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Entry Level Applications Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cadence

Application Engineer

Cary, IL

$74K - $137K/yr

This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited ... applications used for Digital Design/Simulation, Physical Design, Analog Layout, Advanced ...

Flyover

Applications Specialist I

Chicago, IL · On-site

This is an entry-level role on the IT team for someone eager to grow: you'll work alongside senior ... The attraction utilizes flight motion seats engineered to swoop, dip and turn, giving guests a ...

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All JobsApplications Engineer JobsEntry Level Applications Engineer JobsEntry Level Applications Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Applications Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52.1K

$114.1K

$156.7K

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

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level applications engineer in Chicago, IL is $114,125.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,600.00 and $139,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level applications engineer do?

An Entry Level Applications Engineer assists in designing, developing, and supporting software or hardware applications for customers. They work closely with sales and engineering teams to understand client requirements and help implement technical solutions. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting, providing technical support, and ensuring that applications meet customer needs. This role is a great starting point for gaining hands-on experience in both engineering and customer-facing environments.

What does collaboration typically look like for an entry level applications engineer within a project team?

As an Entry Level Applications Engineer, collaboration is central to your daily responsibilities. You’ll work closely with senior engineers, product managers, and sometimes directly with customers to understand requirements and develop solutions. Regular team meetings, code reviews, and joint troubleshooting sessions are standard, providing valuable learning opportunities and exposure to different technical perspectives. This collaborative environment helps you build both technical and communication skills, while also giving you insight into how products evolve from concept to deployment.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Applications Engineer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and foundational knowledge in programming or technical problem-solving. Familiarity with CAD software, programming languages (such as Python or C++), and simulation tools is often expected, along with exposure to industry-specific platforms. Effective communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are essential soft skills that help you collaborate with clients and cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for efficiently delivering technical solutions that meet client needs and contribute to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Entry Level Applications Engineer vs Junior Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Applications EngineerJunior Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, technical skills, some certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, internship experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentCustomer-facing, technical support, product demonstrationsDesign, analysis, testing in office or lab settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, industrial equipmentManufacturing firms, engineering consultancies, R&D

The Entry Level Applications Engineer typically focuses on technical support, product demonstrations, and customer interaction, requiring strong communication skills and technical knowledge. In contrast, a Junior Mechanical Engineer often works on design, analysis, and testing within engineering teams. While both roles require a bachelor's degree, the applications engineer role emphasizes customer-facing skills and product knowledge, whereas the mechanical engineer role centers on technical design and development.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Applications Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Applications Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Entry Level Applications Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Applications Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,125 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Application Engineer

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

Cary, IL

$74K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Cadence Design Systems rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

Cadence Design Systems is looking for new STEM bachelor's graduates with experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools to join our Customer Support Team's (CST) Rotational Program in San Jose, CA, Austin TX, Cary NC, Columbia MD, or Burlington MA.

As an integral member of CST, you work with the best in class EDA tools, collaborate with technical experts and support the sales team in a dynamic, innovative environment focused on silicon design and design automation. In this customer facing role you will provide the front-line design services, technical sales and customer support to the most advanced Cadence customers and will work with the Cadence account teams to come up with innovative solutions to address our customers' most challenging technical problems. This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited experience but a strong desire to learn and be a part of the electronic technologies of tomorrow.

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

The person in this full time regular entry level position will start in a cohort based, one year program that will include new colleges graduates from across North America and consist of two six month rotations with detailed, hands-on training in applications used for Digital Design/Simulation, Physical Design, Analog Layout, Advanced Verification or Hardware Emulation. This program is only for students graduating with a Bachelor's degree only. The opportunity to learn from the technical experts, sales and application engineers who provide the design services, technical sales and customer support to the most advanced Cadence customers will be included in this one year program.

After the cohort program has been successfully completed, the person in this role will be assigned full time regular responsibilities in a CST business group based on the person's interests and company needs.

This cohort-based program will offer experience in the following areas:

  • Fundamentals in design, verification, HDLs, synthesis and timing
  • Embedded software development and HW/SW codesign and co-verification
  • UNIX , C/C++, and scripting languages such as Perl, TCL, Python
  • Digital physical design and implementation
  • Sign-off for timing, IR drop, power analysis, SI analysis
  • Custom and analog design
  • Opportunity to network and participate in fun activities and recent college grad community at Cadence.

Cadence is a pivotal leader in electronic design, building upon more than 30 years of computational software expertise. The company applies its underlying Intelligent System Design strategy to deliver software, hardware and IP that turn silicon and electronic design concepts into reality.

Cadence customers are the world's most innovative companies, delivering extraordinary electronic products from chips to boards to systems for the most dynamic market applications including consumer, hyperscale computing, 5G communications, automotive, aerospace industrial and health.

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

The annual salary range for California is $74,200 to $137,800. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.

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