Simpson gumpertz & heger

Consulting Engineer, Structural Investigator

Chicago, Illinois, United States Full Time

Do you want to help engineer what’s next?

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients’ most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 750 employees in ten office locations throughout the United States, SGH’s industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what’s possible.

What makes careers at SGH so special?

The only way to advance is to question and explore. Every member of the SGH team is both a learner and an educator, committed to advancing ourselves, our teams, and our industry. Together we are creating a community that never settles for what is but always seeks what could be.

There are many reasons to love SGH:

  • Our Work: Our clients trust us to bring clarity and deliver outstanding solutions for their most complex projects.
  • Our People: We are bold thinkers and compassionate teammates, committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
  • Our Commitment: We live with integrity and embrace an obligation to give back to our professions and communities.
  • Our Contribution: We offer a comprehensive and rich compensation and benefits package with company-paid and voluntary programs to help build healthy lifestyles, strong relationships, and future prosperity.

What You’ll Do:

We are seeking someone who is passionate about investigating structural behavior, diagnosing problems in existing buildings and infrastructure, and developing repair or rehabilitation recommendations. As a Consulting Engineer, you will work closely with senior staff while taking increasing responsibility for project execution, client communication, and technical leadership.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct field investigations to assess the condition and performance of existing structures, including buildings, garages, bridges, and other constructed facilities.
  • Perform structural analyses to evaluate load paths, material performance, deterioration mechanisms, and code compliance.
  • Assist in developing recommendations for repair, strengthening, or rehabilitation of various structural systems.
  • Prepare written reports, technical memos, drawings, and specifications with a high level of clarity and detail.
  • Manage components of projects, including planning fieldwork, coordinating with clients, and delegating tasks to junior staff.
  • Support senior engineers with failure investigations and forensic assessments.
  • Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including materials scientists, building technology consultants, and geotechnical engineers.
  • Participate in construction-phase services, such as reviewing submittals, responding to RFIs, and performing site observations.
  • Contribute to proposal preparation and client presentations as needed.
  • Continue to build expertise in structural behavior, materials performance, and investigative techniques.

What You’ll Need:

  • MS in Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
  • 5–8+ years of experience in structural engineering, building evaluation, or forensic investigation.
  • Structural Engineer (SE) license in Illinois.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including the ability to think critically and investigate failure mechanisms.
  • Experience with steel, concrete, masonry, and/or wood design and analysis.
  • Strong technical writing skills and comfort presenting findings to clients and project stakeholders.
  • Ability to conduct fieldwork, including climbing ladders, working at heights, in confined spaces, or on active construction sites.
  • Proficiency with structural analysis and modeling software (e.g., SAP2000, ETABS, RISA, RAM) and familiarity with Revit and/or AutoCAD.
  • Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards (IBC, ASCE 7, ACI, AISC, etc.).
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites in the U.S.

Benefits Overview: 

SGH provides the following benefits to eligible employees:

  • Paid Time Off (Vacation time, Sick leave, Holidays)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Profit Sharing and 401(k) plan with a discretionary company contribution
  • Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Short and Long-Term Disability (company paid)
  • Employee Basic Life and AD&D insurance (company paid)
  • Optional Life Insurance
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Fertility, Family Forming, and Hormonal Health benefit
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Pre-tax Commuter Benefit
  • AFLAC Accident & Cancer Insurance
  • Legal & Identity Theft plans
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Compensation:

The below range is a good faith estimate pursuant to applicable equal pay and pay transparency laws. The actual salary offered will be based on several factors including the candidate’s experience, qualifications and work location.

Base salary is a part of SGH’s industry leading Total Compensation package. Our Total Compensation package includes base salary, pay for extra hours worked, an annual discretionary bonus program, generous paid time off, and health and wellness benefits with a special emphasis on substantial SGH contributions to medical insurance premiums and SGH’s Profit Sharing & 401(k) Plan.

Consulting Engineer or Project Consultant II:
$93,600$120,120 USD

SGH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees. We consider all qualified applicants and encourage individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to apply. If the application system is not accessible to you, or you need a reasonable accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email jobs@sgh.com or call 781-907-9000 and ask for Human Resources.