Structural Project Manager

This role is designed for experienced Structural engineers who thrive in technical leadership, project management, and client-facing roles. As a Structural Project Manager, you will have primary responsibility for project execution, staff leadership, and client relationships—while playing a key role in shaping the continued growth and direction of CBBEL’s Structural Group.

Our Rosemont office is centrally located within the Chicago metropolitan area and serves as the hub for our engineering services operations. Our Structural staff is focused on meeting the design and construction needs of our public and private clients throughout the area, including providing structural solutions for a wide range of projects such as transportation, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, stormwater, parks/public spaces, and site development. Our staff’s primary focus is roadway and pedestrian bridge design and rehabilitation, retaining wall and floodwall design, spillway/dam design, culvert design and design of other structures needed to support CBBEL projects.  Additionally, our Structural Group regularly performs bridge and dam inspections throughout Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana. 

The Structural Project Manager role goes beyond design and offers significant opportunities for growth and advancement. It’s about impact, leadership, and collaboration. If you love solving problems, managing teams, and making a difference through civil and structural design, this might be the perfect next step in your career.

At CBBEL, our values guide everything we do:
Integrity – We follow through on our promises.
Excellence – We’re always learning, growing, and raising the bar.
Fellowship – We support each other like a true team.
Resilience – We stay steady even when challenges arise.
Collaboration – We bring our best when we work together.

Sound like your kind of environment? Let’s dive into the details.

What You’ll Do

Design & Technical Leadership

• Lead the structural design of complex projects, including preparation and oversight of plans, specifications, calculations, and cost estimates.
• Review and approve design work prepared by Structural Project Engineers and Design Engineers.
• Apply value engineering principles and innovative materials or methods where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client requirements.
• Lead or oversee bridge and structural inspections and inspection reporting efforts.

Project Management & Delivery

• Serve as Project Manager for structural projects from concept through construction.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, and invoicing to meet internal and client expectations.
• Coordinate with utilities, agencies, subconsultants, and internal multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Oversee QA/QC processes and ensure adherence to CBBEL quality standards.
• Anticipate and resolve technical, schedule, and coordination challenges proactively.

Client, Business & Team Leadership

• Act as the primary point of contact for clients, contractors, and agency partners.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through responsive communication and trusted technical guidance.
• Mentor and develop junior engineers and support staff through coaching and technical oversight.
• Assist with proposal development, including scope definition, fee development, and technical content.
• Contribute to business development efforts by leveraging existing relationships and identifying new opportunities.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural Engineering or a related field.
• At least 8 years of progressive experience in structural engineering, with demonstrated project management responsibility.
• Structural Engineer (SE) licensure, or ability and commitment to obtain SE licensure within 2 years of hire date, with exam preparation support from CBBEL preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in the State of Illinois preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with OpenRoads Designer (ORD), MicroStation, or similar civil/structural design platforms.
• Familiarity with structural analysis and design software such as Enercalc, RISA 3D, OpenBridge Designer, Merlin Dash, AASHTOWare, or comparable tools.
• Familiarity with the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, the IDOT Bridge and Culvert Manuals and the Illinois Tollway Structure Design Manual.

Not Sure You’re a Perfect Match?

• That’s okay. If you have strong structural engineering experience, leadership ability, and a passion for delivering quality infrastructure projects, we encourage you to apply.
• Bring your expertise and leadership. We’ll bring a collaborative environment, trusted clients, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Why Join CBBEL?

CBBEL is a full-service civil engineering firm with more than 250 professionals committed to delivering accurate, timely and cost-effective solutions to a wide range of engineering and environmental challenges. One out of every three team members has been with us for more than 20 years, demonstrating how our values create a place where people want to grow.

Our team serves as Municipal Engineer for 26 communities and supports hundreds of public and private sector clients with planning, design, and construction services. We boast a highly talented, experienced and educated team and are proud of our successful, long-term relationships with a wide variety of clients throughout Chicagoland. When you join us, you’ll find:

• Clear growth opportunities in structural design technical development and project management.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, generous PTO, 401(k) matching, and discretionary bonuses.
• A team that values your input, supports your goals, and celebrates shared success.

Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of CBBEL to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, changes in marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, parenthood, creed, veteran’s status, veteran’s disability and physical or mental disability, citizenship status or unfavorable discharge from the military. CBBEL intends that all matters related to recruiting, hiring, training, compensation, benefits, promotions, transfers, terminations, layoffs and recalls, as well as all CBBEL sponsored social and recreational programs, and all treatment on the job, be free of unlawful discriminatory practices. If you need to inquire about an accommodation, or need assistance with completing the application process, please email hr@cbbel.com.