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Engineer Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Schnabel

Construction and Engineering Internship

Cary, IL · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

This role reports directly to a Schnabel Engineer. You will also have a mentor that will dedicate their time to your development and to answer any questions that come up during your internship.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEngineer JobsEngineer Internship JobsEngineer Internship Jobs in Chicago, IL

Engineer Internship information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$19

$30

How much do engineer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for engineer internship in Chicago, IL is $19.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineer internship?

An Engineer Internship is a temporary position that allows students or recent graduates to gain practical experience in engineering. Interns work under the supervision of experienced engineers, contributing to real-world projects and tasks. This hands-on exposure helps interns apply classroom knowledge, develop technical and professional skills, and explore potential career paths in the engineering field. Internships are often paid and can lead to full-time job opportunities after graduation.

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

To thrive as an Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and relevant coursework in your field of study, often supported by enrollment in an accredited engineering program. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software, MATLAB, or project management platforms is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and eagerness to learn help interns stand out and integrate effectively with professional teams. These skills and qualities are important for contributing meaningfully to projects, adapting quickly, and maximizing the learning experience during the internship.

What are some common challenges engineering interns face during their internship, and how can they overcome them?

Engineering interns often encounter challenges such as adjusting to real-world workflows, learning new software or technical tools quickly, and effectively communicating within multidisciplinary teams. To overcome these, it's helpful to proactively ask questions, seek feedback from mentors, and take initiative in learning about company processes. Building relationships with fellow interns and team members can also provide valuable support and insights, making the transition smoother and more rewarding.

What is the difference between Engineer Internship vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineer InternshipMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate of engineering degreeBachelor's or higher in Mechanical Engineering, professional licensure optional
Work EnvironmentTemporary, entry-level, training-focusedFull-time, project-based, professional setting
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by engineering firms, companies, or organizations for trainingFull-time roles in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and related industries

Engineer Internships are designed for students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while Mechanical Engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing, analyzing, and maintaining mechanical systems. Internships serve as a stepping stone into the industry, whereas Mechanical Engineers hold permanent roles with greater responsibilities.

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Engineer Internship jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Engineer Internship job openings:

Engineer Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineer Internship job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,418 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Preconstruction Engineer - New College Grad

Clayco

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Clayco rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About Us
Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $7.6 billion in revenue for 2024, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential related building projects.
The Role We Want You For
As a Preconstruction Engineer, you will drive the bidding process for construction projects by crafting precise conceptual and hard dollar estimates, developing proposals, and managing subcontractor bids. You will ensure the accuracy and completeness of all project documents, perform quantity take-offs, conduct constructability reviews, and implement value engineering analyses. Your contributions will be crucial in shaping departmental strategies and fostering continuous improvement.
The Specifics of the Role
  • Proposal Preparation: Collaborate with the Preconstruction team to deliver accurate proposals across various business units, including Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, and Residential sectors.
  • Quantity Take-Offs: Perform detailed quantity take-offs for specific scopes of work to support accurate estimating.
  • Subcontractor Management: Oversee the solicitation process for subcontractor bids, build and nurture relationships with subcontractors, and maintain a comprehensive master list of subcontractors/vendors.
  • Bid Evaluation: Prepare and analyze Bid Evaluation sheets to ensure competitive and fair bidding processes.
  • Schedule and Conditions Review: Evaluate project schedules, assist in drafting General Conditions, and contribute to the final assembly of estimates for presentation to owners.
  • Handoff and Support: Facilitate a seamless transition of estimates, bid information, drawings, and specifications to Project Management, and assist Project Managers with contract negotiations, change orders, and other project needs.
  • Historical Data Management: Develop and maintain historical data on unit prices to inform future estimating and bidding processes.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related.
  • Project Engineer internship experience or related internship.
  • Field experience desirable.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of construction principles, practices, and technology.
  • Previous experience on a successful project management team.
  • Ability to walk a job site, climb ladders, and scale multi-floor scaffolding.
  • Ability to lift objects of at least 50 lbs.

Some Things You Should Know
  • Our clients and projects are nationwide - Some travel will be required.
  • No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
  • We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
  • The pace is fast!

Why Clayco?
  • 2025 Best Places to Work - St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
  • 2025 ENR Midwest - Midwest Contractor (#1).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms - Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors - Green Contractor (Top 3).
  • 2025 ENR Top 25 Data Center Builders - Data Center Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits
  • Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation
  • The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $65,000 - $75,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).

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