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Entry Level Material Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

HEICO

Sustaining Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $116K/yr

... materials and tooling * Must be able to provide technical support to Sales/Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality and Purchasing * Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) * Entry level to 3 ...

HEICO

Sustaining Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $116K/yr

... materials and tooling * Must be able to provide technical support to Sales/Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality and Purchasing * Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) * Entry level to 3 ...

Heico

Sustaining Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $116K/yr

... materials and tooling * Must be able to provide technical support to Sales/Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality and Purchasing * Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) * Entry level to 3 ...

HEICO

Sustaining Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $116K/yr

... materials and tooling * Must be able to provide technical support to Sales/Marketing, Manufacturing, Quality and Purchasing * Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) * Entry level to 3 ...

4pconsultinginc

Engineer 1

Naperville, IL · On-site

... an entry-level engineering position responsible for supporting the design, planning, and ... Prepare construction specifications and transmit construction packages * Assist with materials ...

SWE Solutions

Construction Engineer I

Naperville, IL

$35 - $46/hr

Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials ... related entry-level roles (internship or co-op experience may be considered). * Exposure to ...

SWE Solutions

Construction Engineer I

Naperville, IL · On-site

$35 - $46/hr

Coordinate with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials ... related entry-level roles (internship or co-op experience may be considered). * Exposure to ...

Technipaq

Process Engineer

Crystal Lake, IL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

... is an entry level to mid-level engineering position responsible to complete engineering activities in support of new materials, new products and new equipment. The Process Engineer is also ...

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All JobsMaterial Engineer JobsEntry Level Material Engineer JobsEntry Level Material Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Material Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$71.5K

$121.6K

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

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level material engineer in Chicago, IL is $71,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,100.00 and $80,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level material engineer do?

An entry level material engineer assists in developing, testing, and evaluating materials used in manufacturing and product design. Their responsibilities often include analyzing material properties, conducting experiments in labs, preparing technical reports, and supporting senior engineers on various projects. They may also help troubleshoot material failures and recommend improvements. This role provides foundational experience in materials science and engineering principles, often working under supervision while gaining practical skills.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Material Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science or engineering, typically with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD), CAD software, and common lab testing protocols is often required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with colleagues and solve complex problems. These competencies ensure you can contribute to developing and improving materials that meet technical and project requirements.

What are some typical projects and responsibilities for an entry level material engineer in their first year?

As an entry-level material engineer, you will often work on tasks like conducting materials testing, analyzing data, assisting with the development of prototypes, and preparing technical documentation. You'll likely collaborate closely with senior engineers, quality control teams, and manufacturing staff to support ongoing projects. It's common to be involved in troubleshooting material-related issues and participating in team meetings to discuss project progress and challenges. This role provides a solid foundation for learning industry standards and gaining hands-on experience with different materials and processes.

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

AspectEntry Level Material EngineerEntry Level Mechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Metallurgy, or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, R&D facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing plants, testing labs
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, electronics, manufacturingAutomotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing
Common Search IntentEntry Level Material Engineer roles, job requirements, career pathEntry Level Mechanical Engineer roles, job duties, career options

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in their respective fields and involve working in manufacturing or R&D environments. While Material Engineers focus on developing and testing materials, Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles based on their skills and interests.

Entry Level Material Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Material Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,453 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Entry-Level Engineer

The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company

Downers Grove, IL • On-site

$78K - $83K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description


Please note:
  • Applying for positions in multiple locations will result in a longer vetting process.
  • The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including the disabled and veterans.

Job Description
Whiting-Turner is a national ENR Top 25 General Contractor looking for entry-level engineers to help manage all aspects of construction projects. Reporting to a project manager and/or a superintendent, the entry-level engineer's major duties include:
  • Coordinating work with project owner representatives, architects, engineers, inspectors, and site subcontractors and/or directing the work of all trades assigned to a construction work site.
  • Managing estimating and bidding processes and tracking costs to manage project budget.
  • Resolving and clarifying design issues.
  • Identifying and resolving field issues and change orders.
  • Writing contracts and purchase orders using company boilerplate language to document all ordered work, schedules, projected costs, change orders and technical specifications.
  • Participating in meetings to coordinate work and manage labor concerns.
  • Ensuring work is completed in accordance with quality standards and contract specifications.
  • Implementing project schedules including each task associated with project completion.
  • Documenting the technical, financial and personnel aspects of each project.
  • Reviewing project drawings, specifications, submittals and change orders.
  • Reviewing each trade's work progress with respect to each project phase.
  • Providing field support to construction superintendents to help ensure contract compliance, quality control and maintenance of the site.
  • Tracking project phase completion against milestones.
  • Setting expectations for managing a safe work site.
  • Documenting each phase of the project.

Whiting-Turner will train qualified candidates to develop:
  • General knowledge of safety regulations, ANSI standards, local and state building codes, environmental codes, availability of industry-specific codes and guidelines.
  • General knowledge of general construction processes, practices and work sites.
  • Experience with construction projects, mechanical/electrical systems, building materials, building mechanics or working with craft workers.
  • Ability to read and understand technical specifications, blueprints, technical manuals, product/material installation instructions and engineering/architectural drawings.
  • Proficiency in scheduling including related scheduling software.

Basic qualifications for Entry-Level Engineer candidates include:
  • Bachelor of Science in an Engineering discipline, Engineering Technology or Construction Management, Construction Technology.
  • Knowledge of engineering principles.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Salary Range
$78,000 to $83,000
**The Company's salary ranges are dependent on a number of factors including but not limited to role, level and location. Individual pay is determined through interviews and an assessment of various factors, including but not limited to job-related skills, relevant education, location, and experience, applicant's abilities and market and business considerations. The annual base salary range listed is subject to change at any time, in the Company's discretion, and does not alter in any way the at-will nature of the employment relationship. The foregoing information reflects base salary only and does not include other forms of available compensation to which employees may be entitled including but not limited to profit sharing, stock appreciation rights, retirement compensation, travel subsistence, vacation, sick leave, parental leave, healthcare, life insurance, disability insurance, and other compensations/benefits, which are dependent upon various factors including but not limited to years of service, location, performance, etc.
This salary range is for Illinois only.

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