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Designer - Structural Engineering

Skidmore Owings & Merrill · Chicago, IL · Full time

Posted Jun 16, 2025 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a structural project where you worked closely with architects to shape the design rather than just support it.

What they are checking: Whether they see structure as part of design integration, which is central to how this firm works.

Describe a time you found an error in your own calculations or drawings. What happened next?

What they are checking: Whether they report their own mistakes quickly, which matters enormously when public safety is involved.

Where are you in your path toward a PE or SE license, and how are you working toward it?

What they are checking: Whether they are investing in their own professional growth in a way the firm can plan around.

What would you do

An architect wants to remove a column that your analysis says you need. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they can offer structural alternatives while holding firm on safety where it matters.

How would you explain drift and building motion to a client who only cares about whether occupants will feel it?

What they are checking: Whether they can translate engineering limits into plain language for non-engineers.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd choose a lateral system for a tall building. What are the first things you'd want to know?

What they are checking: Whether they reason from site, height and loads to a system rather than defaulting to one they know.

Which analysis tools have you used, like ETABS, SAP2000 or a finite element package, and how do you check the model is telling the truth?

What they are checking: Whether they verify software results with hand checks instead of trusting output blindly.

How do you think about embodied carbon when you compare structural systems?

What they are checking: Whether they can weigh material choices for carbon, not just cost and strength.

What's your experience with connection design or detailing, and how do you make sure details are buildable?

What they are checking: Whether they think past analysis to what a fabricator and contractor will actually do.

How do you keep your structural model coordinated with the architectural BIM model as the design changes?

What they are checking: Whether they manage coordination actively so clashes are found in the office, not on site.

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The full job description

As published by Skidmore Owings & Merrill.

At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things. Success at SOM Means • Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm. • Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge. • Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work. • Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm. • Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential. • Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work. Position Responsibilities • Performs structural engineering analysis and design and prepares design and construction documents, integrating own work and the work of others. • Solves complex problems in connection with structural engineering segments of projects. • Generates ideas, reviews and filters ideas generated by junior engineers in preparation of drawings and engineering design and analysis. • Coordinates details and dimensions. • Reviews structural engineering documents for code compliance. • Develops portions of structural engineering design concepts incorporating planning, architectural, engineering, and other required systems. • Participates in coordination efforts with other disciplines in collaboration with project leadership. • Reviews structural engineering design documents for compliance with approved program requirements. • Confers with clients, consultants, contractors, and others during various stages of project development. • Reviews shop drawing and product submittals for general conformance with the structural engineering documents. • Proactively handles a reasonable workload to meet project task deadlines and commitments and self manages own time effectively. Leadership Responsibilities • Actively supports the development of internal SOM community activities. • Guides and encourages the development of Junior and Intermediate Professional Structural Engineers • Creates a supportive inclusive working environment with focus on design excellence and innovative, creative ideas. • Assists project leaders and senior structural engineering professionals in achieving project budget, deliverables and schedule. • Encourages incorporation of sustainable strategies in all project assignments. • Protects SOM from financial and legal risk. Minimum Qualifications • Master’s degree in Structural Engineering. • Minimum 4 years of experience in design development, structural analysis, documentation and detailing on a variety of projects. • Professional licensure process is close to completion; LEED accreditation preferred. Exhibits initiative, process innovation, problem solving, and decision quality with a high attention to precision and accuracy at a task specific level. • Actively collaborates at a project team level by critically and constructively evaluating ideas. • Effectively communicates internally through timely and appropriate written, oral, and visual means. • Demonstrates general knowledge of site planning, civil, structural and mechanical, electrical engineering, and architectural practice. • Demonstrates practical knowledge of building codes. • Possesses advanced knowledge of computational and FEM tools for daily use on project design. Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM. Our Benefits: Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs Work/Life Balance: Hybrid/Flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $75,000 – $90,000. Our Culture: Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you’ll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world. We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices. We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy as well as additional information such as a privacy notice for California residents and how to apply offline. For more about SOM: www.som.com Portfolios must be submitted for all design positions (Architecture, Interiors, Planning, etc). Applications without work samples will not be reviewed . Portfolios should be one PDF attachment, 10-20 pages, maximum 5 MB. Submit portfolios as part of your application in the section where the application asks you for your Resume or CV.

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