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Associate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Lanco Group

Mechanical Product Engineer

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Mentor Associate Mechanical Engineers, interns, and co-op students. * Contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and design guidelines. * Demonstrate technical ownership of assigned systems ...

New

Opportunities

Mechanical Product Engineer

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Mentor Associate Mechanical Engineers, interns, and co-op students. * Contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and design guidelines. * Demonstrate technical ownership of assigned systems ...

New

Lanco

Mechanical Product Engineer

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

Mentor Associate Mechanical Engineers, interns, and co-op students. * Contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and design guidelines. * Demonstrate technical ownership of assigned systems ...

Ghafari Associates LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer will provide, revise or extend mechanical systems for new construction and ... About Us At Ghafari Associates, we don't just design buildings-we help shape the future of the ...

Ghafari Associates LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer will provide, revise or extend mechanical systems for new construction and ... About Us At Ghafari Associates, we don't just design buildings-we help shape the future of the ...

Avantor, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Barrington, IL · On-site

$78K - $125K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer develops and brings to production new and improved products for global sale ... Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to ...

AMRESCO

Mechanical Engineer

Barrington, IL

$78K - $125K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer develops and brings to production new and improved products for global sale ... Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to ...

Avantor Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Barrington, IL

$78K - $125K/yr

The Mechanical Engineer develops and brings to production new and improved products for global sale ... Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to ...

DLR Group

Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

DLR Group has an opening for a Mechanical Engineer. Locations: * Chicago, IL Position Summary As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will be responsible for leading design of mechanical systems for ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Mechanical Engineer JobsAssociate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Mechanical Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$42.8K

$85.1K

$136K

How much do associate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate mechanical engineer in Chicago, IL is $85,127.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $97,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate mechanical engineer?

Associate Mechanical Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of mechanical systems and products. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, contributing to projects such as machinery, HVAC systems, automotive components, or manufacturing equipment. Their responsibilities may include creating technical drawings, performing calculations, preparing reports, and supporting the engineering team throughout the project lifecycle. This role is often a starting point for mechanical engineering graduates seeking to gain practical experience and advance their careers.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an associate mechanical engineer expect in their first year?

As an Associate Mechanical Engineer, you can anticipate working on a variety of projects such as assisting with the design and testing of mechanical components, creating CAD models, and supporting senior engineers during prototype development. You'll likely be involved in drafting technical documentation, performing basic calculations, and collaborating with cross-functional teams like manufacturing and quality assurance. This early experience provides valuable hands-on exposure to industry standards and project workflows, helping you build a strong technical foundation and develop professional skills essential for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), engineering simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and attention to detail help you excel in collaborative projects and technical documentation. These competencies enable you to design, analyze, and implement effective mechanical solutions while ensuring safety, efficiency, and innovation in engineering environments.

What is the difference between Associate Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAssociate Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; some roles may require internship experienceBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering; often requires licensure or professional certification for advanced roles
Work EnvironmentEntry-level positions in design, testing, or manufacturing departmentsDesign, analysis, and project management in various industries like automotive, aerospace, or HVAC
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by engineering firms, manufacturing companies, and government agencies for entry-level rolesCommonly employed across industries for mid-level engineering tasks and project execution

The main difference between an Associate Mechanical Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Mechanical Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting roles, while Mechanical Engineers handle more complex design and analysis tasks. Both roles require a bachelor's degree, but Mechanical Engineers often pursue licensure for career advancement.

Is an associate in mechanical engineering worth it?

An associate degree in mechanical engineering can provide a foundation for entry-level roles such as technician or drafter, often requiring less time and cost than a bachelor's degree. However, for higher-level engineering positions and career advancement, a bachelor's degree is typically necessary, and additional certifications or experience can enhance job prospects and earning potential.

What kind of jobs can you get with an associate mechanical engineer?

An associate mechanical engineer can work in roles such as manufacturing technician, design assistant, quality control technician, or maintenance engineer. These positions often involve using CAD software, performing technical analysis, and supporting engineering projects in industrial, automotive, or HVAC environments.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Associate Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Mechanical Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,127 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Associate Mechanical Design Engineer

Feather Robotics

Mundelein, IL • On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

About the job

We're looking for an Associate Mechanical Design Engineer with experience designing and manufacturing robots at scale. You will create a novel, top-secret product for our humanoid platform, taking it from CAD to deployed reality within a tight-knit team that has been shipping units for the past year.


About Feather

Feather is a VC-backed startup assembling a world-class team to build general-purpose robots. While competitors pursue end-to-end integration, we are focused on creating the best labor platform on which others will build, monetize, and scale, fostering an ecosystem of solutions akin to Apple’s or Nvidia’s.


We’ve moved through the hardware lifecycle at lightspeed -- building our first prototype in two months, fulfilling our first order in nine months (vs. 31 months for Figure), and working with a $4B revenue manufacturer. Our units are deployed across several fields today, including cooking, retail, manufacturing, and more.


Responsibilities

  • Design mechanical components and assemblies for humanoid robots, from concept through production
  • Own design for manufacturability, prototyping quickly with 3D printing and machining before developing long-term processes and materials that scale
  • Write and integrate control software for the mechanisms you design
  • Build, test, iterate, and debug on real hardware


What we're looking for

  • Hands-on robotics experience – you have built a robot or other complex electromechanical system before
  • Industry manufacturing experience (e.g., injection molding, DFM at volume) preferred
  • Fluency with CAD and rapid prototyping
  • Software fluency is a plus
  • 3D printing proficiency
  • GD&T
  • Documentation and technical writing
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field


Why Join Us

  • Be the architect of a novel humanoid platform instead of working on only one small fragment
  • Shape the future of robotics and physical AI in a talented, driven team that values ownership, speed, and creativity
  • We have the capital, the hardware ownership, and the generational upside to make this your life's work

Apply