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Associate Engineer Jobs in Northbrook, IL (NOW HIRING)

Associate

Cary, IL · On-site

$116K - $140K/yr

Associate Location: Cary, NC Overview DB Global Technology, Inc. seeks an Associate in Cary, NC to ... Requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering or a related field or equivalent and three (3) ...

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.

Showing results 41-60

Associate Engineer information

See Northbrook, IL salary details

$42.1K

$83.9K

$134K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Northbrook, IL is $83,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $96,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate engineer?

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 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 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.

How much does an associate engineer get paid?

An associate engineer's average salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages. Salaries often increase with experience and additional responsibilities.

What can I do with an associate engineer's degree in engineering?

An associate engineer's degree prepares individuals for entry-level engineering roles such as technician, assistant engineer, or project support staff. These positions often involve tasks like drafting, testing, data analysis, and using tools like CAD software, with opportunities for on-the-job training and certification to advance in engineering fields.

What is the salary of an associate engineer?

The salary of an associate engineer typically ranges from $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on factors such as industry, location, and experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced associates or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Northbrook, IL?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Northbrook, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Northbrook, IL?

For Associate Engineer jobs in Northbrook, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Northbrook, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Northbrook, IL are:

What cities near Northbrook, IL are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs?

Cities near Northbrook, IL with the most Associate Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Northbrook, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,875 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Associate, Engineering Sciences - Mechanical

Chicago, IL • On-site

Secretariat
Business Management Consulting • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

ABOUT THE FIRM

Secretariat professionals are trusted in the highest-stakes legal, risk, and regulatory matters around the world.

When you join Secretariat, you become part of a rapidly growing elite team of bright minds and passionate problem-solvers. Your skills and expertise will be utilized on day one - working with the world's most renowned law firms, leading corporations, and influential institutions to answer complex questions that shape critical financial, economic, and strategic business decisions.

Our globally integrated teams are united by the ambition, energy, and commitment they bring to every challenge. We inspire and empower an open, collaborative culture that embraces ongoing professional development, recognition, diversity, and - most importantly - you.

Make your impact at Secretariat.

ABOUT Our ENGINEERING SCIENCES team 

As part of our expanding Global Engineering and Scientific consulting team, you will work at the forefront of today's most complex engineering challenges. You will be engaged in analyzing failures of a myriad of products from a variety of industries, but with a heavy focus on large industrial facilities like power plants, Oil & Gas facilities, chemical processing plants, construction and similar. Outside of that work, you will be engaged in automotive, consumer products, consumer electronics and medical devices.

Secretariat leverages our diverse technical expertise, and industry knowledge of a variety of structures and products to provide clients with world-class value to identify solutions that drive performance and safety.


RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Exceptional analytical skills, problem solving, communication skills, and creativity are the foundation for successful professionals at Secretariat.
  • Conducting hands-on failure analysis investigations
  • Performing laboratory tests
  • Assisting with field inspections
  • Assisting with client communications in all time zones
  • Performing technical analysis and drafting report sections
  • Analyzing technical reports offered by others, and developing rebuttal points
  • Developing positive relationships with colleagues, peers and clients
  • Demonstrate excellent analytical skills with acute attention to detail to successfully achieve project milestones.
  • Manage workload to achieve simultaneous project milestones while maintaining project schedules and budgets.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Requisite professional degrees and work experience:
    • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering or of similar designation.
    • 1+ years of prior experience in forensic/root cause analysis is a plus
    • Pursuing PE credentials is a plus
  • Excellent report writing skills to complement analytics
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent listening, verbal, written, technical, and presentation skills
  • The desire to lead, auxiliary tasks associated with a growing practice within a rapidly growing firm
  • The ability to travel as needed
  • Highly proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Excel and PowerPoint
  • Experience with engineering software such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Computational Fluid Mechanics (CFD), or Multibody Dynamics (MBD) is a plus.
  • Working proficiency in a second non-English language is a plus