Principal Surveyor
EXP U.s. Services
Chicago, IL · Posted August 31, 2026
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November 2026
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How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among surveyors is little observed so far. Measured exposure for surveyors: 0% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
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About the job
At EXP, we’re driven to provide innovative solutions for the world’s built and natural environments. As a team of engineers, architects, designers, scientists, creators and a community of professionals, we bring diverse and talented people together to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Here, you join a team that leverages differences, harnesses their entrepreneurial spirit in an employee-owned company, that believes diversity is what gives us strength, seeks sustainable results and shares ambitions for each other, our clients and the communities we are part of and serve. To be a part of EXP means to have your own experience, while staying connected to a global network of professionals, who believe we are a part of something bigger. Together, we are EXP.
Are you ready to design your future?
Be our next Principal Surveyor!
Your work environment at EXP
EXP is currently seeking a Principal Surveyor for its Chicago office to work within the Infrastructure – Transportation business practice. The selected candidate will work under the direct supervision of the Vice President – Construction Engineering and focus on highway, bridge, railway, airport, buildings and water resources related projects. This role will be primarily working on active survey projects in the State of Illinois, but the ability to work throughout the country would also be desirable. Experience with High-Definition Scanning (HDS) – Terrestrial LiDAR, data extraction to 3D-CAD environments and Graphical Information Systems (GIS) software are also highly desirable. Ideal candidate will be able to work in both a field and office environment, participate in business development activities and grow and expand our local Geomatic practice.
What a day at EXP has in store for you
Perform and document various surveys in accordance with proper surveying standards and contract requirements utilizing traditional, GPS and HDS surveying techniques
Drafting and field computations for surveys such as: ALTA/ACSM, boundary, topographic, right-of-way, hydraulic, etc.
Preparation of plats of acquisition, legal descriptions and performing property research
Running survey crews or assisting other survey crews as necessary
Performing construction engineering related activities
Work in collaboration with other Sectors and practice groups within EXP to execute projects
Participating in business development and marketing activities as required
Ability to train other survey and/or field personnel
Other duties assigned by the VP – Construction Engineering
What your experience looks like
IL PLS required; ability to obtain licensure in other states is highly desirable
20+ years’ of surveying experience preferred
Associate’s Degree or higher in Survey & Geomatics, Survey Technology, or other related surveying program preferred
Must be willing to work remotely, without physically reporting to the office each day and able to work independently or as a leader of a survey crew
Must be flexible with changing schedules and workload demands including overtime hours
Must be willing to work outdoors in changing weather conditions
Software skills in AutoCAD, Microstation/Geopak required, ARCGIS capabilities preferred
Experience with Robotics, GPS, Total Station and HDS LiDAR scanning equipment is required
Demonstrated mathematical and analytical skills along with the ability to learn new technologies
Excellent team player with good communication and problem solving skills
Willing to travel as project requirements dictate
Good communications skills, ability to be a team player and work in a fast paced environment.
The pay range for this role is $100,000 to $150,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, certifications, and specific work location. This may be different in other locations due to differences in the cost of labor.
In addition to competitive pay, we offer a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees, including health insurance, vacation time, and 401(k) retirement benefits.
Our story
With a mission to understand, innovate, partner and deliver, EXP provides engineering, architecture, design and consulting services to the world’s built and natural environments.
Our heritage dates back to 1906, when the earliest of EXP’s predecessor companies started its engineering infrastructure practice. Today, thousands of creative professionals across EXP work together to deliver extraordinary experiences year after year.
What makes us different
The passion, enthusiasm, diversity and industry-leading capabilities of our employees make us who we are. We’re committed to providing a challenging work environment that cultivates career growth, encourages creativity and rewards excellence.
Find out more about life at EXP by visiting www.exp.com .