Senior Structural Engineer - Mission Critical - Chicago

Burns & McDonnell is a 100 percent employee-owned firm of over 8,000 engineers, architects, construction professionals, scientists, consultants, and entrepreneurs with offices across the U.S. and worldwide. This role focuses on mission-critical data center projects within a multibillion-dollar, rapidly growing industry.

About the role

The Senior Structural Engineer will lead structural design project teams for new projects, alterations, and redevelopments across sectors including power, process, corporate, healthcare, pipeline, airports, institutional, industrial, manufacturing, government, and military facilities. Responsibilities span the entire design and construction process, adapting plans to meet budget constraints, design factors, and client needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead structural design from conceptual phase through completion, aligning with project requirements set by project managers.
• Prepare structural equipment specifications, data sheets, Request for Qualifications (RFQs), technical bid summaries, and purchase recommendations.
• Review structural vendor drawings and interface with suppliers, clients, and other engineering disciplines.
• Participate in project scheduling, scope definition, budgeting, staffing, and construction planning.
• Manage change orders effectively.
• Apply expert knowledge of structural engineering concepts, practices, codes, and procedures to complex projects, developing non-standard design solutions.
• Conduct quality reviews of production drawings and project-related data using multiple CAD software platforms.
• Oversee construction administration, including coordination with field personnel to resolve design-related installation issues, calculations, field inspections, and material testing.
• Lead field inspections, installations, measurements, or calculations for public and private clients.
• Prepare and present technical reports for clients and industry publications.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, customers, and contractors while developing new business opportunities.
• Ensure customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
• Support sales and marketing efforts, identifying key pursuits.
• Lead the development of cost proposals and qualification statements to meet financial performance targets.
• Prepare and present project budgets, cost estimates, and performance reports.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to less experienced engineers within the structural engineering practice.
• Ensure adherence to QA/QC processes.
• Facilitate effective communication with other engineering disciplines.
• Ensure compliance with company and site safety policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering or related degree from an ABET-accredited program and 7 years of structural engineering experience (EPC project experience preferred), or
• Bachelor’s Degree in Structural or related Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited program and successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and 7 years of structural engineering experience (EPC project experience preferred), or
• Master’s Degree in Structural Engineering and 6 years of structural engineering experience (EPC project experience preferred).
• Expert knowledge of standard engineering techniques and procedures.
• Strong knowledge of structural design codes (e.g., IBC, AISC, ACI, ASCE7).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience leading discipline design for large projects and delegating tasks within a team.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills in a quantitative environment.
• Strong attention to detail, facilitation, teamwork, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to perform quality reviews of detailed engineering documents and specifications.
• Willingness to travel (up to 25%).
• Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred.

Pay

$150,000.00–$210,000.00 yearly. The expected compensation range is based on individual education, qualifications, prior work experience, and work location. The total annual compensation package includes a base salary and eligibility for a discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.

Benefits

• Comprehensive insurance and disability coverage.
• Time off and wellness programs.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for eligible employees.
• 401(k) retirement program.

Schedule

Full-time. Travel required (up to 25%).