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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$29.1K

$67.2K

$114.3K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Illinois is $67,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $76,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level engineer?

An entry-level engineer designs, builds, and maintains the functional aspects of a product, structure, or system for their specific engineering industry. All engineers start out in an entry-level position with fewer responsibilities until they gain work experience. Many start gaining experience through an internship or apprenticeship before moving into an entry-level position. An entry-level engineer job description relates to all of the education requirements, skills, detailed tasks, responsibilities that a company or organization requires for their specific engineering job. For example, civil engineers design, construct, and maintain large infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and airports. Electrical engineers design, monitor, and test electrical systems.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as CAD tools, MATLAB, or project management platforms, as well as relevant internships or certifications, is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and learn quickly in a dynamic environment. These skills ensure you can contribute to projects, adapt to organizational needs, and grow professionally in the engineering field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level engineers often face challenges such as adapting to new tools and technologies, understanding company-specific processes, and translating theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. It's also common to navigate working on multidisciplinary teams and learning effective communication with colleagues from different backgrounds. With guidance from mentors and proactive engagement, these challenges become valuable learning experiences that contribute to professional growth.

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

AspectEntry Level EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; internships helpfulBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure optional for some roles
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, manufacturing plants, construction sites, labsDesign, testing, manufacturing, research and development
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions across various engineering sectorsMid to senior roles, but entry-level positions are common in manufacturing and design firms

Entry Level Engineers typically have a bachelor's degree and gain hands-on experience through internships. They work in diverse environments like design firms and manufacturing plants. Mechanical Engineers, while often requiring similar credentials, may start in entry-level roles but are more specialized in mechanical systems. Both roles are common in engineering industries, but the term 'Entry Level Engineer' is broader, encompassing various engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering.

How do I get into entry level engineering with no experience?

Entry level engineering positions often require a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Gaining practical skills through internships, co-op programs, or certifications in tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB can improve your chances; demonstrating problem-solving abilities and a willingness to learn are also important for employers.

What is the easiest entry level engineer job to get into?

Entry-level engineering roles such as manufacturing, technician, or quality assurance positions are often considered easier to obtain due to lower experience requirements and high demand. These jobs typically require basic technical skills, familiarity with tools or software relevant to the field, and sometimes a relevant certification or associate degree.

Why is it so hard to find an entry-level engineer job?

Entry-level engineering jobs are competitive because employers often seek candidates with relevant internships, project experience, or technical skills such as proficiency in CAD, programming, or specific tools. Additionally, many positions require a bachelor's degree and sometimes certifications, which can limit the pool of qualified applicants and make entry into the field more challenging.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,213 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Entry Level Software Engineer (UIUC 2026)

Worky

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$88 - $98/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

(Hybrid) As a Software Engineer on DMC's Digital Workplace Solutions team, youโ€™ll help clients streamline operations using platforms such as SharePoint, Microsoft Power Platform and more. This role combines a software development background with a customer-first approach to solving business challenges and delivering value through the right mix of custom, low-code, and no-code solutions.

About DMC

DMC is a leading engineering consulting firm, delivering high-caliber engineering and custom software development services globally. Specializing in innovative solutions for manufacturing, testing, and product development, our expertise spans industries from aerospace to consumer-packaged goods to healthcare, and more. Our engineers excel in staying ahead of cutting-edge technologies and delivering top notch solutions. We prioritize technical excellence and cultivate a collaborative environment for independent and team-based work, reflecting our commitment to professional growth and providing forward-thinking solutions to clients.

This role is for any entry level candidates (0-3 years of experience) looking for a position in 2027. We have an exceptional onboarding and training program to help align your skillset with our technical offerings.

Responsibilities
  • Solve complex business challenges using platforms including SharePoint, Microsoft Power Platform, .NET, SQL, and React
  • Investigate and troubleshoot application issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to maintain system reliability
  • Collaborate with project teams of varying sizes and experience levels
  • Assist senior engineers in scoping, estimating, and proposing new projects
  • Manage tasks with project teams, prioritizing needs and addressing risks and roadblocks
  • Consult with clients on status updates, maintaining positive rapport while addressing requests
  • Develop and grow leadership skills
  • Note: Occasional travel is required for supporting customer engagement
Requirements
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Computer Science or related field
  • Minimum GPA of 3.4
  • Proficiency in writing clean, readable code using object-oriented programming languages
  • Understanding of cloud computing concepts and modern software architectures
  • Interest in AI-assisted development tools and emerging AI technologies
  • Exposure to code standards, source control, automatic testing, and code review
  • Quick learner with a strong desire for continuous improvement
  • Exposure to core business systems and data (e.g., ERP, CRM, data models, etc.)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for internal and external collaboration
  • Access to a reliable vehicle for work-related travel
Additional Information
  • Benefits/Culture/Bonuses and More!
  • Office Locations
  • DMC Website
  • Engineering Blogs
  • Additional Career Opportunities

#LI-Hybrid

Compensation is based on relevant experience, industry and location standards.

Salary Range

$87,500โ€”$97,500 USD

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