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Associate Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

ABOUT YOU ARCO/Murray Engineering is currently seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our Mechanical ... Scholarship for associates' children up to $28,000 per child * 1-month paid sabbatical after every ...

Mechanical Engineer

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Education, Experience & SkillsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or manufacturing engineering, plus three years of related experience; or an associate degree in a related field plus five ...

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

Mechanical Engineer Des Plaines, IL Our client is hiring a Mechanical Engineer. Interested candidates should have at least a bachelor's degree or technical equivalent with at least 3 years of ...

Mechanical Engineer Des Plaines, IL Our client is hiring a Mechanical Engineer. Interested candidates should have at least a bachelor's degree or technical equivalent with at least 3 years of ...

Mechanical Engineer: We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Mechanical Engineer III to lead scale-up and manufacturing initiatives for soft magnetic materials and stack assemblies in advanced ...

Mechanical Engineer

Hillside, IL ยท On-site

$48.08 - $67.31/hr

The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining fixtures and ... Serve as technical lead for a team of Engineers and Associate Engineers * Interface and collaborate ...

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Associate Mechanical Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$41K

$81.7K

$130.5K

How much do associate mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate mechanical engineer in Elgin, IL is $81,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,700.00 and $93,900.00 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 Elgin, IL?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Associate Mechanical Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,687 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

Ghafari Associates LLC

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Description:
General Summary:
The Mechanical Engineer will provide, revise or extend mechanical systems for new construction and/or renovation of industrial, commercial, or institutional structures as requested by the client. The Mechanical Engineer will develop construction drawings and specifications which address the installation, integration, interconnection and control of mechanical components within the standard building codes.
Essential Job Functions:
  • Review and/or establish project scope, mechanical budget, necessary constraints and design approach with Project Manager and/or client
  • Proper communication skills to be involved in design team / owner meetings and communicate directly with the owner and / or owner's representative
  • Prepare feasibility studies and project cost estimates
  • Maintain working knowledge of latest building and codes used in the industry
  • Formulate and lead design of mechanical systems including HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection
  • Perform and/or review calculations and building energy models; formulate design of mechanical systems including HVAC, piping, plumbing, and fire protection
  • Create engineering documents using computer aided design (CAD) technology utilizing Autodesk (Revit and AutoCAD) and/or Bentley CAD software (2D and 3D applications) or manually with support from more junior staff
  • Edit or draft project specifications
  • Conduct field measuring and checking at the construction site
  • Review drawings for omissions, errors, interferences, overall quality, content accuracy, compliance with standards and codes
  • Review product submittals for design content, specify action to be taken to reach specification compliance
  • Maintain organized project file containing project calculations, correspondence, appropriate reference materials, etc.
  • Assist with checking, standards review, and maintenance of master specifications
  • Develop and mentor less experienced staff
  • Perform related duties as assigned

Employment Qualifications:
Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, or related field required
  • Professional Registration
  • LEED accredited professional preferred

Experience:
  • 5-14 years of related experience in mechanical engineering (HVAC/building systems)

Skills/Competencies:
  • Proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD, Trane Trace 700 or other building energy calculation software, and Bluebeam
  • Knowledge in ProjectWise BIM360 and Carrier HAP a bonus
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Strong attention to detail

Benefits:
At Ghafari, we offer a robust benefits package designed to support your overall wellbeing. In addition to a competitive salary, eligible employees receive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term & Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Teladoc, Employee Assistance Program, Professional License Reimbursement, Educational Assistance, Voluntary Pet Insurance, Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and 8 Paid Holidays. The annual base salary range for this position is $95,000.00 to $120,000.00. Individual pay is based on factors such as relevant experience, job-related skills, education, and training.
About Us
At Ghafari Associates, we don't just design buildings-we help shape the future of the industries we serve. As a global leader in architecture, engineering, and consulting, we partner with clients to deliver forward-thinking solutions that transform how people work, manufacture, and connect.
Our strength lies in our people. We bring together curious minds, technical experts, and creative problem-solvers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. Whether supporting major industrial programs or advancing federal and commercial projects, our teams are empowered to make a meaningful impact-both for our clients and within our communities.
We are committed to investing in our employees' financial, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as their professional growth. Through robust training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement, we provide the resources our people need to build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the communities we are proud to call home.
Ghafari Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. As a federal contractor, Ghafari Associates maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in accordance with applicable laws.
Pay Transparency
Ghafari Associates will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.
Accommodation
Ghafari Associates is also committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities in the employment application process. If you need an accommodation due to a disability to use our online system to apply for a position, you may also apply for positions in the following ways:
  • By fax at: 313.436.8624, Attn: Human Resources
  • By mail at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126, Attn: Human Resources
  • In person at: 17101 Michigan Ave., Dearborn, MI 48126
  • By email at: hr@ghafari.com

If there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.