Structural engineer Jobs in Naperville, IL

Structural Engineer

Are you looking to apply your structural engineering expertise to meaningful, high-impact projects that support the future of clean energy? We are seeking a Structural Engineer to support nuclear power plant projects for one of the nation's most respected engineering organizations in the nuclear industry. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex steel and concrete design projects, collaborate with industry-leading engineers, and contribute to the safe operation and advancement of zero-emission energy generation.

Why This Opportunity?

• Join one of the most highly respected engineering organizations in the nuclear power industry.
• Support major utility and energy providers on critical infrastructure and power generation projects.
• Work alongside some of the industry's most experienced structural and nuclear engineers.
• Gain exposure to both legacy nuclear fleet modernization and next-generation nuclear technologies.
• Enjoy a 100% remote work environment with flexibility and strong work-life balance.
• Build your expertise through challenging technical work, mentorship, and long-term career development opportunities.
• Play a key role in maintaining and advancing safe, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions.

This is a long-term contract opportunity with strong potential for continued engagement, offering exposure to highly technical engineering challenges, professional growth, and the ability to make a lasting impact within the energy sector.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural analysis (static and response spectra) for seismic and other load combinations in accordance with plant criteria.
• Design and analyze equipment and piping supports for nuclear power plant systems.
• Develop and review building structural frames and associated components for steel and concrete structures.
• Design foundations to support plant structures, equipment, and piping systems.
• Conduct piping and pipe support analysis in accordance with ASME Section III or B31.1 design requirements.
• Develop lifting assemblies, rigging plans, and crane designs to support construction and maintenance activities.
• Apply AISC steel and ACI concrete design codes to ensure compliance with applicable standards and regulations.
• Perform component stress analysis using tools such as GTSTRUDL or ANSYS.
• Conduct plant impact reviews and evaluations to assess the effects of design changes and modifications.
• Assess existing structures and develop retrofit designs to address deficiencies, upgrades, or life extension needs.
• Prepare and review engineering calculations, design reports, drawings, and specifications.
• Participate in design reviews and provide technical input to ensure structural integrity and constructability.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support nuclear plant modifications and new design work.
• Communicate technical findings clearly through written reports and presentations.
• Support continuous improvement of design practices, tools, and procedures within the design engineering team.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and/or Structural Engineering from a U.S.-accredited college or university.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
• At least 1 year of experience as a structural engineer supporting nuclear power plants or similar heavy industrial facilities, with a focus on steel and/or concrete structures.
• Hands-on experience performing static structural analyses and structural dynamics evaluations.
• Experience conducting seismic analysis and applying seismic load combinations.
• Proficiency with AISC steel design codes.
• Proficiency with ACI concrete design codes.
• Knowledge of ASCE design codes and standards.
• Experience performing piping or pipe support analysis in accordance with ASME Section III or B31.1.
• Experience designing structural steel and concrete systems for plant modifications or new installations.
• Ability to prepare and review engineering calculations, reports, drawings, and specifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Eligibility to work on nuclear and export-controlled projects within the United States.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting nuclear plant modifications, evaluations, and structural upgrades.
• Project experience with steel structures (preferred) and concrete structures.
• Familiarity with component stress analysis software such as GTSTRUDL or ANSYS.
• Experience conducting plant impact reviews and evaluating design changes.
• Background in structural engineering consulting and design review within the energy industry.
• Familiarity with nuclear industry practices, codes, and regulatory standards.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while working effectively on multidisciplinary teams.
• Interest in a long-term opportunity that offers continued career growth and exposure to cutting-edge energy projects.

Work Environment

This position supports nuclear power generation projects within a nationally recognized engineering and consulting organization serving the energy industry. The Design Engineering team provides comprehensive engineering, analysis, design, and consulting services supporting both operating nuclear plants and emerging nuclear technologies.

Engineers on this team are trusted with technically challenging work, encouraged to pursue continuous learning, and supported by highly experienced industry professionals. The environment emphasizes collaboration, innovation, technical excellence, and professional advancement while delivering engineering solutions that help maintain a safe, reliable, and sustainable source of zero-emission energy.

The contract includes 1-2 weeks of accrued vacation and six paid holidays, with potential for additional paid time off based on assignment length and future hiring decisions. This is an excellent opportunity for engineers seeking meaningful work, long-term stability, and the chance to build expertise within one of the most specialized sectors of the engineering industry.

Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Naperville, IL.

Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $68.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Nov 4, 2026.

Workplace Type: This is a hybrid position in Naperville, IL.

About Actalent: Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that