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Associate Engineer Jobs in Ottawa, IL (NOW HIRING)

Partners with Operations, Project Execution, and Engineering on the development of Corrective ... An associate's degree, or a bachelor's degree in Occupational Health, Construction Safety, and/or ...

Quality Engineer

Minooka, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

... programs projects associate engagement and KPI improvements within process area Leads ... Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or prior experience in Quality or Process Improvement OR 2 years ...

Quality Engineer

Minooka, IL · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... programs projects associate engagement and KPI improvements within process area Leads ... Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or prior experience in Quality or Process Improvement OR 2 years ...

Quality Engineer

Minooka, IL · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Supports Department Managers with WPS programs projects associate engagement and KPI improvements ... Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or prior experience in Quality or Process Improvement OR 2 years ...

Veterinarian

Channahon, IL · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

... to welcome a Full-Time Associate Veterinarian to our collaborative and compassionate team ... Structured wellness programming focused on stress management and work-life balance, etc * A built ...

Veterinarian

Channahon, IL · On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Structured wellness programming focused on stress management and work-life balance, etc * A built ... National Veterinary Associates is a leading global pet care organization united in the love of ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Engineer information

See Ottawa, IL salary details

$41K

$81.7K

$130.5K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Ottawa, IL is $81,697.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $93,900.00 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 Ottawa, IL?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Ottawa, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,697 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Vactor Mfg - Engineer Sr/ & Project Engineer

Waterblast

Streator, IL • On-site

$95 - $110/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities
  • Develops layouts concepts, parameters and designs for new and existing product re‑designs.
  • Uses mathematics, statistics, dynamics and other engineering disciplines for calculations and evaluation of alternatives for current product design and their functionality in current product designs.
  • Performs analysis as required to insure meeting product performance and reliability requirements.
  • Conducts feasibility studies and prepares preliminary cost estimates of designs and redesigns.
  • Assists in generating detail specifications of the individual components of the new design and replacement components in end of life and in cost reductions projects.
  • Communicates with vendors where engineering is required to develop specifications for components and processes.
  • May write rough draft of changes to customer instruction sheet.
  • Fabricates mockups and builds working prototypes of new products.
  • Works with Quality Control in approving vendor's parts.
  • Writes Engineering Change Requests and product structures.
  • May assist Purchasing, Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Assurance in vendor selection.
  • Perform product evaluations to determine if engineering standards are met
  • Works with and assists operations, industrial/test engineering, and other engineering function personnel during the course of design projects to achieve desired outcome.
  • Flexibility to perform other duties and assignments as required.
  • Summarizes research and development work in a report and specification.
  • Provides design guidance and instructions on design principles for Engineer I level engineers.
  • Develops engineering specifications for materials or processes through research and/or supervision of tests programs.
  • Assist in the development of work instructions that convey design intent to the assembly process.
  • Coordinates project progress by monitoring performance of designers, drafters, and other personnel.
  • Troubleshoot product systems as required and works directly with technicians and assemblers to resolve issues.
  • Provide engineering support to Field Service to assist in resolving warranty and performance issues.
  • Understand multi‑level product Bill of Material structure to effectively develop options and/ or accessories to support product sales.
  • Evaluate product cost reduction proposals to determine feasibility.
  • May include travel to the field and/ or trade shows.
  • Perform product evaluations to determine if engineering standards are met.
  • Reviews and approves Service Publications
  • Develop project plan(s) for small‑to‑medium engineering projects
  • Serve as a resource to others in the Engineering Department
  • Develops, revises, and maintains product specifications for product developments and communicates these requirements to individuals and groups.
  • Determines, specifies, and incorporates design requirements into the design specifications to achieve optimum efficiency at consistent quality levels.
  • Participates with other departments and functions and/ or leads project teams on a broad range of business unit processes, projects, and coordinates activities on the assigned product lines.
  • Conceives, creates, devises, and supervises the design of parts, subassemblies, and final assemblies.
  • Initiates and evaluates new product ideas and concepts to determine feasibility with respect to technological availability, life cycle, and cost.
  • Develops, revises, and maintains new product development and team guidance plans in terms of product cost estimates, project cost estimates, and schedules.
  • Flexibility to perform other duties and assignments as required.
Experience and Skills Required
  • Minimum 5 years experience in design and/or engineering required.
  • Knowledge of basic principles, theories, and concepts.
  • Broad application of principles, theories, and concepts in applicable discipline, plus working knowledge of other fields.
  • Sufficiently understands customer requirements and delivers results that meet these needs.
  • Possesses strong verbal and written communications skills.
Education Required

Bachelor's degree in Engineering discipline required.

Salary Range

$95-110k

Benefits of Employment

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke‑free, drug‑free workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, email Human Resource at HR@federalsignal.com. All other applications must be submitted online.

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