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Data Science Entry Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Wight & Company

AI Solutions & Data Engineer

Darien, IL · On-site

$111K - $133K/yr

Identify opportunities to reduce duplicate data entry and improve the flow of information across ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, data engineering, information systems, software engineering ...

Wight & Company

AI Solutions & Data Engineer

Darien, IL

$111K - $133K/yr

Identify opportunities to reduce duplicate data entry and improve the flow of information across ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, data engineering, information systems, software engineering ...

SpotOn

Product Manager (Dashboard)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

The Dashboard is the primary entry point into the ecosystem, surfacing settings, reports, alerts ... You'll collaborate closely with Engineering, Design, Marketing, Data Science, and GTM teams to turn ...

Avidity Science LLC

Sales Coordinator

Evanston, IL · Remote

$55K - $70K/yr

Coordinate order entry, tracking, and delivery timelines with Customer Service * Assist with ... Prepare reports, sales data, and pipeline updates * Serve as a point of contact for customer ...

Matrix Sciences

Client Service Support

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Works with Data Entry Department to accurately send out test items to other facilities ... Matrix Sciences is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and ...

Numerator

Technical Product Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

... data entry application. The role will also coordinate and communicate with many other parts of the organization, including our Data Science team, Services team, and Sales to help them better ...

Federal Signal

Sales/CRM Business Analyst

Elgin, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Complete data entry into systems, track business, create extract data from various sources ... Bachelor's degree required; concentration in Data Science, Finance, Statistics, Economics, or other ...

Federal Signal

Sales/CRM Business Analyst

Streator, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Complete data entry into systems, track business, create extract data from various sources ... Bachelor's degree required; concentration in Data Science, Finance, Statistics, Economics, or other ...

University of Utah

Bioinformatics Management

Campus, IL · Hybrid

$110K - $122K/yr

... data capture (EDC), integrate biospecimen and data engineering pipelines, and drive proposal ... Apex/Entry Point): Led by this position, serving as the front door for scientific evaluation ...

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All JobsData Science Entry JobsData Science Entry Jobs in Illinois

Data Science Entry information

See Illinois salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do data science entry jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for data science entry in Illinois is $18.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $21.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can a data science entry-level position be entry-level?

Yes, data science entry-level positions are designed for candidates with minimal professional experience, often requiring foundational skills in programming, statistics, and data analysis tools like Python or R. These roles typically serve as starting points for careers in data science and may require relevant internships, coursework, or certifications.

What types of projects do entry-level data scientists work on?

As an entry-level data scientist, you will typically work on projects such as data cleaning, exploratory data analysis, building simple predictive models, and creating data visualizations. These tasks are foundational and help support the broader team by preparing datasets, uncovering actionable insights, and ensuring data quality. You'll often collaborate with more experienced data scientists, engineers, and business analysts, contributing to larger projects and gradually taking on more responsibility as you gain experience. This collaborative environment helps you learn best practices and understand how your work impacts the organization's objectives.

What is an entry-level data scientist?

Data Science Entry jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field of data science, often recent graduates or career changers. These roles typically involve working with data to extract insights, performing basic data cleaning, exploratory analysis, and supporting more senior data scientists. Entry-level data scientists may use tools like Python, R, SQL, and data visualization platforms. The goal is to build foundational skills in data analysis, statistics, and machine learning while contributing to projects under supervision.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an entry-level data scientist?

To thrive as an Entry-Level Data Scientist, you need a solid foundation in statistics, programming (typically Python or R), and data analysis, usually supported by a degree in a quantitative field. Familiarity with tools like SQL, data visualization platforms (e.g., Tableau), and machine learning frameworks (such as scikit-learn or TensorFlow) is highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, curiosity, and effective communication skills help you translate complex data insights into actionable business recommendations. These competencies are crucial for extracting value from data, driving informed decisions, and succeeding in collaborative, data-driven environments.

Is it possible to get a data science entry-level job with no experience?

Data science entry-level positions often require some foundational skills in programming, statistics, and data analysis, but many employers consider candidates with relevant coursework, certifications, or personal projects even without formal work experience. Building a portfolio with projects using tools like Python, R, or SQL can improve chances of securing such roles. Internships and apprenticeships also provide pathways for those new to the field.
Data Science Entry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Science Entry job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,250 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

AI Solutions & Data Engineer

Wight & Company

Darien, IL • On-site

$111K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Are you looking for an opportunity to do challenging, creative work that makes a real impact? Would you like to be part of a company that respects individual contributions and thrives on collaboration? Do you love to win? Then consider joining Wight & Company. We're a nationally recognized, award-winning architecture, engineering, and construction firm known for a dynamic company culture that fosters innovation and challenges the status quo, and we're looking for a talented professional to join our team.
Wight & Company is seeking an AI Solutions & Data Engineer to help turn artificial intelligence and organizational data into practical solutions for our teams, clients, and projects. This hybrid role will work across architecture, engineering, construction, and business operations to identify valuable AI opportunities, develop AI agents and automated workflows, connect information from multiple systems, and help employees confidently apply AI in their work. The ideal candidate combines technical ability with curiosity, creativity, and strong communication skills. This person should be comfortable building solutions directly, facilitating conversations with teams, translating business challenges into technical approaches, and teaching others how to use new tools effectively. The AI Solutions & Data Engineer will report to the Chief Innovation Officer and collaborate with technology, BIM, operations, and departmental leaders across the company.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop AI Solutions and Agents
  • Design, build, test, and maintain AI agents that support project delivery and business operations.
  • Develop solutions using large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, workflow automation, APIs, and related technologies.
  • Connect AI tools with internal applications, document repositories, databases, and third-party platforms.
  • Create prototypes and pilot programs that allow teams to evaluate new ideas quickly.
  • Establish methods for testing solution accuracy, reliability, security, and business value.
  • Help move successful prototypes into maintainable, production-ready solutions.
  • Monitor the performance and adoption of deployed AI solutions and improve them over time.

Build and Manage Data Solutions
  • Gather, clean, organize, and combine data from multiple business and project systems.
  • Develop and maintain data pipelines, integrations, structured datasets, and reusable data services.
  • Help establish reliable connections between project, financial, operational, and knowledge-management platforms.
  • Improve the accessibility and usefulness of organizational data while maintaining appropriate security and permissions.
  • Collaborate with system owners to improve data quality, consistency, documentation, and governance.
  • Support dashboards, reporting, predictive analytics, and AI applications that depend on reliable data.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce duplicate data entry and improve the flow of information across the organization.

Identify and Prioritize AI Opportunities
  • Meet with teams across the company to understand their work, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Facilitate workshops and brainstorming sessions focused on meaningful business problems rather than technology alone.
  • Translate business needs into clearly defined AI, automation, or data initiatives.
  • Evaluate potential solutions based on value, feasibility, risk, scalability, and alignment with company priorities.
  • Help departments develop practical roadmaps for adopting AI and improving their use of data.
  • Stay informed about emerging AI capabilities and evaluate where they may create value for the company or its clients.

Train and Support Teams
  • Develop and deliver practical AI training for employees with varying levels of technical experience.
  • Teach teams how to use approved AI tools effectively, securely, and responsibly.
  • Create guides, demonstrations, templates, prompt libraries, and other reusable learning resources.
  • Coach individuals and teams as they incorporate AI into existing workflows.
  • Support a network of internal AI champions who can help expand adoption across the organization.
  • Share successful use cases and lessons learned to encourage continuous improvement.

Support Responsible AI and Data Governance
  • Help establish technical standards for AI development, data integration, documentation, testing, and deployment.
  • Apply appropriate security, privacy, intellectual-property, and data-governance requirements to AI solutions.
  • Work with technology, legal, risk, and business leaders to evaluate proposed tools and use cases.
  • Maintain clear documentation of data sources, integrations, models, prompts, permissions, dependencies, and system behavior.
  • Promote responsible human oversight and clearly communicate the limitations of AI-generated results.

BACKGROUND & EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, data engineering, information systems, software engineering, or a related field-or equivalent professional experience.
  • Experience developing AI-enabled applications, software integrations, data solutions, or workflow automations.
  • Proficiency in Python, SQL, APIs, and common data-processing methods.
  • Experience working with structured and unstructured data from multiple sources.
  • Understanding of modern generative AI concepts, including large language models, embeddings, vector search, tool use, and retrieval-augmented generation.
  • Experience developing with cloud platforms, databases, automation tools, or enterprise application ecosystems.
  • Ability to translate loosely defined business challenges into practical technical solutions.
  • Strong written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to explain technical concepts clearly to nontechnical audiences.
  • A collaborative mindset and an interest in working directly with employees across many disciplines.
  • Sound judgment regarding data privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, and responsible AI use.
  • Ability to balance experimentation and speed with reliability, documentation, and long-term maintainability.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365, Copilot Studio, Power Platform, Fabric, or related Microsoft technologies.
  • Experience with AI platforms and APIs such as Azure OpenAI, OpenAI, Anthropic, or similar services.
  • Experience with ETL/ELT processes, data warehouses, lakehouses, semantic models, or business-intelligence platforms.
  • Familiarity with agent frameworks, orchestration tools, vector databases, or enterprise search technologies.
  • Experience with application development, source control, testing, deployment, and DevOps practices.
  • Experience delivering technical training, facilitating workshops, or supporting organizational change.
  • Familiarity with architecture, engineering, construction, professional services, or project-based organizations.
  • Experience integrating enterprise systems such as Microsoft 365, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Procore, Bentley, Unanet, CMiC, Egnyte, or similar platforms.
  • Familiarity with BIM, digital project delivery, estimating, construction management, or design technology is beneficial but not required.

Salary Range: $100,000 - $160,000. Individual pay will be based on several factors including experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant.
Wight & Company offers excellent benefits and a wonderful work environment. Our comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, flexible spending, paid holidays, paid time off, and a 401(k). Our flexible work schedule allows for a healthy work-life balance. For more information about our company, visit our website at www.wightco.com.
Wight & Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetics, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Wight & Company values diversity in our workforce. We are committed to recruiting, hiring, and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation to assist with completing the electronic application, please call us at 630.969.7000 and ask to speak with a Human Resources representative.
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