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Associate Engineer Jobs in Urbana, IL (NOW HIRING)

LRS

Associate Network Engineer

Urbana, IL · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

LRS Consulting Services is seeking an Associate Network Engineer for a contract to hire opportunity with our client in Central, IL. LRS Consulting Services has been delivering the highest quality ...

Donohue and Associates

I&C Engineer/Designer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

An employee-owned engineering consulting firm since 1997, Donohue & Associates has multiple offices across the upper Midwest. We work in multi-discipline teams to provide municipal and industrial ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Urbana, IL

Associate Engineer information

See Urbana, IL salary details

$41.8K

$83.2K

$132.9K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Urbana, IL is $83,169.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $95,600.00 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 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 Urbana, IL? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Urbana, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Urbana, IL? For Associate Engineer jobs in Urbana, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Urbana, IL are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Urbana, IL with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Urbana, 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 $83,169 per year, or $40 per hour.

Associate Planning Engineer

American Water Works Service Company, Inc.

Urbana, IL

$70K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

American Water rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Requisition ID:  110223 

Share Our Purpose.  Be Yourself.  Feel Valued. 

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career.  Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!  Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations.  American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

Job Information

Salary Range: $70,000 - $78,000

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more! 

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

The Associate Planning Engineer is an entry level position in the Engineering function that is responsible for engineering tasks focused on assessing the long-term needs of our water and/or wastewater utility systems and developing project solutions that will ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of services to our customers.  This role will assist their respective teams with completing engineering tasks such as hydraulic modeling, demand projections, asset condition and performance assessments, developing treatment strategies, and preparing comprehensive planning recommendations. Responsibilities may also include technical partnering and supervision over consulting engineers, technicians, and/or CAD operators.

Key Accountabilities
  • Assist the preparation of strategic water and wastewater system engineering planning studies.
  • Conduct system capacity evaluations, analysis of water source, treatment, pumping and collection/distribution, storage, or other system deficiencies as assigned to support ongoing operations, service extension requests or regional growth opportunities.
  • Assist in the hydraulic model development, calibration and analysis for water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems.
  • Assist with multiple small to medium size projects and perform varied engineering assignments associated with planning, design or construction.
  • Develop technical information and concepts into feasible and effective engineering approaches.
  • Any other special projects and tasks assigned by their team leads or managers
Knowledge/Skills
  • Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice.
  • Familiarity with project management, construction and contract management, water and wastewater facilities, and utility operations.
  • Knowledge of current trends in water quality and treatment and other aspects of the water industry.
  • Familiarity with environmental regulatory requirements, and trends impacting the water industry.
  • Sound business acumen and judgment.
  • Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
  • Effective verbal and written communications skills (e.g., report writing, listening, and presentation).
  • Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact/diplomacy, persuasion, team building, cooperation, leadership, ability to motivate others.
Experience/Education
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field of Engineering
  • 0 - 2 years’ experience in Engineering design, planning, construction, project delivery and/or project management.
  • Water system and wastewater collection system hydraulic modeling experience is a plus.
Travel Requirements

Up to 20%, as required

Certifications & Licenses

Valid Driver’s License

Work Environment

Primarily in the office with occasional work in the field at water/wastewater facilities to conduct site investigations and participate in on-site project kick-off/review meetings

Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.

What American Water employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About American Water

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Camden, NJ, US

Year founded

1886

Social media

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