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Engineer Development Program Jobs in Chicago, IL

Leadership Development Program Sepire | Burr Ridge, Illinois | sepire.com Full-Time | Multiple ... T Technology Work alongside our engineering and product teams on the CompliChain platform and ...

Leadership Development Program Sepire | Burr Ridge, Illinois | sepire.com Full-Time | Multiple ... T Technology Work alongside our engineering and product teams on the CompliChain platform and ...

T Technology Work alongside our engineering and product teams on the CompliChain platform and client-facing technology solutions. Ideal for people who are energized by systems, automation, and how ...

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Engineer Development Program information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.9K

$98.7K

$137K

How much do engineer development program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer development program in Chicago, IL is $98,664.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and rotations can participants expect in an Engineer Development Program?

Participants in an Engineer Development Program typically rotate through several departments such as design, manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management. Each rotation offers hands-on experience with real engineering projects, giving you exposure to various technologies and workflows. This structure helps you develop technical skills, understand cross-functional collaboration, and discover your preferred engineering focus area. The program is designed to build a strong foundation for career advancement and prepare you for leadership roles within the organization.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, electrical, or petroleum engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in competitive industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an Engineer Development Program, and why are they important?

To thrive in an Engineer Development Program, you generally need a relevant engineering degree, strong analytical skills, and a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals. Familiarity with industry-specific software (such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks) and basic project management tools is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills that help participants collaborate and learn effectively. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable new engineers to quickly develop technical expertise, contribute to projects, and grow within a dynamic professional environment.

What is the difference between Engineer Development Program vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineer Development ProgramMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some programs may require internshipsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentRotational assignments across departments, training sessions, mentorshipDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing in engineering teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large corporations for early-career developmentWidely used across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace industries

The Engineer Development Program is a structured training initiative aimed at developing early-career engineers through rotations and mentorship, whereas a Mechanical Engineer typically focuses on specific engineering tasks within a department. The program offers broader exposure and training, while the Mechanical Engineer role involves specialized technical work.

What is an Engineer Development Program?

An Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a structured entry-level training initiative designed to help recent engineering graduates transition into professional roles. These programs typically rotate participants through different departments or projects, allowing them to gain broad experience, technical skills, and a deeper understanding of the company's operations. EDPs often include mentorship, formal training sessions, and opportunities to work on real-world engineering challenges. The goal is to prepare participants for long-term career growth within the organization.

What is an engineering development program?

An engineering development program is a structured training initiative designed to prepare early-career engineers for professional roles through rotations, mentorship, and skill-building activities. Participants typically gain experience in various engineering disciplines, develop technical competencies, and often pursue certifications or advanced education during the program.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through senior roles, bonuses, stock options, or leadership positions in large tech companies. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and often working in high-demand industries or companies with competitive compensation packages.

What jobs make $1,000,000 per year?

In the field of engineer development programs, reaching a $1,000,000 annual salary is uncommon and typically involves executive-level roles such as Chief Engineer or senior leadership positions in large corporations, often combined with stock options, bonuses, or profit-sharing. High earnings may also result from entrepreneurship, consulting, or specialized expertise in high-demand industries, but these are not standard roles within development programs. Most engineers in development programs earn significantly less, with top-tier salaries generally below this threshold.
What are popular job titles related to Engineer Development Program jobs in Chicago, IL? For Engineer Development Program jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineer Development Program jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Engineer Development Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Project Engineer - Development

Project Engineer - Development

ARDAGH GROUP

Elk Grove Village, IL

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Ardagh Group rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 113 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

PURPOSE OF THE JOB:        

Supports and/or leads Design, R&D/metal lightweighting, down-gauging and/or process improvement projects to achieve the desired technical objectives and maintain project budget directives. 

 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Develops lighter weight can and end designs which meet all performance and manufacturing requirements.

Designs tools, selects materials and establishes tolerances consistent with equipment capability. 

Creates and revises product and tooling drawings using the CAD system.

Documents change to engineering records and specification documents in accordance with established procedures.

Manufactures on the pilot line, optimizes and tests new designs for fitness for manufacturability and product use to support new product development and/or the metal light-weighting technology plan.

Assists manufacturing with process and/or quality improvements to meet cost and/or quality targets.

Liaison with tooling vendors to ensure required levels of quality and delivery dates for new tooling designs are met.

 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

  • BS in scientific or engineering discipline required.
  • 5-10 years' experience in a design or manufacturing environment
  • CAD capable (AutoCAD / SolidWorks)
  • PDM and SAP Database experience desired.
  • Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
  • Progressive die experience a plus
  • Excellent verbal and written skills
  • Structured problem-solving skills
  • DOE understanding; basic statistics and process capability understanding
  • Greenbelt/Blackbelt skill set desirable
  • Good at detailed work; excellent computer skills
  • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Working knowledge of process capability studies (desired)
  • Highly motivated
  • Up to 25% Travel possible

Ardagh Metal Packaging is a leading global supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal beverage cans to brand owners. A subsidiary of sustainable packaging business Ardagh Group and a leading industry metal packaging company, Ardagh Metal Packaging employs more than 6,300 people across Europe, North America and Brazil, with sales of approximately $4.7 billion.

Ardagh Metal Packaging believes that the success of our business depends on the success of our people. We strive to create working environments where our employees feel valued and can work to their full potential. We offer exciting and rewarding opportunities for talented and creative people. If you have ambition and want to make an impact with your career, come and join our team - you'll enjoy the journey!

Ardagh Metal Packaging - North America has been and will continue to be an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding, and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race, creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming), color, national origin, ancestry (including association, affiliation, or participation with persons or activities related to national origin, English-proficiency or accent, or immigration status), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital or domestic partner status, age, veteran or military status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. Discrimination against any employee or applicant based on any of these factors is prohibited.

The anticipated base annual salary range for this role is between $95,900.00 and $143,900.00 per year.  This role is bonus eligible. The bonus incentive program is based on the company meeting or exceeding certain targets. Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate and is only applicable for roles that are based out of Illinois. The final salary will be determined after considering relevant factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's qualifications, experience, and work location, where appropriate.

Benefits Offered:

  • Medical, prescription, dental and vision plans 
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) 
  • Life insurance  
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Paid holidays and vacation 
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD) 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
  • Apprenticeship programs
  • Professional and personal development opportunities through Employee Resource Groups

Please note the compensation and benefits information above is accurate as of the date of this posting. Ardagh reserves the right to modify this information at any time in accordance with applicable law.


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