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Associate Engineering Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Engineering Technician

Champaign, IL · On-site

$21 - $31.25/hr

Associate degree or two-year technical/trade degree preferred. * Equivalent technical experience may be considered. * 1-2 years of hands-on experience in a testing, engineering support, or technical ...

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 ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineering JobsAssociate Engineering Jobs in Champaign, IL

Associate Engineering information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$41.6K

$82.8K

$132.2K

How much do associate engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineering in Champaign, IL is $82,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $95,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate engineer do?

An Associate Engineer is an entry-level professional who assists in designing, developing, and maintaining engineering projects. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping with technical tasks such as drafting plans, conducting tests, and collecting data. Their responsibilities may also include troubleshooting issues, preparing reports, and ensuring projects comply with industry standards. Associate Engineers typically work in fields like civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MATLAB, and sometimes certifications like EIT (Engineer-in-Training), are commonly required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are soft skills that help you stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are vital for successfully executing technical tasks, collaborating on projects, and supporting senior engineers in achieving organizational goals.

What can I do with an associate engineering degree?

An associate engineering degree prepares individuals for technician, technologist, or support roles in fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Graduates can work as engineering technicians, CAD drafters, quality control inspectors, or in manufacturing and maintenance environments, often using tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB. Some positions may require additional certifications or on-the-job training.

What are some typical challenges associate engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering teams?

Associate Engineers often find that moving from academic projects to professional engineering teams involves adapting to faster-paced timelines, working within established processes, and collaborating with colleagues from various disciplines. Unlike academic work, where projects might be more theoretical or self-directed, real-world engineering requires balancing multiple tasks, following industry standards, and communicating effectively to ensure project success. Over time, most associate engineers develop strong problem-solving and teamwork skills, which are essential for advancement and continued success in the field.

What is the difference between Associate Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectAssociate EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or diploma, some certificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, licensure often not required initially
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, technical support, manufacturing, constructionDesign, analysis, research, manufacturing, often more autonomous
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, manufacturing companies, government agenciesEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industries

Associate Engineering roles typically require an associate degree and focus on technical support and implementation tasks. Mechanical Engineering positions usually demand a bachelor's degree and involve design, analysis, and problem-solving responsibilities. Both roles are essential in engineering projects but differ in education level, scope, and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL? The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL? For Associate Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineering jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Associate Engineering jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Associate Engineering job openings:
Associate Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineering job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,757 per year, or $39.8 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 6 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

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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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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