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Entry Level Stem Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

Application Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$74K - $137K/yr

This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited experience but a strong desire to learn and be a part of the electronic technologies of tomorrow. At ...

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How much do entry level stem jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level stem in Chicago, IL is $27.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level STEM jobs?

Entry-level STEM positions include a variety of jobs, such as software engineer, software analyst, electrical engineer, and biologist. Most STEM jobs emphasize technology and innovation in their daily activities. For example, with an entry-level STEM job, you may research particular topics, study data or demographics, or teach software on your computer how to interpret information. Most STEM degrees provide access to specific career paths. Therefore, training as a biologist rarely qualifies graduates for jobs using advanced theoretical math, for example. However, some jobs accept applicants from any of the four branches because science, technology, engineering, and math classes tend to teach valuable critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

What kinds of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level STEM professional?

As an entry-level STEM professional, you'll typically be involved in supporting larger projects through data collection, analysis, troubleshooting, and documentation. You might collaborate with more experienced team members, assist with experiments or prototypes, and contribute to research or development efforts. The scope of your responsibilities will expand as you gain skills, but expect a mix of hands-on tasks and learning opportunities in a collaborative environment. This structure is designed to help you build a strong foundation while contributing meaningfully to your team's objectives.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level STEM professional, you typically need a solid background in mathematics, scientific reasoning, and problem-solving, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with common technical tools such as programming languages (like Python or MATLAB), laboratory equipment, or data analysis software is also important. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you learn quickly and contribute effectively to projects. These skills and qualities enable you to tackle complex problems, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, and grow within fast-evolving STEM fields.

What is the difference between Entry Level Stem vs Entry Level Engineering?

AspectEntry Level StemEntry Level Engineering
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree; some roles may require a bachelor'sBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing plants, research facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing sites, labs
Industry UsageBroad STEM fields including science, technology, engineering, mathSpecific engineering disciplines like mechanical, electrical, civil
Common Search/ComparisonEntry Level Stem vs Entry Level Engineering

Entry Level Stem is a broad category encompassing various science, technology, engineering, and math roles, often requiring minimal formal credentials. Entry Level Engineering is more specialized, focusing on engineering disciplines with a bachelor's degree typically required. While both roles may work in similar environments, Entry Level Engineering positions are more focused on engineering tasks and design, whereas Entry Level Stem roles can include a wider range of scientific and technical positions.

How to get into entry level STEM jobs?

To get into entry level STEM jobs, candidates should focus on gaining relevant education such as a bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics, and develop practical skills through internships, projects, or certifications. Building proficiency in tools like programming languages or laboratory equipment can improve employability, and networking with professionals or joining industry organizations can provide job leads and mentorship.
More about Entry Level Stem jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Stem jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Stem jobs in Chicago, IL are:

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For Entry Level Stem jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Entry Level Stem jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Entry Level Stem jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Entry Level Stem job openings:

Entry Level Stem jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Stem job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,270 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Application Engineer

Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

Cary, IL • On-site

$74K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Cadence Design Systems rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 247 rated software companies

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

Cadence Design Systems is looking for new STEM bachelor's graduates with experience using electronic design automation (EDA) tools to join our Customer Support Team's (CST) Rotational Program in San Jose, CA, Austin TX, Cary NC, Columbia MD, or Burlington MA.

As an integral member of CST, you work with the best in class EDA tools, collaborate with technical experts and support the sales team in a dynamic, innovative environment focused on silicon design and design automation. In this customer facing role you will provide the front-line design services, technical sales and customer support to the most advanced Cadence customers and will work with the Cadence account teams to come up with innovative solutions to address our customers' most challenging technical problems. This is an entry level rotational position for STEM bachelor level graduates who have limited experience but a strong desire to learn and be a part of the electronic technologies of tomorrow.

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

The person in this full time regular entry level position will start in a cohort based, one year program that will include new colleges graduates from across North America and consist of two six month rotations with detailed, hands-on training in applications used for Digital Design/Simulation, Physical Design, Analog Layout, Advanced Verification or Hardware Emulation. This program is only for students graduating with a Bachelor's degree only. The opportunity to learn from the technical experts, sales and application engineers who provide the design services, technical sales and customer support to the most advanced Cadence customers will be included in this one year program.

After the cohort program has been successfully completed, the person in this role will be assigned full time regular responsibilities in a CST business group based on the person's interests and company needs.

This cohort-based program will offer experience in the following areas:

  • Fundamentals in design, verification, HDLs, synthesis and timing
  • Embedded software development and HW/SW codesign and co-verification
  • UNIX , C/C++, and scripting languages such as Perl, TCL, Python
  • Digital physical design and implementation
  • Sign-off for timing, IR drop, power analysis, SI analysis
  • Custom and analog design
  • Opportunity to network and participate in fun activities and recent college grad community at Cadence.

Cadence is a pivotal leader in electronic design, building upon more than 30 years of computational software expertise. The company applies its underlying Intelligent System Design strategy to deliver software, hardware and IP that turn silicon and electronic design concepts into reality.

Cadence customers are the world's most innovative companies, delivering extraordinary electronic products from chips to boards to systems for the most dynamic market applications including consumer, hyperscale computing, 5G communications, automotive, aerospace industrial and health.

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

The annual salary range for California is $74,200 to $137,800. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.

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