABET/EAC accredited institution.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) required; licensed Structural Engineer (SE) preferred.
• 8+ years of structural engineering experience in a professional setting.
• Mastery of structural design and analysis software (RAM, RISA, ETABS, Enercalc).
• Proficiency in Revit (core) preferred; proficiency in Bluebeam, Microsoft Office Suite, and collaboration tools required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of relevant codes, standards, and engineering fundamentals.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, interdisciplinary projects.
• Strong leadership, communication, and client-facing abilities.
• Proven record of mentoring and team development.
• Passion for integrated design and a commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
• Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.

Work Environment

• We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
• The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.