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Contractor Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Novak Construction Company

2027 Internship Program

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Novak Construction Company is a licensed general contractor with experience delivering projects in ... Our internship program is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience while introducing ...

Schnabel

Construction and Engineering Internship

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

The internship can also be done as a co-op during the spring or fall semester. The main ... Schnabel is a subcontractor so you will also have exposure to general contractors and government ...

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All JobsContractor JobsContractor Internship JobsContractor Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL

Contractor Internship information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$17

$24

How much do contractor internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for contractor internship in Chicago, IL is $17.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contractor internship?

A contractor internship is a temporary position where an intern works for a company as an independent contractor rather than as a traditional employee. This arrangement typically involves specific project-based work with defined deliverables and timelines. Contractor interns often have more flexibility and autonomy but may not receive the same benefits as regular employees. These internships can provide valuable real-world experience and help build professional networks in the industry.

What is the difference between Contractor Internship vs Project Engineer?

AspectContractor InternshipProject Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree in engineering or related discipline, often with some experience
Work EnvironmentOn-site construction sites, offices, or project locationsOffice settings, site visits, project planning environments
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, engineering contractors, infrastructure projectsConstruction companies, engineering firms, infrastructure projects
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Contractor Internships are typically entry-level positions for students or recent graduates gaining practical experience in construction or engineering projects. Project Engineers are more experienced roles responsible for overseeing project execution, planning, and coordination. While both roles work within the construction and engineering industries, internships focus on learning and exposure, whereas Project Engineers handle project management tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contractor intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contractor Intern, you generally need foundational knowledge in construction management or engineering, often supported by enrollment in a relevant degree program. Familiarity with project management software, drafting tools like AutoCAD, and safety compliance systems is typically expected. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout interns apart. These abilities are crucial for supporting project teams, ensuring compliance, and contributing to successful project delivery in a fast-paced environment.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a contractor internship?

As a Contractor Intern, you will often be assigned to support ongoing client projects or internal initiatives, depending on the organization's needs. Tasks may include data analysis, research, administrative support, or assisting with project management activities. You'll typically work under the guidance of a project manager or senior contractor, collaborating closely with both full-time staff and other interns. This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills, and build a network within your chosen industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contractor Internship jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contractor Internship job openings:
Contractor Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contractor Internship job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,080 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Metallic Internship Coordinator

Argonne National Laboratory

Lemont, IL

$60K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Argonne National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory conducting world-class research to address the nation's energy, environmental, and security challenges. The University Student Program Team within Institutional Partnerships supports the development of the next generation STEM workforce through work-based learning experiences for over 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students annually.


We invite you to apply for the METALLIC Internship Coordinator position. In this position, you will be responsible for coordinating the operational and logistics aspects of a brand-new METALLIC internship program as defined by the larger METALLIC initiative.


Responsibilities Include:

  • Design and deliver work-base learning programs for undergraduate, Masters and PhD students, and lead participant recruitment and tracking, coordinate with other national laboratories to ensure a seamless experience.

  • Organize and coordinate all aspects of the METALLIC internship program for undergraduate, master's, and PhD student experiences. Assist with onboarding, orientation, cohort activities for program participants, scheduling, tracking deliverables, and ensuring program activities align with METALLIC's goals.

  • Act as a resource for students, helping them navigate their learning experience and connect with mentors.

  • Assist in the hands-on creation of student experiences that will include skill development at the national labs, industry and higher education institutions.

  • Support recruitment efforts to attract students from regional and national academic institutions.

  • Help maintain relationships with other METALLIC labs and strategic university partners by coordinating cross-lab collaborations and industry engagement activities and providing logistical support for visits to other labs and industry sites for program participants.

  • Help track program metrics, such as participant counts, deliverables, and feedback summaries; and prepare quarterly updates and annual summaries for program reporting.

  • This hybrid position requires on-site presence a minimum of 2-3 days per week.

Position Requirements

  • PA2: A Bachelor's degree, preferably in a STEM field (e.g., Physical Sciences, Engineering, or Biology) or a related field (e.g., Education, Communications) with a minimum of 2+ years of professional experience in program coordination, educational program support, or a related role within a research, academic, or STEM-focused environment.

  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

  • Knowledge of and experience in coordinating programs for university students and proficiency in data tracking and reporting tools.

  • Experience with coordinating programs, participant recruitment, outreach, or student services in a higher educational or research setting.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and support diverse participant populations.

  • Proficiency in using online application systems, cloud-based collaborative tools, and Microsoft Office.

  • Department priorities include leveraging AI capabilities to increase efficiencies; AI experience a plus but not required.

  • Demonstrated experience of working within a high-functioning matrixed team and within a dynamic environment managing multiple deadlines.

  • Ability to participate in occasional evening and weekend programming.

  • Ability to model Argonne's Core Values: Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity, and Teamwork.

  • Familiarity with the critical minerals and materials (CMM) supply chain or related industries is a plus.

  • Formal and informal teaching experience not required but a plus.

Job Family

Professional Administrative (PA)

Job Profile

Education Outreach 2

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $60,750.00 - $94,770.00.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!

As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.

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