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Associate Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer

Hillside, IL · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Serve as technical lead for a team of Engineers and Associate Engineers * Interface and collaborate with Controls and Instrumentation Engineers, Software Controls Engineers, Product Engineers ...

Showing results 41-60

Associate Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$42.8K

$85.1K

$136K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Chicago, IL is $85,127.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $97,900.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,127 per year, or $40.9 per hour.
Consulting Associate, Engineering/Geology/Science

Consulting Associate, Engineering/Geology/Science

Erm

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$66K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Kickstartyour environmental career withhandsonfieldwork, real impact, and mentorship fromindustryleadingexperts.

As aConsulting Associate, Engineering/Geology/Sciencebased inMilwaukee, WI, Minneapolis, MN or Rolling Meadows, IL,you'llcontribute to projects that protect ecosystems, advance remediation technologies, and support communities across the Great Lakes Northeast region and beyond. AtERM,you'llexplore the full spectrum of environmental consulting-learningcuttingedgeinvestigation methods, collaborating with technical specialists, and building the foundation needed for future professional registration. Ifyou'reenergized by purpose-driven work and ready to grow with a global sustainability leader, this role is your next step.

Why This Role Matters

Environmental challenges are increasingly complex-and your work helps solve them. From investigating contamination to supporting remediation and compliance, your contributions will directly influence client decisions, regulatory outcomes, and environmental health.You'llwork with a collaborative team that values curiosity, safety, and innovation, all while shaping stronger and more sustainable communities.

What Your Impact Is

  • Supporting environmental site investigations and remediation projects that influence major development, infrastructure, and cleanup efforts.

  • Bringing scientific accuracy to field sampling programs, environmental data collection, and reporting.

  • Ensuring regulatory compliance throughhighqualitydocumentation and collaborative fieldwork.

  • Strengthening ERM's commitment to sustainability and helping clients reduce environmental risk.

WhatYou'llBring

Required

  • BS in geology, hydrogeology, environmental science, or environmental engineering; Or 8+ years of equivalent experience.

  • Recent graduateto2 years of experience, with interest and willingness toparticipatein field assignments.

  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively within project teams.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience recording and writing detailed technical data and reports.

  • Ability to thrive in a consultingenvironment-managing multiple tasks, adapting to shifting priorities, and meeting strict deadlines.

  • Detailoriented, with mechanical aptitude andhandsonproblemsolvingskills.

  • Strong commitment to safety and adherence toestablishedHealth & Safety protocols.

  • Driver's License Required: This position requires a valid driver's license and/or the ability tooperatea company vehicle due to the nature of job duties, which include frequent travel to various client locations across a large geographical area.

  • Ability totravel up to 75%regionally, including multiple overnight stays; approximately 25% office-based work.

  • This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship.

Preferred

  • Environmental fieldwork experience.

  • 40hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct fieldwork including:

  • Soil, sediment, groundwater, building, waste, and surface water sampling

  • Aquifer testing

  • Drilling oversight and soil logging

  • Soil boring andmonitoringwell installation

  • Well development, purging, and sampling

  • Construction oversight

  • Coordinate and direct drilling, surveying, and laboratory services.

  • Support environmental remediation/demolition projects and O&M ofremediation systems.

  • Compile and evaluate soil, groundwater, air, sediment, and other environmental data.

  • Assistin preparing reports for regulatory agency submittals.

  • Review groundwater chemistry data and prepare figures/exhibits for regulatory reporting.

  • Perform Phase I and II environmental site assessments to support property transfer transactions.

  • Assistwith compliance related to federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

  • Manage assignments within defined quality, budget, and schedule expectations.

  • Communicate with project teams, subcontractors, regulatory agencies, tenants, and clients during field activities.

For the Consulting Associate, Engineering/Geology/Science position, the anticipated annual base pay is $66,000-$88,775 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k) or RRSP/DPSP, and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.

Note:Bonuses, commissions, and other forms of additional compensation are not guaranteed and subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures.

Who We Are:
As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.

At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.

ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Thank you for your interest in ERM!

#LI-Hybrid

Candidates may be invited to complete an online assessment as part of our recruitment process. All personal information will be handled confidentially and in compliance with data protection laws.


ERM logo

About ERM

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world's leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations. At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our "boots to boardroom" approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

City of London, Greater London, GB

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