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Associate Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a ... To accelerate learning and broaden industry experience, the Associate Project Manager will complete ...

The Associate Project Manager collaborates closely with engineering, procurement, fabrication, software, and field teams while supporting communication with customers and trade partners. This role is ...

With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a ... To accelerate learning and broaden industry experience, the Associate Project Manager will complete ...

Bachelor's degree in engineering preferred. * Minimum 3 years of experience with engineering and/or managing projects. * Experience with food processing and/or packaging equipment. * Strong computer ...

With hundreds of engineers in-house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a ... To accelerate learning and broaden industry experience, the Associate Project Manager will complete ...

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Associate Project Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$40.2K

$80.1K

$127.9K

How much do associate project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate project 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 project engineer?

Associate Project Engineers are entry- to mid-level professionals who assist in planning, coordinating, and overseeing engineering projects. They work under the supervision of senior engineers or project managers, helping to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documentation, monitoring project progress, conducting site inspections, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. This role serves as a foundational step for engineers seeking to advance to more senior project management or technical positions.

What are some common challenges faced by associate project engineers in coordinating with cross-functional teams?

Associate Project Engineers often work with various departments such as design, procurement, and construction. A common challenge is ensuring clear and consistent communication among these teams, as miscommunication can lead to project delays or budget overruns. Additionally, balancing competing priorities and managing timelines requires strong organizational skills. Adapting to different team dynamics and resolving conflicts diplomatically are also important for keeping projects on track and maintaining positive working relationships.

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

To thrive as an Associate Project Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management fundamentals, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and possibly an EIT certification is often expected. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help you effectively coordinate with cross-functional teams and manage project tasks. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring projects are executed efficiently, on schedule, and within budget.

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

AspectAssociate Project EngineerProject Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's degree in engineering; often more experience and certifications
Work EnvironmentSupport role in construction or engineering projects, often under supervisionLead role in planning, coordinating, and executing projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering firmsUsed across similar industries, often with more responsibility

The main difference between an Associate Project Engineer and a Project Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. The Associate typically supports project activities and gains experience, while the Project Engineer manages project execution. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but the Project Engineer holds a more senior position with greater accountability.

What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Associate Project Engineer job openings in Illinois 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 $80,077 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Management Associate - Project Engineer

Granite City, IL • On-site

United States Steel Corporation
Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$80K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


United States Steel rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

226th of 547 rated manufacturers


Job description


The Project Engineer will provide Project Management and Technical Expertise to execute U. S. Steel's Capital Plan and All Cost Projects in the plants business plan. This position will be actively engaged with the other departments to identify opportunities to improve the working environment, infrastructure & cost structure of the facility. Investigate, choose, direct, coordinate and supervise outside consultants while discharging one's duties managing the capital and cost projects as well as investigating general improvement of the facilities and processes. Exercise independent technical judgment to develop feasibility studies and evaluate complex alternatives utilizing data such as production, operating cost, energy consumption, yields and others for identifying and implementing improvements to the facility. Combine an awareness of plant quality, yield, and spending requirements with a broad knowledge of process, equipment, and material usage in the industry to identify opportunities to improve facilities or practices.
Responsibilities:
  • Provide technical assistance to the operating and other staff functions.
  • Implementation and execution of the USS employee and contractor safety and environmental compliance programs.
  • Manage capital and cost projects, including identification of the business case, initial planning, developing scope, determining benefits, and estimating cost.
  • Evaluate and select the best available technology to solve assigned tasks through networking with both internal and external based resources.
  • Participate in the project capital or cost funding decision process with Accounting and Tax personnel.
  • Prepare the necessary capital appropriation or cost expenditure request for presentation to the Plant Appropriation Committee and Corporate Management.
  • Responsible for directing outside engineering firms in the preparation of detailed equipment and installation specifications and design drawings, as well as inspection services as requested.
  • Control projects to adhere to budget amount and spending schedules.
  • Perform a complete technical review of equipment supplier proposals and recommend the purchase of equipment that is acceptable.
  • Conduct a thorough review of contractor installation proposals and recommend the acceptable suppliers.
  • Responsible for monitoring equipment manufacture and assembly to assure compliance with specifications and delivery schedules.
  • Manage equipment installation or modifications on a 24-hour basis to meet facility outage and construction schedules.
  • Provide the necessary training and startup assistance to commission new equipment on schedule and achieve stated objectives.
  • Maintain up to date knowledge of current technology through plant visits, continuing education, seminars, and technical exchanges.
Requirements:
  • We are looking for motivated self-starters with 1-2 years of experience that can work in a fast-paced, data-driven environment.
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering / Scientific discipline required.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Oracle software.
  • Capital project management experience or equivalent experience managing maintenance outage work or improvement teams is preferred.
  • Ability to multitask in a multi-faceted work environment with diverse types of responsibilities.
Salary Range: $80,688 - $97,643/yr. This base salary range is a good faith estimate. Based on candidate skills/experience the final offer may be lower/higher.
Company Overview
Since 1901, U. S. Steel has been a recognized leader in steel production. Today, as the first North American steel company to have declared a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal, we remain as innovative as ever, leading transformation across our industry while continuing to make products for everyday life - from industries as far ranging as automotive, construction, containers and packaging, appliances, and energy.
Underneath it all is our Culture of Caring, which shows up in our community partnerships, charitable contributions, company-sponsored employee volunteer initiatives, scholarship programs, leadership training, and much more. And of course, it takes shape in a steadfast commitment to safety first in our workplaces and respect for our employees, who are United by Steel.
We are honored to have earned accolades and awards from well-regarded organizations, including the following:
  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies® 2022, '23, '24
  • Disability: IN's Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion 2021, '22, '23, '24
  • Human Rights Campaign Foundation's Equality 100 Award 2020, '21, '22, '23-24, '25
  • Military Times' Best for Vets: Employers 2023, '24

Conducting business with integrity and with the highest ethical values has underpinned U. S. Steel's success for over 100 years, and it remains critical to our company's success in the future. U. S. Steel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) according to job qualifications without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, genetics, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity, disability status or status as a protected Veteran or any other legally protected group status. (California residents may visit www.ussteel.com/CANotice regarding collection of personal information and U. S. Steel's privacy practices.)
Competency Summary
At U. S. Steel all employees are expected to display the following core competencies every day to advance corporate, team and individual goals:
Think: Think Critically and Drive Change
Lead: Develop Talent and Collaborate
Do: Empower Performance and Deliver Results

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