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Associate Principal Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Clayco

Associate Principal

Chicago, IL · On-site

About LJC LJC Design & Engineering (LJC) is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a ...

Clayco

Associate Principal

Chicago, IL

About LJC LJC Design & Engineering (LJC) is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a ...

Clayco

Associate Principal

Chicago, IL

About LJC LJC Design & Engineering (LJC) is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a ...

Clayco

Associate Principal

Chicago, IL

About LJC LJC Design & Engineering (LJC) is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a ...

Clayco

Associate Principal

Chicago, IL

About LJC LJC Design & Engineering (LJC) is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a ...

Clayco

Associate Principal

Chicago, IL · On-site

About LJC LJC Design & Engineering (LJC) is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a ...

Clayco

Associate Principal

Chicago, IL

About LJC LJC Design & Engineering (LJC) is a full-service architecture, engineering, and design firm committed to enhancing the quality of the human experience through integrated design. We are a ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsAssociate Principal Engineer JobsAssociate Principal Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Associate Principal Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$40.2K

$80.1K

$127.9K

How much do associate principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate principal engineer in Illinois is $80,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $92,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate principal engineer?

An Associate Principal Engineer is a senior-level technical professional who leads complex engineering projects and provides guidance to other engineers. They are responsible for designing solutions, ensuring technical quality, and often play a key role in setting engineering standards and best practices within an organization. In addition to their technical expertise, they may collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor junior staff, and contribute to strategic planning. This role typically requires extensive experience and a proven track record of technical leadership.

How does an associate principal engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

As an Associate Principal Engineer, you will frequently work alongside product managers, designers, and other engineering disciplines to translate business requirements into technical solutions. Collaboration often involves participating in architecture reviews, providing technical guidance, and ensuring alignment across teams during project development cycles. This role requires strong communication skills to articulate complex concepts and facilitate consensus among stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment that supports both innovation and delivery.

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

To thrive as an Associate Principal Engineer, you need advanced engineering expertise, a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, and significant experience in your technical domain. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools, project management software, and certifications like PMP or relevant technical credentials are often required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you guide project teams and collaborate across departments. These abilities ensure successful project delivery, innovation, and alignment with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Associate Principal Engineer vs Senior Engineer?

AspectAssociate Principal EngineerSenior Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, professional certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, some certifications beneficial
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles, cross-team collaboration, strategic planningProject-focused, technical problem-solving, mentorship
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, R&D, and engineering firmsCommon across industries, especially in tech, manufacturing, and engineering

The Associate Principal Engineer typically holds a more senior, strategic role involving leadership and cross-team coordination, whereas a Senior Engineer focuses on technical expertise and project execution. Both roles require strong engineering credentials, but the Associate Principal Engineer often has additional responsibilities in guiding technical direction and mentoring.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Associate Principal Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Associate Principal Engineer job openings:

Associate Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Principal Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,077 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Associate Principal/Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Northern Impact

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Overview
A nationally recognized building-systems engineering consultancy is seeking an Associate Principal/Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to help lead its Chicago practice. The organization delivers sophisticated, high-performance MEP solutions for complex buildings across healthcare, education, commercial, hospitality, transportation, and other markets.
This is an opportunity for an established mechanical engineering leader to shape a local team, deepen client relationships, and take ownership of technically challenging work from early planning through construction.
Position Description
The Associate Principal/Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will serve as a discipline leader across multiple MEP projects. This person will blend advanced HVAC design expertise with team leadership, business development, project delivery, construction-phase support, and exceptional client service.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing local MEP design team.
  • Develop and maintain trusted relationships with architects, owners, and other local clients.
  • Lead HVAC system selection, engineering, design, and interdisciplinary coordination.
  • Prepare and oversee HVAC drawings, analyses, specifications, calculations, and other technical deliverables.
  • Direct and support HVAC design staff while maintaining high standards for quality, accountability, and collaboration.
  • Provide construction administration and conduct site observations for assigned projects.
  • Communicate clearly with clients and project partners while providing responsive service to internal and external teams.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
  • At least 10 years of experience in MEP mechanical design and consulting.
  • Demonstrated team-leadership and staff-management experience.
  • Project management experience within the MEP industry.
  • Strong client-service, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
  • Comprehensive understanding of applicable building codes and HVAC design systems.

Desired Experience & Skills:
  • Professional Engineer license or equivalent depth of experience.
  • LEED accreditation.
  • Working knowledge of IES-VE.
  • A relationship-driven leadership style and the ability to support both technical delivery and practice growth.

Benefits:
Salary Range: $120,000-$150,000 annually, plus eligibility for a conditional bonus.
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
  • 401(k), life insurance, disability coverage, and transportation benefits.
  • Generous paid time off, paid holidays, and a year-end office closure.
  • Professional development, mentorship, and opportunities for continued career growth.
  • Paid volunteer time and opportunities to contribute to the local community.

Ready to Make an Impact?
If you are ready to combine technical leadership, team development, and client partnership in a role with meaningful influence, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. Help guide exceptional people and projects while building the next chapter of a growing Chicago practice-apply today.
This position offers a flexible hybrid schedule with a minimum of two days per week in the Chicago office.
The employer is committed to equal employment opportunity and considers qualified applicants without regard to legally protected characteristics.

Apply