Design Engineer (Civil Engineering)

Location: Chicago, Geneva, or Oak Brook, Illinois, US; Chicagoland or Greater Chicago Area. Onsite role; travel typically less than 25%.

Salary: USD $85,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Company

HBK Engineering, part of hirify.global, is a professional engineering design firm delivering civil, environmental, structural, electrical, subsurface utility, construction support, and permitting services for utility infrastructure projects across the United States.

What you will do

• Own the full design lifecycle for subsurface utility systems from project initiation through construction completion and closeout.
• Prepare engineering and construction documents using AutoCAD, MicroStation, and GIS for roadway, grading, drainage, utility, and stormwater projects.
• Analyze surveys, utility records, field sketches, and client information to prepare technical reports and studies.
• Conduct field investigations, surveys, walkdowns, and construction-phase services with internal staff, clients, authorities, and construction partners.
• Support scheduling, cost estimates, permitting, plan reviews, project risk management, and milestone delivery.
• Perform peer reviews, communicate complex engineering matters, and coach and mentor entry-level staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering or a related degree from an ABET-accredited program.
• At least 2.5 years of relevant engineering experience addressing site civil, subsurface utility, and construction-related challenges.
• In-depth knowledge of 2D CADD software such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar; strong GIS capabilities; and proficiency with Office365 and remote communication tools.
• Hands-on experience reviewing drawings and engineering materials produced by others and quickly understanding in-process projects.
• Experience working independently and across interdisciplinary teams, including practical experience mentoring entry-level staff.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, persistence through project completion, and adaptability across changing priorities and project types.

Nice to have

• Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.

Culture & Benefits

• Leadership opportunities through coaching and mentoring.
• Professional growth through increased independence, minimal oversight, and a clear Engineering Track career pathway.
• Experience with peer reviews, project management, risk management, client communication, and technical reporting.
• Collaborative work with project management, engineering leadership, clients, and field resources.
• Field experience, travel opportunities, comprehensive benefits, and continued preparation for Professional Engineer licensure.