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Entry Level Simulation Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Simulation Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$40.2K

$127.1K

$196.2K

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

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level simulation engineer in Chicago, IL is $127,119.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,800.00 and $150,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the synonym of entry?

In the context of an entry-level simulation engineer position, a synonym for 'entry' is 'initial' or 'beginner,' indicating a role suitable for those starting their careers with minimal experience. These positions often require foundational skills in simulation tools and may serve as a stepping stone to more advanced engineering roles.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Simulation Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, mathematics, and computer science, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with simulation software such as MATLAB, Simulink, or ANSYS, as well as programming languages like Python or C++, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and interpret complex data. These competencies ensure accurate model development, efficient troubleshooting, and successful project outcomes in engineering environments.

Is it entry or entery?

The correct term for starting level positions, including entry level simulation engineer roles, is 'entry' as in 'entry-level.' The word 'entery' is a misspelling and not used in professional or job-related contexts. When applying for an entry level simulation engineer position, focus on skills like basic programming, modeling, and simulation tools, and ensure your resume reflects the correct terminology.

What does an Entry Level Simulation Engineer do?

An Entry Level Simulation Engineer assists in developing, testing, and analyzing computer models that simulate real-world processes, such as mechanical systems, fluid dynamics, or electronic circuits. They work closely with senior engineers to interpret data, validate simulation results, and improve model accuracy. Their responsibilities often include running simulations, troubleshooting code, preparing technical reports, and learning industry-standard software. This role is foundational for gaining hands-on experience in engineering analysis and simulation tools.

What does entry mean?

In the context of an entry level simulation engineer position, 'entry' indicates a role suitable for candidates with limited professional experience or recent graduates. It typically involves basic responsibilities and may require foundational skills in simulation software, programming, or engineering principles, with opportunities for skill development and advancement.

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

AspectEntry Level Simulation EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related field; basic knowledge of simulation softwareBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; proficiency in CAD software
Work EnvironmentEngineering teams, R&D labs, software toolsDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, CAD labs
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing companiesProduct design firms, manufacturing industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Entry Level Simulation Engineer and Mechanical Design Engineer roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often within manufacturing and aerospace industries. While simulation engineers focus on modeling and testing systems virtually, mechanical design engineers concentrate on creating physical product designs. Both roles are essential in product development, but they differ in their core responsibilities and tools used.

What are some typical projects or tasks an Entry Level Simulation Engineer can expect to work on during their first year?

As an Entry Level Simulation Engineer, you can expect to work on supporting senior engineers with the development, testing, and validation of simulation models for products or systems. Your daily tasks may include setting up simulation environments, running computational analyses, documenting findings, and troubleshooting discrepancies between simulated and real-world results. You will likely collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, such as product design, software development, and testing, gaining exposure to a variety of engineering disciplines. This hands-on experience is valuable for building technical proficiency and understanding best practices in simulation within your industry.

Is it entree or entry?

The correct term for the job level is 'entry' level simulation engineer. This designation indicates a position suitable for candidates with little to no professional experience, often requiring basic knowledge of simulation tools and programming languages like MATLAB or Python. 'Entree' is a culinary term and not related to job levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Simulation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Simulation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Simulation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Simulation Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
2026 Associate Software Digital Engineer - Rolling Meadows IL - Rolling Meadows IL

2026 Associate Software Digital Engineer - Rolling Meadows IL - Rolling Meadows IL

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$77K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 340 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 519 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.


Entry Level opportunities at Northrop Grumman are unique. Are you interested in boosting your knowledge through experience and exposure, while supporting a mission that seeks to protect our nation and its allies? If so, then Northrop Grumman is the place you!


Our professionals live and breathe different perspectives; we are curious about the world, accepting each other, and aware that the more ideas, backgrounds, opinions and experiences we bring to our work, the stronger that work will be. Just as you would invest your time and hard work into our company, we focus on investing back into you through enriching professional experiences and high-quality learning and development opportunities. We want you to bring your whole self to work, and for you to have meaningful connections with your coworkers, customers and communities, while providing the best products, systems and technologies to protect our world.

The qualified candidate will become part of Northrop Grumman's Multidomain Sensing, Targeting and Survivability (MSTS) Division. Rolling Meadows employees are all about redefining what's possible in the realms of navigation, targeting, and state-of-the-art self-protection. The systems that they design, build, integrate and test are created with the dynamics of present and future operational stakes in mind.

Northrop Grumman is seeking Software/Digital Technology (SW/DT) Engineers. This position will be located at our Mission Systems Sector in Rolling Meadows, IL.

You'll Have an Opportunity to:

  • Bring ideas into reality by designing and developing digital logic for our advanced mission solutions
  • Gain hands-on exposure to the programmable logic full life-cycle: design, simulation, implementation, verification, and system integration
  • Implement and debug designs in simulations and on real hardware
  • Collaborate directly with experienced engineers to solve design challenges, get feedback, and learn best practices
  • Engage in a full life-cycle approach-- design, implementation, test verification, production of digital electronic equipment and other hardware systems

Basic Qualifications:
A candidate must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be completing or has completed their degree (Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD) from an accredited institution
  • Be majoring in or having majored in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering
  • A final DoD Secret clearance is required to start (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)
  • The ability to obtain Special Access Program within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

Have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 or higher

  • A current/active DoD Secret clearance
  • Strong communicator and team player who also has the ability to work independently
  • It will be helpful, though not required, for your course work to have included):
  • Digital design exposure, with experience in VHDL, Verilog, System Verilog
  • Digital logic basics (combinatorial vs sequential logic, truth tables, finite state machines), digital building blocks (gates, flip flops, latches, timers, etc.) basics of setup / hold times, clock domains
  • VHDL or Verilog syntax, writing basic modules and test benches
  • Familiarity with vendor tools (Vivado, Quartus, etc.) and exposure to FPGA development workflow: coding, through synthesis and implementation on device
  • Some experience with scripting and high-level programming (MATLAB, Python, C/C++)

Pay Range:Bachelors: $77,700 - $116,500
#campusjobs

Primary Level Salary Range: $77,700.00 - $116,500.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939