
Chicago, famous for its impressive architecture and advanced engineering, is a leading place for those in the structural design field. You can see how resilient Chicago is from its high-rise Willis Tower to its flourishing bridges, integrated with a sense of Chicago’s earlier days. Elevating the city’s growth, structural engineering firms in Chicago have a major impact on its changing skyline.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, Illinois has one of the highest numbers of engineering jobs in the country. Structural engineers in this region focus on famous projects while striving for professional growth, sustainable solutions and advancement. The top structural engineering firms in Illinois are known for merging technical knowledge with helping their communities.
This guide is perfect for anybody interested in connecting with top structural engineering firms in Chicago or planning a career with such firms in Illinois.
Top 10 Structural Engineering Firms in Chicago, Illinois
1. Thornton Tomasetti
- Location: Offices in 20+ global cities
- Headquarters: New York, NY (Chicago office: Wacker Drive, IL)
- Notable Projects: Wrigley Field Restoration, Chicago, Soldier Field Renovation,
Chicago & The House at Cornell Tech, NYC - Website: thorntontomasetti.com
Thornton Tomasetti has a leading role among the most respected structural engineering companies in Chicago. Since the company focuses on sustainability and efficient engineering, it offers excellent opportunities for people starting a career. Their excellent mentorship and impressive work help them earn a top place among American structural engineering firms.
2. Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE)
- Location: Offices nationwide
- Headquarters: Northbrook, IL
- Notable Projects: Sears (Willis) Tower façade assessment, Aon Center structural analysis & United Center renovations
- Website: wje.com
WJE is a go-to name for forensic engineering, structural analysis, and restoration. As one of the top Illinois structural engineering firms, By being one of the best structural engineering companies, WJE in Illinois allows employees to face interesting projects and protect historic structures. Since they focus on learning all the time, they have become one of the best structural engineering companies in the Midwest.
3. TGRWA, LLC
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Headquarters: Chicago, IL
- Notable Projects: The Sinclair Apartments, Loews Hotel Tower & Lathrop Homes Redevelopment
- Website: tgrwa.com
TGRWA is a respected name among structural engineering firms in Chicago. The company excels in both residential and commercial design and is known for its client-centred approach. Engineers at TGRWA enjoy project variety and collaborative growth, making this firm a great choice for professionals aiming to work with top structural engineering companies in Chicago.
4. Rubinos & Mesia Engineers, Inc.

- Location: Chicago, IL
- Headquarters: Chicago, IL
- Notable Projects: Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) projects, O’Hare Modernization Program & Harold Washington Library upgrades
- Website: rme-i.com
Rubinos & Mesia Engineers (RME) specializes in transportation, public works and schools. This firm is one of the top structural engineering companies and works together with local authorities. Because of their commitment to diversity and strong portfolio of projects, these firms are considered smart options for structural engineering professionals.
5. Forefront Structural Engineers, Inc.

- Location: Chicago, IL
- Headquarters: Chicago, IL
- Notable Projects: Google’s Midwest Headquarters, 625 West Adams & Willis Tower lobby renovation
- Website: forefrontse.com
Forefront Structural Engineers is one of the fastest-growing structural engineering firms in Chicago. Their sleek portfolio includes commercial and cultural landmarks. With a team-first mindset and hands-on leadership, they are one of the most inspiring engineering firms in Illinois for early-career and seasoned professionals alike.
6. Klein and Hoffman, Inc.
- Location: Offices in Chicago, IL and Philadelphia, PA
- Headquarters: Chicago, IL
- Notable Projects: Field Museum rehabilitation, Lake Shore Drive evaluation & Chase Tower façade restoration
- Website: kleinandhoffman.com
Klein and Hoffman a leaders in restoration and investigation. Their team works on landmark structures and promotes technical accuracy with creativity. As one of the top structural engineering companies in Chicago, the firm offers a fulfilling career path for engineers passionate about preserving the past while designing for the future.
7. Matrix Engineering Corporation
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Headquarters: Chicago, IL
- Notable Projects: Residential towers in the South Loop, Retail centers across the Chicagoland & Structural consulting for industrial parks
- Website: matrixengineering.com
Matrix Engineering Corporation is among the mid-sized structural engineering firms in Illinois, making a strong impact. Their focus on quality assurance, local expertise, and supportive management makes them a popular choice for those seeking balance, growth, and community influence.
8. dbHMS
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Headquarters: Chicago, IL
- Notable Projects: Obama Presidential Center (MEP/Structural Support), IIT Innovation Center & IIT Innovation Center
- Website: dbhms.com
Though known for MEP services, dbHMS also stands tall among structural engineering firms in the Chicago space. Their cross-disciplinary approach means structural engineers collaborate with architects, sustainability experts, and energy analysts. The result is a dynamic, green-minded workplace perfect for the modern engineer.
9. Primera Engineers, Ltd.
- Location: Multiple Illinois offices
- Headquarters: Chicago, IL
- Notable Projects: Illinois Tollway infrastructure, Public school renovations in Chicago & CDOT bridge maintenance projects
- Website: primeraeng.com
Primera is a multidisciplinary firm working with the public and private sectors. With offices throughout the state, they are one of the most reliable structural engineering firms in Illinois. Employees benefit from diverse project exposure and leadership programs, helping make Primera one of the best structural engineering firms to work for.
10. Cotter Consulting, Inc.
- Location: Offices in Chicago and nationwide
- Headquarters: Chicago, IL
- Notable Projects: Chicago Riverwalk development, O’Hare International Terminal 5 Expansion & Chicago Transit Red Line Extension
- Website: cotterconsulting.com
Cotter Consulting offers project management and engineering services with a focus on equity, collaboration, and innovation. Known for empowering female leadership in the engineering space, Cotter is a trailblazer among Illinois structural engineering firms. The firm promotes a healthy work culture where voices are heard and careers thrive.
How Can An Structural Engineer Upskill in their Career?
In today’s fast-evolving AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction) industry, traditional methods are no longer enough to stay competitive. Structural engineers aiming for faster career growth, better salaries, and international job opportunities must move beyond CAD and embrace more integrated digital workflows—starting with Building Information Modeling (BIM).
The BIM Advantage:
- Structural with BIM skills are very much in demand, earning over 40% more than the rest.
- Better use of BIM boosts efficiency, makes collaboration far simpler, and helps to achieve superior project results.
How Novatr Helps?
Novatr offers BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers, a thorough 7-month program intended to make civil and structural engineers BIM experts. This course offers a comprehensive curriculum, guiding participants through the fundamental concepts of information modelling, parametric structure families, documentation, and presentation. It also delves into advanced topics like 3D visualisation, BIM for infrastructure, and 4D and 5D modelling. The course places a strong emphasis on practical skills, addressing key aspects such as cloud collaboration, streamlined BIM workflows, coordination, and clash detection.
Also, you'll get to learn Revit and 12+ BIM Software tools by using industry approaches. Upon course completion, you'll be eligible for certifications from both Autodesk and Novatr, validating your hands-on experience with BIM.
Key USPs:
- Dual Certification from Autodesk and Novatr: This program offers participants two valuable certifications upon completion – one from industry leader Autodesk, validating software proficiency, and another from Novatr, confirming mastery of BIM workflows and concepts, significantly boosting career credibility.
- Comprehensive Software and Workflow Mastery: Over 7 months, the program provides 40+ hours of live learning to master essential BIM workflows and 10+ industry-standard software, including Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, Construction Cloud, Tekla, and Civil 3D, preparing learners for diverse project requirements.
- ISO Verified Project Experience and Career Advancement: Participants gain practical skills through international, ISO 19650 and RIBA-structured capstone projects, building a robust portfolio. The program also offers placement assistance, leading to an average 48% CTC hike and helping secure BIM jobs in globally operating AEC firms.
- Dedicated Mentor Support and Continuous Learning: Learners receive personalized guidance and quick query resolution from global mentors who are part of the top 1% AEC companies. Additionally, they benefit from lifelong access to program content and weekly live sessions for ongoing learning, revision, and practice.
Why Choose Novatr?
- Trusted by Thousands: Join 6,000+ BIM learners from over 45 countries who have successfully graduated from Novatr.
- Expert-Driven Curriculum: Designed through the analysis of 1,000+ job descriptions and rigorously vetted by 200+ global BIM experts.
- Globally Recognized Certifications: Earn certifications from both Autodesk and Novatr, showcasing your verified expertise.
- Proven Career Impact: Learners report an average salary hike of 48% after course completion.
- Loved by BIM Learners: We have a 4.6+ average rating across platforms like Google and Trustpilot.
In a rapidly evolving industry, Novatr stands out as the premier choice for civil engineers looking to master BIM. Enroll today to future-proof your career and unlock unparalleled growth opportunities in the AEC sector.
Next Step
Whether you're targeting public infrastructure, commercial towers, or sustainability-focused design, these top structural engineering firms in Chicago and structural engineering firms in Illinois offer the perfect platforms to launch or elevate your career.
Looking to gain a competitive edge in the industry? Explore Novatr’s BIM Professional Course for Civil Engineers, which delivers hands-on experience and BIM mastery, an essential skill for today’s structural professionals.
Visit Novatr and its resource page to learn more and take your career to the next level.
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