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Associate Data Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Associate Data Engineer (Internally known as an Associate Technical Consultant) As an Associate Engineer in LAUNCH, you will start out in a 3-month training program within our Digital Solutions Group ...

Associate Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $88K/yr

Associate Data Engineer (Internally known as an Associate Technical Consultant) As an Associate Engineer in LAUNCH, you will start out in a 3-month training program within our Digital Solutions Group ...

Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $141.80K/yr

AWS Developer Associate, Certified Big Data Specialty, Tableau Desktop Certified Associate, Certified Associate in Python programing (PCAP), Apache Spark certification will be given preference. * 1-2 ...

Data Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $141.80K/yr

Data Engineer The main function of a data engineer is to ensure that the data assets of an ... Associate's degree in computer programming or a relevant field required. Bachelor's degree ...

Data Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$143K/yr

Azure Data Engineer Associate · Databricks Certified Data Engineer · Certifications related to data governance, risk, or compliance · Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or ...

Associate Data Engineer 2026 - Data Services

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Hybrid Cloud And Ai Journey You'll work with visionaries across multiple industries to improve the hybrid cloud and AI journey for the most innovative and valuable companies in the world. Your ...

Industry/Sector Not Applicable Specialism Data, Analytics & AI Management Level Senior Associate & Summary At PwC, our people in data and analytics engineering focus on leveraging advanced ...

Industry/Sector Not Applicable Specialism Data, Analytics & AI Management Level Senior Associate & Summary At PwC, our people in data and analytics engineering focus on leveraging advanced ...

... Associate, or Snowflake Core, Snowflake Databricks Data Engineer Associate] is a plus - Designing and implementing thorough data architecture strategies that meet the current and future business ...

... Associate, or Snowflake Core, Snowflake Databricks Data Engineer Associate] is a plus - Designing and implementing thorough data architecture strategies that meet the current and future business ...

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Associate Data Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do associate data engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate data engineer in Chicago, IL is $19.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $20.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Data Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Data Engineer, you need a solid understanding of data modeling, SQL, Python, and foundational knowledge of database concepts, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with data warehousing tools (like AWS Redshift, Google BigQuery), ETL frameworks, and cloud platforms as well as industry certifications such as AWS Certified Data Analytics is beneficial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you navigate complex data challenges and collaborate with teams. These abilities are crucial for ensuring data systems are reliable, scalable, and aligned with organizational goals.

What are some common challenges an Associate Data Engineer may face when working with large-scale data pipelines?

As an Associate Data Engineer, you may often encounter challenges such as optimizing data pipeline performance, ensuring data quality, and troubleshooting bottlenecks when processing large volumes of data. Working with distributed systems can introduce complex issues like latency and data consistency. Collaborating effectively with data scientists, analysts, and senior engineers is crucial for aligning data infrastructure with evolving project requirements. Regularly learning new tools and best practices will help you adapt to these challenges and grow in your role.

What does an Associate Data Engineer do?

An Associate Data Engineer is responsible for supporting the development, maintenance, and optimization of data pipelines and databases. They work closely with senior data engineers and other IT professionals to ensure data is accessible, reliable, and efficiently processed for analytics and business use. Typical tasks include writing and testing code for data integration, troubleshooting data issues, and implementing data security best practices. This entry-level position is a foundational role that builds technical skills and experience in data engineering.

What is the difference between Associate Data Engineer vs Data Engineer?

AspectAssociate Data EngineerData Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS, Data Science, or related field; basic knowledge of SQL and PythonBachelor's or Master's degree; advanced knowledge of SQL, Python, Spark, and cloud platforms
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-focused, often in tech or finance industriesMid to senior level, designing and maintaining data pipelines in various industries
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, and finance firmsUsed across industries for building scalable data infrastructure
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career progression and skill requirements

The Associate Data Engineer role is an entry-level position focusing on supporting data infrastructure, while the Data Engineer is a more advanced role responsible for designing and maintaining complex data systems. The roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments but differ in experience level and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Associate Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Data Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Data Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Data Engineer job openings:
Associate Data Engineer

Associate Data Engineer

AHEAD

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.
At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived.
We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.
LAUNCH - Join AHEAD's Associate Development Program
Our Mission: to attract and develop a diverse community of THE top IT consulting talent in the country and build AHEAD's next generation of leaders.
LAUNCH serves as the foundation to develop our talent into high potential leaders at AHEAD. By exposing you to a variety of career paths and building your acumen across different practices in the business, we're accelerating your growth and career trajectory at AHEAD.
Our development program is built on a foundation of technical training, completion of certifications, and shadowing, all supported by an ecosystem of AHEADians that will be part of your Launch journey, every step of the way! You'll grow and develop key skills that will support your development as a technical and consulting expert. If you're ready to begin an exciting career in IT Consulting, LAUNCH is where you should be!
Associate Data Engineer
(Internally known as an Associate Technical Consultant)
As an Associate Engineer in LAUNCH, you will start out in a 3-month training program within our Digital Solutions Group (DSG) practice focused on Data solutions. Upon completion of LAUNCH, you will have the opportunity to work on client projects based on skillset, personal interest, and business needs.
Who we're looking for: Think Big, Learn, and Be Curious
  • Innovative Thinkers
  • Enthusiastic Collaborators
  • Creative Problem Solvers
  • Curious Self - Starters

Responsibilities:
  • Ability to communicate effectively across teams, and build positive relationships
  • Demonstrate ability to work on teams, collaborate on projects, and contribute to the overall successful delivery of projects
  • Demonstrate drive and proactiveness to get things done, be solutions-oriented, and enjoy solving complex problems
  • Demonstrate resourcefulness, curiosity, creativity, courage, critical thinking, and a desire to use technology to search for new and innovative solutions to problems
  • Exercise sound reasoning, ingenuity, and inclusive perspectives to analyze issues, solve problems and make recommendations
  • Ability to execute, manage competing priorities, and deliver to deadlines

Qualifications:
  • Experience any of the programming languages (Python, Java, Scala, Go, etc.)
  • Working knowledge of supporting data structures including but not limited to SQL and NoSQL databases
  • Willingness to travel to support client projects and shadowing opportunities (50+ % of the time)
  • Existing U.S. work authorization is required

Preferred Experience
  • Understanding of one of the data platforms (ex. Hadoop, Spark, Databricks, Snowflake)
  • Working knowledge of Cloud Solutions

Experience in at least one of the below:
  • Graduated with a degree in technical discipline by 6/8/2026
  • Prior intern, co-op, or research experience in IT, software, or relevant field is a plus
  • Successful completion in a technical-related bootcamp
  • Working knowledge of Application Development

We are unable to consider candidates who require visa sponsorship for this role.
The compensation range indicated in this posting reflects the On-Target Earnings ("OTE") for this role, which includes a base salary and any applicable target bonus amount. This OTE range may vary based on the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, and geographic location.
Why AHEAD:
Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.
We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.
USA Employment Benefits include:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid company holidays
- Paid time off
- Paid parental and caregiver leave
- Plus more! See benefits https://www.aheadbenefits.com/ for additional details.
Use of AI:
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, assessing responses, or to capture recordings and create transcriptions or summaries during interviews. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans.
If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice or contact us at privacy@ahead.com.
You may opt-out of the review or analysis of your application and resume by AI tools by using the General Application. Please include the role you wish to apply for in the Additional Information field. You may also choose to opt-out of recording and transcription at any time, including after joining an interview. Candidates will not be penalized for choosing to opt-out.