engineer

project engineer

design engineer

designer

project manager

HBK Engineering, LLC

While working at HBK, I watched as employees in Chicago could barely afford to survive on low compensation, upper level management refuse to give proper pay for the work industry, and watched as the overall division ignore the comments of the field level employees and pushed to maximize profits. At this point, I am surprised that all Utility Locators, Watch and Protect Technicians, and field staff haven't unionized. HBK upper level management states they are all there with open arms, doors, and are willing to help, but they disregard the fact that their lower level employees are not paid properly, their work place conditions are far from adequate (probably because of their naive "the customer is always right" mindset), etc. I would recommend that current field employees demand a better workplace environment, and those who apply to be aware of what they are getting into.

hbk's management has no clue about underground utility locating. The worst locating company I've ever seen in this business. USIC & URG is a better-locating company to work for in Chicago. hbk has a trainer that says "I've been locating for 20 years" his 20 years experience got him nowhere. This guy can not locate or train anyone the right way. (I don't know where he got his experience from). He's teaching the new techs how to use the Radiodetection equipment the wrong way. Can't locate using one bar on the transmitter.

P.S
Management keeps a close eye on the GPS 24/7. If you stop for lunch expect to get a phone call questioning your location.

A typical day at HBK is busy. There is a lot of communication between the teams. A lot of opportunity to learn designing & drafting. The project managing was stressful because of all the constant budgeting and forecasting they did weekly. Fun social events and the company does a lot of work for local communities. 

Very calm and rational environment.  Like going from Call Center to Engineering Desk.  Wait - it was excactly that.  Last time I was in a company of such professional well-mannered AND sincerely well-natured group of people was in an R&D lab of a giant food corporation.
*** Pros ***
Pizza Fridays!  Almost no dress code (shhh)!  Close to Union Station.  Greek Neighborhood - Gyros everywhere!

Friendly place to work with. Good benefits and flexible work schedule. Very organized ability to ascend to higher positions and interesting job diversity. The workplace that I attended with the most nice and understanding people. It’s a good job for an engineer to begin their career.

The work here is not very challenging and staff in some areas are not very motivated to go the extra mile. Management is mixed between the hard working to the lazy and incompetent. Leadership overall is lacking. Senior management is scarce. Benefits and pay are average, don't expect much of a bonus. People where I am in the trenches are pleasant and good to work with. Pizza Friday is a bonus (if you like pizza that is.)

All of the reviews are backwards from my experience. The management and work life balance is great. I'm leaving because the compensation is below average.

Many people retired and working part time. A few mother's working part time. They also give people a chance with little design experience (with great success) they really believe in people.

Overall, I've enjoyed the work and opportunities that have been provided to me at this company but the pay is well below industry standard.  Very little opportunity to change that after starting.

Great company for someone looking to get into the utility engineering industry but I wouldn't recommend it as a long term career.

There's a lot of great people at this company and they deserve better.

Love the job but as people have left no one is there to replace them so the work falls on you with no compensation. You're told wait until your review which when it comes your given the bare minimum for your raise even after getting exceeds all expectations on your review. The people who fly under the radar get it easy while the ones who go above and beyond only get more work.

I've learned a wealth of information and knowledge regarding engineering plan sets; AutoCAD, construction permitting in City of Chicago/IDOT/Illinois Tollway; project management; contract writing; and governmental relations.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Engineer 4 salaries reported	$77,750 per year
Project engineer 16 salaries reported	$92,188 per year
Design engineer 13 salaries reported	$78,358 per year
Designer 6 salaries reported	$29.42 per hour
Project manager 9 salaries reported	$91,111 per year

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