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Entry Level Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Mechanical Design Engineer - HVAC - Entry Level

Champaign, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... an entry-level Mechanical Designer to join our MEP team. You will design and coordinate HVAC ... Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering * A talent for spatial and systems thinking

ICF

Substation Physical Engineer - REMOTE

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$101K - $129K/yr

ICF is seeking a Substation Physical Engineer, to work primarily on the design of projects on distribution substations at voltages from 12kV to 69kV with the goal of providing excellent quality work ...

Cadence

Application Engineer

Cary, IL

$74K - $137K/yr

This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited ... Digital physical design and implementation * Sign-off for timing, IR drop, power analysis, SI ...

Ebco Inc

Mechanical Design Project Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Contribute to the design, development and physical validation of products * Support the creation ... Familiarity with basic engineering and manufacturing principles * Proficient in basic computer ...

Ebco Inc

Mechanical Design Project Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Contribute to the design, development and physical validation of products * Support the creation ... Familiarity with basic engineering and manufacturing principles * Proficient in basic computer ...

Ebco Inc

Mechanical Design Project Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Contribute to the design, development and physical validation of products * Support the creation ... Familiarity with basic engineering and manufacturing principles * Proficient in basic computer ...

The LaSalle Group

Mechanical Engineer Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Carry out drafting and design assignments; assist Project Engineer, Mechanical/Electrical Engineer ... LEED accredited professional preferred * Entry-level position; minimum of one year of experience

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All JobsPhysical Design Engineer JobsEntry Level Physical Design Engineer JobsEntry Level Physical Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Physical Design Engineer information

What does an entry level physical design engineer do?

An Entry Level Physical Design Engineer works on the layout and implementation of integrated circuits (ICs), specifically focusing on translating logical circuit designs into physical layouts that can be manufactured. Their responsibilities often include tasks such as floorplanning, placement, routing, timing analysis, and design rule checking using specialized software tools. They collaborate with other engineers to ensure that the chip meets performance, power, and area requirements. Entry-level engineers are typically involved in supporting more experienced team members while learning industry-standard design flows and tools. This role plays a crucial part in bringing new electronic products to market.

What are some common challenges entry level physical design engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Entry Level Physical Design Engineers often find that real-world projects are larger in scale and complexity compared to academic assignments. Adapting to industry-standard tools like Cadence or Synopsys, managing strict deadlines, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams can be challenging at first. Additionally, understanding and following established workflows, as well as dealing with the nuances of process technology and design constraints, require a steep learning curve. However, many companies provide mentorship and training to help new engineers integrate smoothly and develop their expertise.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Physical Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, digital logic design, and VLSI concepts, typically supported by a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Cadence, Synopsys, or Mentor Graphics for layout, synthesis, and verification, as well as scripting languages such as TCL or Python, is essential. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the efficient translation of circuit designs into manufacturable layouts, driving successful chip development and collaboration in complex engineering environments.

What is the difference between Entry Level Physical Design Engineer vs Digital IC Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Physical Design EngineerDigital IC Design Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Computer EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, CAD tools, chip fabrication facilitiesDesign teams, simulation tools, hardware labs
Industry UsageFoundries, semiconductor companies, EDA firmsSemiconductor companies, integrated circuit design firms
Common Search IntentEntry level, physical implementation, chip layoutDigital logic, circuit design, RTL coding

Entry Level Physical Design Engineers focus on translating digital circuit designs into physical layouts, ensuring manufacturability and performance. Digital IC Design Engineers primarily work on designing digital circuits at the RTL level. While both roles require a background in electrical engineering and involve working with semiconductor companies, physical design emphasizes layout and fabrication, whereas digital design emphasizes circuit functionality and logic.

What are the most commonly searched types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Physical Design Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Physical Design Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Physical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Physical Design Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Mechanical Design Engineer - HVAC - Entry Level

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

Champaign, IL • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

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Job description

Hybrid position - remote and on site.
About the Role

We are seeking an entry-level Mechanical Designer to join our MEP team. You will design and coordinate HVAC systems across a wide variety of project types, where your contributions are visible and your work gets built.

We’re not a large corporation — you’ll be a meaningful contributor to real projects from the start, not just another hire.

Responsibilities

  • Designing HVAC systems for a wide range of building types — heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related mechanical systems
  • Performing load calculations and equipment selection
  • Producing construction documents in Revit and AutoCAD
  • Editing specifications, reviewing shop drawings, and answering RFIs
  • Coordinating with our MEP team across disciplines
  • Conducting site surveys and field verification — required 2 to 4 times per month
  • Applying and staying current with relevant codes and standards — ASHRAE, IMC, and IECC

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
  • A talent for spatial and systems thinking
  • Comfortable learning new software
  • Someone who takes ownership of their work and stays on top of their own workload
  • A clear, collaborative communicator
  • Genuine interest in building a long-term career in HVAC design

Helpful but Not Required

  • Relevant work experience
  • Experience with HAP, Trace 700, or similar load calculation software
  • EIT certification or progress toward PE licensure
  • Proficiency or aptitude in Revit and AutoCAD

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary: $65,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience
  • Year-end bonus: Discretionary, reflecting company performance and individual factors including merit, seniority, and expertise
  • Hybrid work schedule, negotiable
  • Flexible hours
  • Health, dental, & vision insurance
  • FSA: Pre-tax dollars for medical & dependent care
  • 401(k) with employer match
  • PTO: Vacation time that grows with tenure, paid holidays, parental leave
  • Professional development: Employees who choose to pursue certifications are reimbursed for exam fees and renewals

Company Description

GHR Engineers & Associates, Inc. is a mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) consulting firm. Since 1949, we have built our reputation through quality work, integrity, and service.

We design the systems that make buildings functional, sustainable, and safe, working across healthcare, K–12, commercial, municipal, and specialty building types.

We’re a close-knit team of about 20 people. We treat our employees like people with lives and commitments outside the office, and our retention speaks to that. Our team includes people who have been with us from one to thirty years.
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities. We benefit from the many perspectives our people bring, and we’re committed to continuing to grow.