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Entry Level Process Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

... an entry-level engineering position responsible for supporting the design, planning, and ... Gain working knowledge of utility planning, design, construction, and maintenance processes

This is an excellent entry-level opportunity for an early-career engineer seeking to build ... Work cross-functionally with process engineering, quality, production, and EHS teams to support ...

... business processes surrounding energy efficiency, critical asset performance and workforce ... training is available. ** Entry Level Candidates are Encouraged to Apply!!!** General ...

... business processes surrounding energy efficiency, critical asset performance and workforce ... training is available. ** Entry Level Candidates are Encouraged to Apply!!!** General ...

... role is an entry-level position within the electric utility and power generation industry ... The position applies engineering processes, utility-specific design standards, and industry ...

Electrical Design Engineer

Polo, IL · On-site

$89K - $154K/yr

This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ... Participate in the development and implementation of effective processes and techniques at ...

Electrical Design Engineer

Chana, IL · On-site

$89K - $154K/yr

This Engineering role can be filled at Entry-level, Mid-level or Senior Engineer level. Please see ... Participate in the development and implementation of effective processes and techniques at ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Process Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$48K

$89.2K

$138.1K

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

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level process engineer in Illinois is $89,167.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $99,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level process engineers do not earn that level of salary, senior process engineers or those in executive roles in high-paying industries like oil and gas or pharmaceuticals can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Achieving this typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership responsibilities.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living regions.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, software, aerospace, and electrical engineering can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often in leadership or specialized roles. High salaries are typically associated with industries requiring advanced technical expertise, certifications, or managerial responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Process Engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering and a solid understanding of process design and optimization fundamentals. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen HYSYS or MATLAB) and knowledge of safety and quality standards are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in project environments. These skills ensure efficient process improvements, adherence to safety protocols, and successful collaboration within engineering teams.

What Does an Entry-Level Process Engineer Do?

An entry-level process engineer studies the processes an organization uses for manufacturing. As an entry-level process engineer, you monitor and report on manufacturing process equipment, production methods, and chemical interactions. Your responsibilities include evaluating the safety of manufacturing processes, determining efficiency, and making recommendations on improvements across all areas of manufacturing. Your duties also include troubleshooting problems in the manufacturing process, developing and implementing changes, and ensuring company-wide safety. You collaborate with teams to devise solutions to production challenges and adhere to regulations and production standards.

Are process engineers in high demand?

Process engineers are in high demand across manufacturing, chemical, and energy industries due to their role in optimizing production and reducing costs. Employers seek candidates with strong problem-solving skills, knowledge of process simulation tools, and relevant certifications, making entry-level positions competitive and promising for career growth.

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

Entry level process engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex technical systems, understanding industry-specific regulations, and learning to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. They may also need to quickly grasp company-specific processes and standards while balancing multiple projects under tight deadlines. Seeking mentorship, asking questions, and actively participating in team meetings can help new engineers overcome these hurdles and accelerate their professional growth.

What is the difference between Entry Level Process Engineer vs Process Technician?

AspectEntry Level Process EngineerProcess Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, analyze, and optimize processes; often involved in project planningOperate and monitor manufacturing equipment; troubleshoot issues
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, chemical, pharmaceutical industriesManufacturing plants, production facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in process optimizationCompared for hands-on operational roles

In summary, Entry Level Process Engineers focus on designing and improving processes with a bachelor's degree, while Process Technicians handle daily operations and troubleshooting with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in manufacturing industries but differ in responsibilities and educational requirements.

What does an Entry Level Process Engineer do?

An Entry Level Process Engineer assists in designing, implementing, and optimizing processes within manufacturing or production environments. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers to analyze workflows, improve efficiency, ensure safety standards, and troubleshoot production issues. Their responsibilities may also include collecting and interpreting data, preparing technical reports, and supporting quality control measures. This role provides hands-on experience and foundational skills in process engineering, often serving as a starting point for a career in the field.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Process Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Process Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Process Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Process Engineer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,167 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Assistant Civil Engineer - Transportation (Chicago)

Assistant Civil Engineer - Transportation (Chicago)

Burns & McDonnell

Chicago, IL • On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 79 rated construction


Job description

Description The Burns & McDonnell transportation team is growing in Chicago! We're looking for a highly motivated and willing to learn Assistant Civil Engineer to join our team. This position will work closely with our roadway engineering team to provide support across a wide variety of infrastructure projects including varying size projects for DOTs, counties, tollway, Design-Build, and other civil support.
As an Assistant Civil engineer, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful and unique ways at Burns & McDonnell, including:
  • Opportunity to innovate: Use AI, emerging technologies, and creative problem-solving techniques to develop solutions that improve engineering workflows and project outcomes.
  • Direct exposure to clients and stakeholders: Participate in discussions with project teams, stakeholders, and clients to help deliver safe, efficient, and technically sound engineering solutions.
  • A voice in the process: Contribute fresh ideas, ask questions, and provide new perspectives that are actively considered in technical discussions and project decisions.

This exciting position involves contributing to a collaborative work environment, working alongside some of the top industry leading experts, and ample potential to grow your career and knowledge base. This position works closely with everyone within the team from entry level staff up through senior leadership on technical design of transportation projects such as route planning studies, feasibility studies, roadway PS&E and schematic designs, and progressive design build projects. You will have exposure to a variety of clients, tasks, and projects from within the Chicago office and across the company. The ideal candidate brings strong motivation to learn and support a wide variety of projects to further develop their technical skills, engineering abilities and communication skills.
This Assistant Civil Engineer position offers incredible career advancement potential for motivated individuals seeking to advance their career with a company that invests in you. As an Assistant Civil Engineer, you will work in a multidisciplinary integrated design team to perform the following duties:
  • Assists in the civil design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion.
  • Assist in performing varying components of roadway design including the development of horizontal and vertical alignments, development of typical sections, drainage and hydraulic analysis, development of erosion control plans, tabulation of project quantities and opinion of cost, and general plan production.
  • Assists with research and compiles project related data as required by the project managers.
  • Assists with compiling studies and reports.
  • Assists with client presentations, shop drawing review, and contract administration for the design of transportation facilities.
  • Assists in performing field inspections, measurements or calculations for public and private clients.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program required.
  • Or Bachelor's Degree in Civil or related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam required.
  • Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred.
  • Basic knowledge in standard civil engineering techniques, principles and procedures.
  • Basic knowledge of transportation design standards including AASHTO design guidelines preferred.
  • Basic knowledge of transportation engineering software including Bentley MicroStation, InRoads and/or Geopak and OpenRoads preferred.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment and demonstrated critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
  • Basic computer skills and civil analysis programs.
  • Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills.
  • Engineers in Training-EIT Certification preferred.
  • Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
  • Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently (i.e., without time limitations, without restrictions or without need for work sponsorship) in the country where this position is located.

Compensation
$80,000.00-115,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Civil Engineering
Primary Location US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time
Req ID: 261852
Job Hire Type New Grad #LI-JF #TRN

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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