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Data Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Trilon

Municipal Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

You will work with clients to obtain data or share information. We promote a team environment, so ... the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, participants take part in a hands-on ...

Trilon Group

Municipal Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

You will work with clients to obtain data or share information. We promote a team environment, so ... the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, participants take part in a hands-on ...

Experience Champaign Urbana

Staff Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$95 - $135/hr

... the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, participants take part in a hands‑on ... Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjust and correlate data ...

Trilon Group

Staff Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

... the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, participants take part in a hands-on ... adjust and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow standard office ...

Trilon

Staff Engineer

Champaign, IL

... the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, participants take part in a hands-on ... Apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjust and correlate data ...

All JobsData Engineer JobsData Engineer Entry Level JobsData Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Champaign, IL

Data Engineer Entry Level information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$44.6K

$129.9K

$177.8K

How much do data engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for data engineer entry level in Champaign, IL is $129,906.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,700.00 and $137,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a data engineer entry level do?

An entry-level data engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining systems that allow organizations to collect, store, and analyze large amounts of data. They typically work with databases, data pipelines, and cloud platforms to ensure data is accessible and reliable for analysis. Entry-level data engineers often assist with cleaning and transforming raw data, automating data workflows, and supporting data scientists and analysts. They also learn best practices in data security and performance optimization as they gain experience.

What are some typical projects or tasks that entry-level data engineers work on during their first year?

As an entry-level data engineer, you can expect to work on tasks such as building and maintaining data pipelines, cleaning and transforming raw data, and supporting the integration of different data sources. You'll often collaborate with data analysts and more senior engineers to ensure data is accurate, accessible, and well-documented. Early projects might include automating data extraction processes, setting up basic ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) workflows, or optimizing database queries. These foundational responsibilities help build the technical and teamwork skills essential for career growth in data engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level data engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Data Engineer, you need foundational knowledge in programming (such as Python or SQL), data structures, and database management, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with ETL tools, cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), and version control systems is typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you collaborate with teams and adapt to evolving data needs. These skills ensure accurate data processing, efficient pipeline development, and successful integration within data-driven organizations.

What is the difference between Data Engineer Entry Level vs Data Analyst Entry Level?

AspectData Engineer Entry LevelData Analyst Entry Level
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS, IT, or related field; some certifications (e.g., Google Cloud, AWS)Bachelor's in Statistics, Math, or related field; certifications like Microsoft Data Analyst
Work EnvironmentFocus on building data pipelines, databases, and infrastructureFocus on interpreting data, creating reports, and visualizations
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, where data infrastructure is keyBusiness intelligence, marketing, finance, and consulting firms

While both roles involve working with data, Data Engineer Entry Level focuses on developing and maintaining data infrastructure, whereas Data Analyst Entry Level emphasizes analyzing data to generate insights. Both roles require strong technical skills and are essential in data-driven organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Data Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL?

The most popular types of Data Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Champaign, IL?

For Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Champaign, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Data Engineer Entry Level job openings:

Data Engineer Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Engineer Entry Level job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,906 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Municipal Engineer

Trilon

Champaign, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

We're seeking driven Civil Engineering students and recent graduates who are enthusiastic about learning and contributing to a diverse range of projects. Join our team at any of our Fehr Graham locations across Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin  and grow your career in a supportive, dynamic environment. We value talented, dependable individuals who are passionate about delivering personalized service and building lasting relationships with our clients.

What you'll do
You will provide civil, municipal, land development and/or environmental engineering services using prescribed methods. You'll perform specific and limited portions of broader assignments of an experienced engineer. You will apply standard practices and techniques in specific situations, adjust and correlate data, recognize discrepancies in results, and follow standard office procedures through a series of related detailed steps or processes. This position works directly with clients and firm project managers to deliver projects with the highest quality possible - on time and on budget.
 
You will work in a team environment and learn from fellow staff engineers, project engineers, environmental scientists and project managers. You'll draft reports, assist with specifications and make preliminary selection of equipment. You will work with clients to obtain data or share information. 
 
We promote a team environment, so you'll work with fellow engineers, environmental scientists and many more people. And you'll develop leadership skills that build autonomy.
 
Grow Your Career with Blueprint

This role includes a guaranteed seat in Blueprint, our new early career leadership program for engineers looking to grow beyond the typical entry-level experience. Over six months, participants take part in a hands-on curriculum covering professional development, business acumen, and project delivery - including case studies, simulations, and role-play exercises. The program covers topics like project economics, communication, and leadership fundamentals, and concludes with an in-person capstone event where participants present their work and outline goals for the year ahead.

Your Future Starts With A Plan.
 
What's in it for you?
We offer an exciting and engaging work environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. At Fehr Graham, we don't just manage projects - we bring them to life! This position will put you in the driver's seat to steer our transportation projects to success.  If you have a passion for transforming concepts into tangible achievements and hope to accelerate your career, we want you on our team.

What it takes
You'll need a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering. If you have up to two years' experience, we're interested. You should speak and write well. And you should have strong analytical and organizational skills. You must be a team player. 
What you'll get
You'll have plenty of opportunities to grow professionally at our progressive firm, which started in 1973. Our people-first organization is focused on giving our employees the opportunity for growth. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer:
  • Medical/dental/vision
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401K
  • Profit sharing plan
  • Paid time off
  • An awesome work environment.  
Learn more about Fehr Graham's people, culture and projects on our website. 
Fehr Graham provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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