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Entry Level Water Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer

Cary, IL

$80K - $109K/yr

Our Cary office is looking for an entry level Hydraulic Engineer. The Hydraulic/Stormwater Design ... systems, water quality BMPs, streams, bridge hydraulics, culvert hydraulics, watersheds, and ...

... entry level professional sanitary engineering work in connection with water quality control and sterilization and the installation of City water systems. This water quality and environmental ...

... entry level professional sanitary engineering work in connection with water quality control and sterilization and the installation of City water systems. This water quality and environmental ...

Be Seen First

You will become a water expert and use a wide range of technical skills (mechanical, electrical, programming) along with clear communication, a professional demeanor and attention to detail. This ...

Be Seen First

You will become a water expert and use a wide range of technical skills (mechanical, electrical, programming) along with clear communication, a professional demeanor and attention to detail. This ...

Be Seen First

You will become a water expert and use a wide range of technical skills (mechanical, electrical, programming) along with clear communication, a professional demeanor and attention to detail. This ...

We are in search of an Entry-level Field Service Engineer to join our Power & Water Solutions business based in our Tinley Park, IL office. We focus on upgrading existing plant control systems with ...

DEFINITION This is the entry level class in the Civil Engineer series. This class is distinguished ... water mains, sewers, streets traffic signals, parking lots, pavement markings, etc. 5. Act as ...

Civil Engineer I

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$80K - $116K/yr

DEFINITION This is the entry level class in the Civil Engineer series. This class is distinguished ... water mains, sewers, streets traffic signals, parking lots, pavement markings, etc. 5. Act as ...

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Entry Level Water Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.9K

$71.5K

$121.6K

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

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water 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 is an Entry Level Water Engineer job?

An Entry Level Water Engineer is a professional who helps design, develop, and maintain water-related infrastructure, such as water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, and stormwater management solutions. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to conduct research, analyze data, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Their role often involves site visits, computer modeling, and collaboration with clients, government agencies, and contractors. This position is ideal for recent graduates with a background in civil or environmental engineering who want to specialize in water resources and sustainability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Water Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, or water resources engineering, along with a solid understanding of hydrology and hydraulics principles. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, GIS software, and water modeling programs like EPANET is highly valuable, and having an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective written and verbal communication skills help you excel in team-based project environments. These competencies are critical to ensure accuracy, safety, and compliance in designing and maintaining sustainable water systems.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of an Entry Level Water Engineer?

As an Entry Level Water Engineer, your day-to-day tasks often include assisting with the design and analysis of water distribution systems, preparing technical reports, conducting site visits, and supporting senior engineers with project planning and data collection. You may also use modeling software to simulate water system behaviors and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including environmental scientists and construction professionals, is a key part of the role. This variety of responsibilities provides valuable hands-on experience and helps you develop practical skills essential for career advancement in water engineering.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Water Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,453 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer

Trilon Group

Cary, IL

$80K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Description
When it rains, it drains. If you're an engineer that understands the importance of protecting the quality of our water, the environment, and the communities we live in, then your goals align with ours, and we would love to speak with you. Our Cary office is looking for an entry level Hydraulic Engineer.
The Hydraulic/Stormwater Design Engineer independently applies, plans, designs, directs, organizes, executes, and recommends hydrologic and hydraulic improvements for North Carolina DOT and municipal roadway improvement projects.  Assignments may include a diverse variety of drainage-related tasks such as stormwater management, roadway pipe drainage systems, roadway ditch drainage systems, water quality BMPs, streams, bridge hydraulics, culvert hydraulics, watersheds, and erosion and sediment control.

Your Primary Responsibilities will include
  • Provide hydrologic and hydraulics analyses and design for transportation improvement projects in North Carolina.
  • Prepare construction details, plans, specifications, and estimates including detailed engineering calculations for roadway drainage systems.
  • Collaborate with clients, sub-consultants partners, technical staff, and managers across multiple disciplines to develop quality deliverables within schedule and budgetary requirements.
  • Direct and mentor lower-level support staff.
  • Conduct engineering investigations and planning work by completing well-defined tasks including collection and analysis of data; performing routine calculations, and participating in evaluating the feasibility of alternate solutions.

What you'll need
  • Bachelor of Science from an ABET-accredited university in Civil Engineering.
  • Successful completion of Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant and progressive drainage design experience.
  • NCDOT hydraulic design experience.
  • Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control design experience.
  • Proficiency in MicroStation, GEOPAK Drainage, HEC-RAS, and GIS.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and application of applicable NCDOT hydraulic design standards, FEMA requirements, and NCDEQ regulations.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong sense of urgency and self-initiative to meet client deadlines.
  • Detail-oriented team player with an ability to contribute to a positive work environment.


DRMP Offers
  • Excellent compensation package
  • Outstanding holiday and paid-time-off programs
  • 401(k) Plan and Match 
  • Career Path Development Program (Management & Technical Career Tracks)
  • Mentorship Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Parental Leave
  • Competitive health and dental insurance premiums 
  • Variety of voluntary benefit options 
  • Short-Term Disability/Long-Term Disability
  • Company-furnished life insurance
  • Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • and More
DRMP is a multi-discipline firm serving clients in the public, private and industrial sectors in the development of infrastructure for the community-at-large and has been in business since 1977.  DRMP currently employs 500+ professionals in 18 office locations spread strategically across our service areas.  Today, DRMP is ranked among Engineering News-Record’s “Top 500 Design Firms” in the United States and has received numerous awards locally and nationally for engineering achievements. As we continue to grow, we seek to add talented and motivated engineers to work on exciting projects while maximizing their personal growth potential. DRMP is where talent and a strong work ethic are rewarded by opportunity and advancement in a company poised for unlimited growth.