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Associate Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Aprio

Senior Cybersecurity Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

Pair with Mid and Associate engineers, run design reviews, give substantive code/config review, and grow the next tier. Quality of output from less senior engineers is part of your scope.

Aprio

Cybersecurity Engineer

Chicago, IL

Associate mentorship : Pair with Associate engineers on day-to-day execution. Review their tickets, walk them through the toolset, and grow them toward independence. * Automation and tooling

Dynamic Manufacturing

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 ...

G&W Electric Co

NPD Project Engineer III

Aurora, IL

$85K - $111K/yr

Give direction to supporting personnel such as Associate Engineers, Designers, and Technicians. * Follow established procedures for creation and maintenance of CAD databases and libraries.

G&W Electric Co

NPD Project Engineer III

Chicago, IL

$85K - $111K/yr

Give direction to supporting personnel such as Associate Engineers, Designers, and Technicians. * Follow established procedures for creation and maintenance of CAD databases and libraries.

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All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Associate Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$41K

$81.7K

$130.5K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Elgin, IL is $81,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,700.00 and $93,900.00 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 competitive industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

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 assists in designing, developing, and testing engineering projects, often supporting senior engineers with technical tasks. They typically use engineering software, follow project specifications, and may need relevant certifications or training to perform their duties effectively.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,687 per year, or $39.3 per hour.
Junior Traffic Engineer

Junior Traffic Engineer

Parsons Corporation

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

$26.59 - $46.54/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Parsons rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

155th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

In a world of possibilities, pursue one with endless opportunities. Imagine Next!
At Parsons, you can imagine a career where you thrive, work with exceptional people, and be yourself. Guided by our leadership vision of valuing people, embracing agility, and fostering growth, we cultivate an innovative culture that empowers you to achieve your full potential. Unleash your talent and redefine what's possible.
Job Description:
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 professional development and career progression. You will work under the supervision of a licensed engineer on a range of transportation projects while building technical and analytical skills in a collaborative, team-focused environment. This role would be based out of our Schaumburg, IL office.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Working under the supervision of a licensed engineer, assists in a variety of traffic engineering work including operational analyses and safety analysis
  • Support data collection tasks under the guidance of experienced planners and engineers
  • Assist in preparing planning reports, deliverables, and project documentation to meet Parsons standards
  • Take ownership of personal career development by seeking and providing feedback, seizing opportunities to develop new skills, and setting and pursuing personal goals
  • Provide engineering support on various projects and assigned tasks

What Required Skills You'll Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field
  • 0+ years of experience in traffic engineering or transportation planning
  • Has a passion for traffic engineering and a willingness to grow and learn
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work well within a team environment and self-motivated to produce high quality work

What Desired Skills You'll Bring:
  • Internship, co-op, or relevant experience in traffic or transportation engineering
  • Familiarity with the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification or progress toward obtaining

Security Clearance Requirement:
None
This position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.
For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people's quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers' visions-and to help them see what's next!
Salary Range: $26.59 - $46.54
We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!
Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.
We truly invest and care about our employee's wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest-APPLY TODAY!
Parsons is aware of fraudulent recruitment practices. To learn more about recruitment fraud and how to report it, please refer to https://www.parsons.com/fraudulent-recruitment/.

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