Full-Time
Civil Engineering Manager
Milhouse Engineering and Construction
201-500 employees
Engineering, construction, and program management services
Compensation Overview
$143.1k - $174.9k/yr
Chicago, IL, USA
Hybrid
Bachelor's
 Architecture & Civil Engineering (2) |
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- Bachelor’s Degree specific to their discipline work from an ABET accredited institution
- 10+ years of design experience
- PE license required
- 5+ years’ experience leading a team that specializes in the related field
- An Entrepreneurial mind set
- Proficient in Microsoft Suites
- MicroStation
- AutoCAD
- Knowledge of standard format specification development
- Design software including but not limited to XP-SWMM, HEC-Ras, WinTR-55, AutoCAD, Civil 3D
- Active memberships in discipline specific professional organization such as ASCE
Milhouse Engineering and Construction provides engineering and construction services across civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, and environmental disciplines, along with construction and program management. Its work is delivered through project-based contracts that span from initial design to completion, with teams handling engineering, coordination, and on-site construction management. They also offer value-added services like snow and groundskeeping to address extra client needs. The company differentiates itself by serving a wide range of sectors (transportation, education, healthcare, commercial, industrial) across nine states, combining multi-disciplinary engineering with hands-on construction management and a focus on safety and sustainability to support complex projects and long-term client relationships. Milhouse’s goal is to improve communities by delivering safer, more reliable infrastructure and sustainable solutions that meet clients’ specific requirements.
Company Size
201-500
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
Founded
2001
Get referred to Milhouse Engineering and Construction
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Milhouse won RISE IDOC advisor work in 2025; Illinois published the RFQ July 2026.
- Milhouse joined Clayco and McHugh on the 1901 Project in June 2026.
- Milhouse hired Anna Vargas in 2023 and still recruits utility leaders in 2026.
What critics are saying
- DOT shows DBE decertification appeals in Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and Wayne County.
- JPI Group sued Milhouse in 2024 for breach of contract in Pennsylvania federal court.
- Public-sector concentration makes lost IDOC, Chicago, or transit awards an existential revenue shock.
What makes Milhouse Engineering and Construction unique
- Milhouse spans engineering, construction, and owner’s-advisor work across transportation, utilities, healthcare, and corrections.
- Crain’s ranked Milhouse No. 16 among Chicago engineering firms on July 21, 2026.
- Wilbur Milhouse III joined the National Academy of Construction in November 2025.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Vacation
Paid Holidays
Wellness Program
Professional Development Budget
Parental Leave
Company News
Milhouse continues its rise among Chicago's largest engineering firms. Chicago-based firm advances three positions as it expands its role in major projects across the region CHICAGO, IL (July 21, 2026) - Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. (Milhouse), a Chicago-headquartered multidisciplinary engineering and construction firm, has been ranked No. 16 on Crain's Chicago Business' 2026 list of the largest engineering firms in the Chicago area. Milhouse rose from No. 19 the previous year, reflecting the firm's continued growth and increasing capacity to serve public- and private-sector clients throughout the region. "Chicago is our home, and every project we support is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the people and communities around us," said Wilbur C. Milhouse III, PE, Chairman and CEO. "Moving up this list is an important recognition of the meaningful work our team is doing across the city." Milhouse provides engineering, construction and program management services across utility networks, highways and tollways, airports, transportation systems, facilities and major developments. Milhouse teams help plan, design, manage, and deliver projects that modernize critical infrastructure and improve how the city functions. In Chicago, that work supports many of the systems and places people rely on every day. Crain's identified public infrastructure investment as a major driver of demand for engineering firms across the region. Milhouse is part of that momentum, supporting projects that improve mobility, strengthen reliability, and support the region's long-term growth. Professionals interested in joining the Milhouse team and helping shape Chicago's future can explore current opportunities at milhouseinc.com/careers. About Milhouse Milhouse is a family of companies united by a shared vision to be a positive impact. Founded in 2001 as an engineering firm, Milhouse has grown into an enterprise delivering engineering, construction, program management, vegetation management, and real estate development solutions. Across sectors, including aviation, transportation, utilities and facilities, Milhouse partners with clients to design, build and deliver projects that strengthen communities and create lasting value. Follow Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. on LinkedIn. Media Contact:
Melanie Jefferies named a 2026 Notable leader in Architecture, Engineering and construction by Crain's Chicago Business. Recognition honors Jefferies' leadership in advancing Milhouse's engineering operations and creating lasting impact across Chicago communities. Melanie Jefferies, chief operating officer of engineering services at Milhouse, has been named to Crain's Chicago Business' 2026 Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering & Construction list. Jefferies brings more than 14 years of architecture, engineering and construction experience to Milhouse, a Chicago-headquartered family of companies delivering engineering, construction, program management, vegetation management and real estate development solutions. In her role, she helps lead the firm's engineering services business by aligning operations, business development, finance, talent and quality to strengthen project delivery, support profitable growth and help teams deliver high-quality outcomes for clients. Crain's Chicago Business' Notable Leaders list highlights Chicago-area leaders who are shaping the region's built environments through business leadership, project impact, civic engagement and industry contributions. For Milhouse, Jefferies' recognition reflects the company's continued growth as a multidisciplinary enterprise that serves public and private clients while advancing work that creates lasting community impact. That operating discipline also informs her leadership as Owner and Principal of Milhouse Development, the real estate development arm of the Milhouse family of companies. Through Milhouse Development, Jefferies has helped expand Milhouse's role in the residential and commercial markets, connecting engineering and construction expertise with community-centered real estate investment and development. Milhouse Development was selected by the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development as a co-developer for the Missing Middle Housing Initiative, supporting the delivery of for-sale housing across Chicago's South Side and helping transform vacant lots in underinvested neighborhoods into new opportunities for homeownership and reinvestment. Jefferies' leadership reflects Milhouse's overarching approach to serving clients and communities: pairing technical expertise with disciplined operations and a clear understanding of long-term impact. Across its family of companies, Milhouse supports complex infrastructure and development work that requires strong coordination, accountability and a commitment to quality. "This recognition is meaningful because it reflects work that has always been bigger than one person," Jefferies said. "At Milhouse, I have the opportunity to work with teams who care deeply about the work and the communities we serve. Whether we are supporting clients through engineering services or advancing development work in Chicago neighborhoods, the goal is the same: to create value that lasts." Jefferies is also an active civic and industry leader. She serves on the boards of City Year Chicago, Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, and Milhouse Charities. She also is engaged with organizations that strengthen Chicago's real estate, business and built environment communities, including the Urban Land Institute, Chicago Urban League, and Lambda Alpha International's Ely Chicago Chapter. Jefferies' recognition by Crain's reinforces Milhouse's commitment to developing leaders who bring operational excellence, client focus and community purpose to the work shaping Chicago and beyond. About Milhouse Milhouse is a family of companies united by a shared vision to be a positive impact. Founded in 2001 as an engineering firm, Milhouse has grown into a multidisciplinary enterprise delivering engineering, construction, program management, vegetation management, and real estate development solutions. Across sectors including aviation, transportation, utilities, and facilities, Milhouse partners with clients to design, build and deliver projects that strengthen communities and create lasting value. Follow Milhouse on LinkedIn for the latest news. Media Contact:
Candor Electric supports major facility upgrades at Kenwood Academy High School. February 9, 2026. Candor Electric is proud to have served as the electrical contractor for a critical renovation project at Kenwood Academy High School in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood, for the Public Building Commission of Chicago. Led by Milhouse Engineering & Construction, and Gilbane Construction, the project delivered targeted upgrades and repairs across the historic campus, improving safety, accessibility, and building performance - while preserving the school's architectural character. This work was completed under a short timeframe and a limited budget, requiring close coordination, efficient phasing, and a clear focus on high-impact improvements. Candor Electric was honored to contribute to a project that directly benefits students, staff, and the broader Kenwood community. Project Overview Kenwood Academy High School is a landmark facility with decades of service to Chicago Public Schools. The renovation addressed immediate facility needs while ensuring upgrades met current city codes and ADA requirements. Milhouse provided architectural, structural, plumbing, mechanical, environmental, and construction administration services, serving as the architect of record for the improvements. Candor Electric partnered with Milhouse and fellow trades to modernize the school's electrical infrastructure and life-safety systems. Its work supported both the visible improvements - such as lighting in upgraded spaces - and the behind-the-scenes systems that keep the building reliable and secure. Candor Electric Scope of Work Candor Electric delivered comprehensive electrical and low-voltage upgrades to support the project's building improvements, including: New ComEd Service: To improve capacity and reliability, its team installed a new ComEd service to meet the updated needs of the school. This upgrade provides a stronger foundation for future growth and modernization. Expansion of Electrical Distribution System: Candor Electric, Inc. expanded the electrical distribution system to better serve renovated areas and new equipment loads. This included upgrades that enhance power routing, reliability, and maintainability across key zones of the building. Lighting Upgrades: Candor Electric completed lighting upgrades throughout modernized spaces, improving visibility, safety, and overall user comfort. These enhancements support more functional athletic, restroom, and circulation environments. Power for New Mechanical Equipment: Facility-wide mechanical improvements required significant new electrical support. Candor Electric, Inc. provided dedicated power infrastructure for new boilers, absorption chillers, and related DDC BAS components, helping stabilize building temperatures and improve energy performance. Communications Systems: Candor Electric, Inc. upgraded and expanded communications systems to ensure stronger connectivity, improved operational coordination, and a better technology backbone for the school community. Expansion of Fire Alarm System: Candor Electric expanded the fire alarm (F.A.) system, reinforcing life-safety coverage across renovated areas and ensuring compliance with current code requirements. Working Within a Historic Facility A defining feature of this renovation was the need to protect Kenwood Academy's historic architectural details while implementing modern upgrades. Many ceiling and roof areas required targeted repair, and interior improvements had to align with the building's existing character. Candor Electric's team worked carefully within these constraints, routing new systems with precision, minimizing disruption to preserved features, and coordinating field decisions quickly with Milhouse and other trades. The result is a set of upgrades that respect the past while supporting today's standards. Collaboration Executing a project of this complexity within a compressed schedule depends on teamwork. Candor Electric is grateful for the strong coordination among all trades and the leadership provided by Milhouse. Together, the team delivered upgrades that will: * Improve accessibility and safety for students and staff * Support more reliable heating and cooling performance * Increase electrical and communications capacity * Expand life-safety coverage across modernized spaces * Ensure compliance with City of Chicago and ADA requirements Most importantly, these improvements help Kenwood Academy continue serving students in a facility that is safer, more functional, and better equipped for the future. Candor Electric is committed to supporting educational facilities across Chicago with dependable electrical solutions that prioritize safety, performance, and long-term value. Candor Electric, Inc. is proud to have contributed to the Kenwood Academy upgrades and to help sustain vital community institutions through its work. Subscribe. Candor Electric E-News will keep you up to date on its latest projects, resources for customers, employee and company news. Candor Electric, Inc. will never share or sell your email or contact information, and you may unsubscribe at any time.
"I am incredibly proud that Milhouse has been recognized as one of the nation's top design firms," stated Milhouse Chairman/CEO, Wilbur C. Milhouse III.
Milhouse has secured spot number 417 on the national list and is ranked 63rd among the top design firms in the Midwest.