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Associate Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

RS&H

Highway Engineering Associate II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$74K - $115K/yr

RS&H is seeking a Highway Engineering Associate II to join our Transportation Practice in our St. Charles, IL, or Chicago, IL office! Job Summary: The Highway Engineering Associate II will be ...

RS&H

Highway Engineering Associate II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$74K - $115K/yr

The Highway Engineering Associate II will be responsible for roadway/highway analysis and design, plans production, specifications, reports, and estimates efforts on conventional and design-build ...

RS&H

Highway Engineering Associate I

Saint Charles, IL · Hybrid

RS&H is currently seeking a civil highway engineering associate to join our team. This position will have the ability to work a hybrid schedule of in-office and remote. As part of the infrastructure ...

Tempus

Associate IAM Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$70K - $95K/yr

As an Associate IAM Engineer, you will be the frontline defender and administrator of our identity perimeter. You will focus on day-to-day identity operations, single sign-on (SSO) integrations ...

Tempus

Associate IAM Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

As an Associate IAM Engineer, you will be the frontline defender and administrator of our identity perimeter. You will focus on day-to-day identity operations, single sign-on (SSO) integrations ...

Morningstar, Inc.

Associate AI Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K/yr

Role Overview We are seeking Forward-Deployed AI Engineers to rapidly prototype AI solutions in real-world advisor workflows. This role is embedded in our discovery team, working alongside Product ...

Parsons

Junior Traffic Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$26.59 - $46.54/hr

Parsons has a career opportunity for an Associate Engineer with an interest in traffic and transportation engineering to join our growing team. This role provides strong opportunities for ...

WEC Energy Group

Engineer- Gas Storage

Fisher, IL · On-site

This position is part of the Engineering job family (Associate Engineer, Engineer, or Senior Engineer); level will be based on experience. Minimum Qualifications * Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Associate Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$40.2K

$80.1K

$127.9K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Illinois is $80,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $92,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Associate Engineers?

Associate Engineers are entry-level engineering professionals who support more experienced engineers in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining various projects in their field. They typically work under supervision and assist with tasks such as drafting technical documents, conducting research, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Associate Engineers often gain practical experience and training to advance to higher-level engineering roles as they develop their skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects and teams.

What can you do with an Associate in engineering?

An associate degree in engineering prepares individuals for technical roles such as engineering technician, CAD drafter, or quality control inspector. These positions often involve supporting engineering projects, using tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB, and may require certification or on-the-job training to develop specialized skills.

What Is an Associate Engineer?

An associate engineer is a lower level engineer in many fields of engineering, including environmental, civil, and mechanical. The title denotes rank and experience level. As an associate engineer, your typical job duties involve analyzing project plans, designing products, maintaining equipment, closely following specifications and procedures, and writing reports. The specific duties vary widely depending upon your field and employer. This career usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering and obtaining a license in your state. Additional qualifications include relevant work experience, strong technical skills, and a familiarity with your specific industry.

What is the work of an Associate engineer?

An Associate Engineer is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for assisting in the design, development, testing, and implementation of engineering projects. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, utilize tools like CAD software, and may need relevant certifications or technical skills to perform tasks effectively.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most associate engineers do not earn this level of salary, senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, petroleum, or aerospace engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in high-demand industries. Achieving this income typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures.

What is the difference between Associate Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAssociate EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry-level certificationsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; professional licensure (optional)
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and support roles in engineering teams; often in office or lab settingsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing in industrial or construction settings
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position across various industries like manufacturing, construction, and techDesign and development roles primarily in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

The main difference between an Associate Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting engineering tasks, while Mechanical Engineers have more experience and handle complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles require a bachelor's degree, but Mechanical Engineers often pursue licensure for advanced roles. The choice depends on your experience level and career goals within engineering fields.

What are some typical challenges Associate Engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Associate Engineers often find the transition from academic projects to industry roles challenging due to differences in project scope, teamwork dynamics, and pace. In industry, you’ll likely work on larger, multi-disciplinary teams where effective communication and collaboration are crucial. Additionally, projects often have stricter deadlines and require adherence to established processes and standards, which may be less emphasized in academic settings. Embracing continuous learning and seeking mentorship from senior engineers can help ease this transition and set you up for success.

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

To thrive as an Associate Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, industry-specific tools, and basic project management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering accurate technical solutions and contributing effectively to engineering projects.
More about Associate Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in IL? For Associate Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,077 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Highway Engineering Associate II

Highway Engineering Associate II

RS&H

Chicago, IL • On-site

$74K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

RS&H is seeking a Highway Engineering Associate II to join our Transportation Practice in our St. Charles, IL, or Chicago, IL office!

Job Summary:

The Highway Engineering Associate II will be responsible for roadway/highway analysis and design, plans production, specifications, reports, and estimates efforts on conventional and design-build projects. Additional responsibilities include monitoring labor budgets and schedules for assigned tasks/projects; coordinating with discipline key task leaders and staff to ensure ongoing communications; meeting project deliverable schedules and budgets for assigned projects; and supporting marketing and business development initiatives.

Essential Functions: 

  • Performs moderate engineering tasks, including utilizing production software and developing impact studies, cost analyses, and design requirements.
  • Leads data collection efforts.
  • Prepares portions of project documents utilizing advanced software and technology. Edits specifications and discipline reports. Prepare drawings, visual aids, and presentations.
  • Performs as-needed field reviews and observations of ongoing construction projects to gain increased understanding of construction practices and design applications.
  • Performs research and investigations to support development of proposed engineering applications.
  • Remains knowledgeable of all applicable federal, state, and local codes, criteria, regulations, and ordinances that are pertinent to respective discipline.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned and within scope of practice.

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum of 3 years relevant experience.
  • Proficient in production software and construction document production.
  • Must possess strong oral and written communications skills.
  • Must have the ability to effectively interact with and build strong relationships with clients, customers, contractors, and other key stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • EI strongly preferred.
  • Experience working with Microstation, InRoads, OpenRoads, Bluebeam REVU.

Benefits | Careers | RS&H (rsandh.com)

The base salary range for this position in Illinois is $74,407- 115,375. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Please note: no agency representation or submissions will be recognized for this vacancy. Candidates should apply directly to this role to be considered. It is the responsibility of all third-party recruiting and employment agencies to know and adhere to our recruiting policy.


Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering, and consulting firms, with associates who work hard every day to create tomorrow together. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities, and build relationships that are as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together. We attribute our success to our unwavering commitment to our core values: integrity, accountability, curiosity, and teamwork.

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About RS&H

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RS&H provides fully integrated architecture, engineering, and consulting services to help clients realize their most complex facility and infrastructure projects for land, air, and space. We are committed to bringing extraordinary solutions to our clients through the promise of imagination, ingenuity, and innovation. With a tradition of excellence that began in 1941, we are consistently ranked among the nation's top 100 design firms. We attribute our success to an unwavering commitment to our core values of: integrity, quality service, business success and valuing associates.

Industry

Architectural services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

South Jacksonville, FL, US

Year founded

1941

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