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Associate Project Engineer Jobs in Vernon Hills, IL

Project Engineer - VDC

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$94K/yr

As a Project Engineer for Virtual Construction , you will support modeling and detailing tasks with ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Drafting, Detailing, or BIM * 1-4 years of ...

Project Engineer - VDC

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80 - $108/hr

As a Project Engineer for Virtual Construction , you will support modeling and detailing tasks with ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Drafting, Detailing, or BIM * 2-4 years of ...

As a Field Project Engineer at OneTrack.ai, you will be crucial in executing service projects in ... An associate degree and/or an equivalent level of education plus experience is also acceptable ...

Field Project Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80 - $100/hr

As a Field Project Engineer at OneTrack.ai, you will be crucial in executing service projects in ... An associate degree and/or an equivalent level of education plus experience is also acceptable ...

Showing results 21-40

Associate Project Engineer information

See Vernon Hills, IL salary details

$40.4K

$80.5K

$128.6K

How much do associate project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate project engineer in Vernon Hills, IL is $80,502.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,800.00 and $92,500.00 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 Vernon Hills, IL?

The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Vernon Hills, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Project Engineer jobs in Vernon Hills, IL?

For Associate Project Engineer jobs in Vernon Hills, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Vernon Hills, IL are hiring for Associate Project Engineer jobs?

Cities near Vernon Hills, IL with the most Associate Project Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Project Engineer job openings in Vernon Hills, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,502 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Project Engineer - VDC

Pepper Construction

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$94K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm that primarily serves the private sector. Pepper Construction provides clients the experience and resources of a national company, combined with the hands-on approach of a local company.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Virtual Construction department at Pepper Construction is on the leading edge of technology adoption and modeling capabilities, including coordination, detailing, visualization, data capture, and model-based project planning. Our goal is to assist clients, design teams, and project teams in communicating expectations and addressing complex conditions.
As a Project Engineer for Virtual Construction, you will support modeling and detailing tasks with a primary focus on structural modeling and rebar detailing using Tekla Structures, along with general VDC services across structural, architectural, and enclosure systems. This role is ideal for individuals early in their career who are eager to grow their technical skills, learn advanced modeling workflows, and contribute to project coordination efforts.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Modeling & Detailing
  • Develop accurate rebar models and shop-level detailing using Tekla Structures.
  • Support model creation for structural and enclosure systems, including geometry, embeds, connections, and general coordination elements.
  • Assist in producing model-based deliverables such as drawings, reports, and quantities
  • Maintain model organization, accuracy, and compliance with Pepper standards.

Project Support & Coordination
  • Collaborate with project teams, field supervision, and design partners to identify and resolve missing or incomplete information and constructability concerns.

Technology & Process Development
  • Learn and apply Pepper's VDC standards, workflows, and best practices.
  • Support continuous improvement by providing feedback on modeling processes and tools.
  • Stay aware of emerging technologies and participate in industry events and networking

Quality & Accountability
  • Ensure accuracy and completeness of assigned modeling tasks.
  • Follow established protocols for file management, documentation, and model updates.
  • Maintain high-quality deliverables for internal and external stakeholders.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Drafting, Detailing, or BIM
  • 1-4 years of experience in structural modeling, rebar detailing, or general VDC workflows.
  • Experience using Tekla Structures required; familiarity modeling concrete and rebar preferred.
  • Exposure to Tekla Custom Components, Reports, & Templates beneficial.
  • Familiarity with other modeling or coordination tools (Revit, Navisworks, etc.) is a plus.
  • Experience with Microsoft tools; (Power BI familiarity beneficial but not required)
  • Strong communication skills-both written and verbal.
  • Ability to learn quickly, follow technical workflows, and adapt to new tools.
  • Work from Chicagoland offices; preferably Des Plaines
  • Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
  • Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.

The salary midpoint for this role is $94,000. We consider many factors when determining the actual hiring salary. These factors may include location, transferable skills, work experience, licensure and certification, business needs, internal equity, and market demands.
Pepper Construction is dedicated to offering our employees a comprehensive and best-in-class benefits package that prioritizes their physical, financial, and emotional well-being. We offer medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans, a generous 401k match, and a student loan repayment benefit. In addition to paid time off for company holidays, vacation, and personal days, Pepper offers fully paid medical and parental leave, mental health services, and more.
Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.