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// Civil Engineering Recruiting — IL
Civil Engineering Recruiter
Chicago, IL
In Chicagoland and across the Midwest, we staff the transportation, structural, and water teams behind the region's expressway, transit, and waterway programs.
// Chicago Civil Engineering Recruiting
Specialized staffing for Chicago infrastructure
Metro Associates runs a dedicated civil engineering search practice across Chicago and the Midwest, connecting firms with licensed Professional Engineers (PE), project managers, and technical specialists who support IDOT, federal agencies, and private development in the metro.
We match vetted candidates to the real demands of publicly funded capital programs, from large corridor projects down to municipal and resiliency work.
Recruiting expertise
- Transportation & Highway Engineering (AASHTO Standards)
- Bridge & Structural Engineering
- Water, Wastewater & Environmental Engineering
- Aviation & Airport Infrastructure (FAA Regulations)
- Federal & Defense Infrastructure (USACE / NAVFAC)
- Energy & Renewable Infrastructure
- Construction Engineering & Inspection (CEI)
// Roles we place
Engineering roles we place in Chicago
01Civil Project Manager (PE)
02Senior Transportation Engineer
03Structural / Bridge Engineer
04Water Resources & Drainage Engineer
05Traffic & ITS Engineer
06Geotechnical Engineer
07Construction Manager & Resident Engineer
08VP of Infrastructure / Office Lead
09BIM & VDC Specialists
// Skills we screen for
Civil engineering skills & software we recruit for in Chicago
Every candidate we put forward is screened against the same bar: the design software, licensure, and code fluency the role actually demands.
AutoCAD Civil 3DBentley MicroStation / OpenRoads DesignerBentley InRoadsArcGIS / geospatial analysisHEC-RAS hydrology & hydraulics modelingHEC-HMSBentley SewerGEMS / WaterGEMSSynchro / SimTrafficPTV Vissim traffic simulationSTAAD.Pro / RISA structural analysisPavement design software (e.g. MicroPaver)Professional Engineer (PE) licenseProfessional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE)Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)OSHA 30-Hour certificationNICET certification (construction inspection)AASHTO design standards fluencyFHWA / State DOT design manual fluencyErosion & sediment control (SWPPP) designConstruction engineering & inspection (CEI)
// 2026 hiring trends
2026 Chicago civil engineering hiring
In 2026, the the Midwest market is defined by long-term federal infrastructure funding and a sharp focus on climate resiliency. Remote collaboration has widened the talent pool, but demand for on-site licensed PEs and project leads across IDOT programs remains at an all-time high.
Representative 2026 compensation
Civil Engineer (EIT)$70,000 – $95,000
Licensed PE (Mid-Level)$105,000 – $150,000
Senior Project Manager$140,000 – $190,000+
Regional Director$175,000 – $250,000+
Ranges vary by firm, licensure, and project mix; figures are directional for the Chicago metro.
// Programs we support
Supporting Chicago infrastructure programs
IDOT & CDOT expressway and bridge programs
CTA & Metra transit modernization
Deep Tunnel (TARP) and stormwater systems
Freight rail and intermodal infrastructure
O'Hare terminal and airfield expansion
// FAQ
Civil engineering recruiting in Chicago — FAQ
Do you place civil engineers in Chicago, IL?
Yes. We run an active civil engineering search practice in Chicago and throughout the Midwest, placing PEs, project managers, and technical specialists into transportation, bridge, water, and construction programs.
What civil engineering roles do you recruit for in Chicago?
Our Chicago placements span Civil Project Manager (PE), Senior Transportation Engineer, Structural/Bridge Engineer, Water Resources Engineer, Traffic/ITS Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer, and Construction Manager roles.
How quickly can you fill a civil engineering position in Chicago?
Our national pipeline of pre-vetted engineers means a shortlist of qualified IL candidates is usually days away, not weeks — and every placement carries our guarantee.
Do you recruit licensed PEs for IDOT and public infrastructure projects?
Yes. We understand NCEES comity and multi-state PE licensure, and we recruit specifically for IDOT, federal agencies, and publicly funded capital programs throughout Illinois.
// Why partner with us
Why Chicago firms partner with Metro Associates
Multi-State Licensing Expertise
We understand NCEES comity and the complexities of multi-state PE licensure.
Passive Candidate Acquisition
Our recruiters reach high-performers who are not actively on job boards.
Scalable Staffing Solutions
From a single PE to an entire project team for a multi-year contract.
Federal & State Compliance
Fluency in hiring requirements for FHWA, FAA, and major State DOT projects.
Hiring civil engineers in Chicago?
Tell us about the role — we'll deliver a vetted shortlist of licensed IL talent, backed by our placement guarantee.
Other markets we serve
New York, NYLos Angeles, CAHouston, TXPhoenix, AZPhiladelphia, PADallas, TXAtlanta, GAMiami, FLSeattle, WADenver, COBoston, MAMinneapolis, MNDetroit, MICharlotte, NCNashville, TNPortland, ORLas Vegas, NVColumbus, OHSalt Lake City, UTKansas City, MOIndianapolis, INMilwaukee, WIRichmond, VABaltimore, MDNew Orleans, LALouisville, KYOklahoma City, OKCharleston, SCNewark, NJSan Francisco, CASan Diego, CASan Antonio, TXAustin, TXJacksonville, FLOrlando, FLPittsburgh, PACincinnati, OHCleveland, OHSt. Louis, MORaleigh, NCWashington, DCHartford, CTAlbuquerque, NMBirmingham, ALMemphis, TNOmaha, NEBoise, IDProvidence, RIBuffalo, NY