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Data Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Springfield, IL

We are seeking a hard-working and self-driven individual for an entry-level production position at ... Engineering and Production project participation during scheduled maintenance/cleanup days.

... AV, and Engineering. Our customer centric approach has ensured long term relationships with ... Basic level understanding and utilization of electronic data, systems, applications on Ipads ...

... AV, and Engineering. Our customer centric approach has ensured long term relationships with ... Basic level understanding and utilization of electronic data, systems, applications on Ipads ...

Data Engineer Entry Level information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$44.1K

$128.6K

$175.9K

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

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for data engineer entry level in Springfield, IL is $128,563.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $113,500.00 and $136,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I get a data engineer job with no experience?

Entry-level data engineering roles typically require some knowledge of programming, databases, and data processing tools like SQL, Python, or Spark. While prior experience is not always mandatory, demonstrating relevant skills through coursework, certifications, or personal projects can improve your chances of securing an entry-level position.

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.

Will AI replace data engineer?

AI is unlikely to fully replace data engineers, as their role involves designing, building, and maintaining data pipelines, which require complex problem-solving and domain expertise. Instead, AI tools can augment their work by automating routine tasks, allowing data engineers to focus on more strategic and complex aspects of data management and analysis.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level data engineers do not earn this level of salary, highly experienced data engineers working in finance, technology, or consulting firms can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Such salaries typically require advanced skills in big data tools, cloud platforms, and extensive industry experience.

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.

Is data engineering an entry level job?

Data engineering can be an entry level position, especially for roles that focus on basic data pipeline development and require foundational skills in SQL, Python, or cloud platforms. However, many data engineering roles prefer candidates with some experience or knowledge of big data tools like Hadoop or Spark, making some positions more suitable for those with intermediate skills.

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 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 Springfield, IL? The most popular types of Data Engineer jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Springfield, IL? For Data Engineer Entry Level jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Data Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Data Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Engineer Entry Level job openings in Springfield, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,563 per year, or $61.8 per hour.

Material Handler - Taylorville

Ahlstrom

Taylorville, IL

$29.28/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 12 days ago


Ahlstrom rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 55 rated fashion and textile manufacturers


Job description

Are you ready to embark on a new career? We are seeking a hard-working and self-driven individual for an entry-level production position at our plant in Taylorville, Illinois. As a Material Handler, your focus is to perform a series of operations necessary for the packaging, labeling, slit width verification, quality control of specialty paper rolls. You will coordinate activities in your area of responsibility to ensure a cost efficient operation while meeting established quality/continuous improvement standards and adhering to the company environmental, health and safety policies. You will work 12-hour shifts, rotating from days to nights every 2 weeks.
We Offer:

  • $29.28/hour starting pay
  • Immediate medical, dental, and vision benefits
  • Automatic over time on Sundays
  • Bonus compensation through the North America Hourly Bonus Program
  • Know your schedule for the entire year
  • Many opportunities for quick pay increases and position advancement
Main Responsibilities:
  • Adhere to all safety policies, OSHA regulations, lSOl4000, QS9000 standards and policies.
  • Participate in Safety/Quality meetings with peers.
  • Perform and ensure the proper slitting width and perforation with the Winder Operator to meet specifications. Ensure each roll of filter media paper is labelled , stacked and wrapped per guidelines.
  • Logs computer data collected for material losses in the Optimill business software system. Ensures quality standards are met by properly reacting to non-conforming product.
  • Support Rewinders by pulling rolls and cutting cores.
  • Troubleshoot production issues with equipment and participate in Continuous Improvement programs.
  • Work with the maintenance department during work order issuance in given area; Engineering and Production project participation during scheduled maintenance/cleanup days.
  • Review daily shift production schedule queues, packing specifications pertaining to slitting, winder schedule or other records prior to production runs.
  • Facilitate information exchange via telephone or personal interface, with the Head Packer and production supervisor, as required for production of the slit filter media rolls.
  • Log and record, as required for continuous improvement teams data collection, SPC and business/process data collection system. (Optimill/Carelmill).
  • Cooperate/Participate during cross training of personnel for efficiency optimization and personal multi-skills development.
  • Maintain proper housekeeping for the department and associated equipment.
  • Assist in projects and other duties as assigned.
Education, Technical Knowledge, Experience and Skill Requirements:
  • High school education or equivalent is required.
  • Mechanical/mathematical aptitude.
  • Ability to work in team environment.
  • Exercise a high degree of independent judgment, self-motivation and communication skills both verbal and written.
  • Some degree of contact with managers and company officials throughout the Filtration Group, as well as vendors, suppliers, and consultants.
  • Computer literate in Excel, Word, Lotus Notes, and other programs preferred.
Physical Demands:
  • The employee must possess the ability to see, hear, talk, sit, stand, walk, and use fingers to manipulate controls.
  • The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is frequently required to bend, stoop, and lift items weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • The employee must be able to walk and stand on a variation of surfaces.
  • The employee must have the ability to work in a hot or cold environment, indoors and outdoors, in a manufacturing production setting, with exposure to working near moving mechanical parts.

Ahlstrom is a global leader in combining fibers into sustainable specialty materials. Our purpose is to Purify and Protect, with Every Fiber, for a Sustainable World. We aim to be the Preferred Sustainable Specialty Materials Company for all our stakeholders. Our Filtration and Life Sciences, Food and Consumer Packaging, and Protective Materials segments, along with the Performance Materials Cluster, address global trends with safe and sustainable solutions. Our net sales in 2025 amounted to EUR 2.9 billion and we employ some 7,000 people. Read more at www.ahlstrom.com.

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