Structural Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear (January 2027)
This entry-level Structural Engineer role at Confidential Client involves applying academic knowledge in structural analysis, steel and concrete design, and materials behavior to support the design of nuclear facilities and plant modifications. The position offers hands-on experience with structural analysis software, collaboration within multidisciplinary teams, and opportunities for mentorship, travel, and professional growth in a leading nuclear engineering firm.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client’s Nuclear team is hiring an entry-level Structural Engineer to support design and analysis for new nuclear facilities, plant betterment, and related modifications. In this role you will apply academic training to real-world engineering assignments and work alongside multidisciplinary designers and engineers.
- Perform structural analysis and design for steel frames, connections, concrete members, equipment and piping supports, and foundations using modern engineering tools.
- Prepare design calculations, develop specifications, and support designers during drawing development.
- Evaluate loading conditions including wind and seismic loads and document analysis results.
- Participate in design reviews and, when needed, travel to client/vendor offices or plant sites for coordination and field verification.
- Receive technical training and mentorship from experienced structural engineers and contribute to project deliverables.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Structural, Civil, or Architectural Engineering.
- Coursework completed in steel and reinforced concrete design.
- Knowledge of structural analysis principles, load analysis, and practical application of structural engineering methods.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Preferred (Valued) Skills
- Degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program.
- Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam passed; Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation.
- Experience preparing and documenting structural engineering calculations.
- Familiarity with structural analysis/design software: MathCad, STAAD PRO, SAP2000, SAFE, GT STRUDL, ANSYS, or similar.
- Familiarity with codes and standards such as IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, N690, ACI 318, and ACI 349.
- Interest or experience with automation, AI-assisted tools, or programming is a plus but not required.
Location & Work Authorization
- Job location: Chicago, IL (on-site or as specified by the confidential client).
- Travel: Occasional travel to client/vendor offices and project sites may be required.
- Work authorization: We do not sponsor employees for U.S. work authorization for this position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary range: $62,998 - $90,586 per year (range disclosed by the confidential client).
- Additional estimated compensation data (for market context) may appear in job listings but the confidential client’s official range above applies.
- Benefits may include:
- Health: Medical, Dental, Vision; Life & Accident Insurance; Disability coverage; Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Financial: 401(k); Pre-tax commuter accounts; Tuition assistance; Performance bonuses; Employee referral bonuses
- Work-life: Paid personal/sick time, vacation, holidays; Paid parental leave; Flexible work arrangements
Why Join
You’ll join a technical team focused on delivering safe, innovative nuclear solutions. This is an opportunity to grow through hands-on project work, mentorship, and training while contributing to projects that advance clean, carbon-free energy.
Important Notice
Confidential Client values appropriate use of technology to improve work quality and efficiency. Depending on the role, employees may use automation or AI-assisted tools for research, analysis, and design support. Use of such tools does not replace professional judgment or required technical review.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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