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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL (NOW HIRING)

We have been retained by a well established construction and engineering firm that is seeking a ... This Staff Accountant role is perfect for an entry level finance or accounting college graduate who ...

As such, Project Engineers will typically find themselves continuing to learn from Senior Engineers while simultaneously teaching and mentoring Entry Level Engineers. The ideal candidate is expected ...

As such, Project Engineers will typically find themselves continuing to learn from Senior Engineers while simultaneously teaching and mentoring Entry Level Engineers. The ideal candidate is expected ...

As such, Project Engineers will typically find themselves continuing to learn from Senior Engineers while simultaneously teaching and mentoring Entry Level Engineers. The ideal candidate is expected ...

As such, Project Engineers will typically find themselves continuing to learn from Senior Engineers while simultaneously teaching and mentoring Entry Level Engineers. The ideal candidate is expected ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Engineer information

See Buffalo Grove, IL salary details

$30.8K

$71.1K

$121K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Buffalo Grove, IL is $71,134.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,800.00 and $80,500.00 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 Buffalo Grove, IL?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Buffalo Grove, IL are:

What cities near Buffalo Grove, IL are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs?

Cities near Buffalo Grove, IL with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Buffalo Grove, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,134 per year, or $34.2 per hour.

Associate Electrical Engineer - Substation

Black & Veatch Corporation

Chicago, IL • On-site

$91.05 - $152.05/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Black & Veatch rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

57th of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Associate Electrical Engineer - Substation

Location: Chicago, IL; Greenwood Village, CO; Bloomington, MN

Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies

Job Overview

As an Associate Electrical Engineer, you may have the opportunity to:

  • Support a variety of substation projects ranging up to 765kV in engineering detailed design and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC).
  • Develop protection and control design deliverables including protective relays, panel arrangements, one line/single line diagrams, three line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, relay panel wiring and equipment wiring within high voltage substation designs.
  • Develop physical design deliverables including yard layout plans, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, and auxiliary AC/DC power systems within high voltage substation designs.
  • Prepare equipment specifications and Bills of Materials (BOM) for procurement and construction.
  • Correspond with clients, vendors and subcontractors.
  • Potential travel opportunities to client and vendor offices and/or project sites for design reviews, construction coordination and field verification.
  • Adhere to and/or prepare design budgets and schedules
  • Perform QA/QC responsibilities
  • Provide support to business development or pursuit activities.
Key Responsibilities
  • Perform substation designs, including physical design, protection and control with an emphasis on continuous improvement.
  • Continues to learn and remains current on departmental design guides, standards, systems, applicable engineering codes and B&V policies and procedures. Applies to assigned tasks as appropriate.
  • Continues developing and can independently apply knowledge. Complies with B&V quality program relative to assigned tasks. Supports continuous improvement and change management efforts.
  • Prepares a variety of increasingly complex engineering deliverables. Performs research and develops recommendations for equipment and/or materials selection. Collects, assimilates, and manages data for engineering work. Prepares increasingly complex engineering calculations following standard methods and principles. Understands, adheres to and/or prepare budget, schedule, and quality requirements. May recognize, define and resolve problems within assigned area. May provide direction and guidance to others.
  • Assign and guide tasks to develop entry level professionals and/or interns. Coordinates with project leadership and other internal/external team members on high voltage substation projects. Interacts as needed with other disciplines on details of design work.
  • Works to understand external client's interest and drivers through regular interaction and communication. Also focuses on needs of internal clients and project leadership. May provide support to business development or pursuit activities.
  • Shares current knowledge of latest technology and processes.
  • As skills develop, may assist with performance management process, recognition, and any corrective actions required. Actively mentors and trains entry level professionals and interns.
Preferred Qualifications
  • High voltage (HV) substation design experience – Physical and/or Protection & Controls
  • Proficient with Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office Programs (such as Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint, etc.)
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering from either a recognized accredited program in their home country or the country in which the professional is practicing.
  • Minimum of 1 year related work experience.
  • All applicants must be able to complete pre‑employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.
Work Environment / Physical Demands

Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.

Compensation Transparency

In accordance with local requirements, the annual compensation ranges for this role are listed below by state or jurisdiction and reflect the applicable office location(s) within each. Final compensation is determined based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, internal alignment, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law.

  • State of Colorado: 91,047-152,053
  • State of Illinois: 91,047-152,053
  • State of Minnesota: 86,909-145,142
Job Grade

015

Benefits

Our comprehensive benefits portfolio is a key component of this commitment and offers an array of health care benefits including but not limited to medical, dental and vision insurances along with disability and a robust wellness program.

To support a healthy work‑life balance, we offer flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.

A variety of additional benefits are available to our professionals, including a company‑matched 401k plan, adoption reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, vendor discounts, an employment referral program, AD&D insurance, pre‑taxed accounts, voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union. Professionals may also be eligible for a performance‑based bonus program.

EEO Statement

BVH, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliated companies, complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations. Black & Veatch does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law.

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About Black & Veatch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Overland Park, KS, US

Year founded

1915