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Grad Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About Us Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest ...

Department Overview Our RF Site Software Engineering organization, a key component of the ASTRO ... Travel RequirementsNone Relocation ProvidedNone Position TypeNew Grad Referral Payment PlanYes Our ...

Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$63K - $97K/yr

Department Overview Our RF Site Software Engineering organization, a key component of the ASTRO ... Travel Requirements None Relocation Provided None Position Type New Grad Referral Payment Plan Yes ...

Entry Level Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Entry Level Engineer Department: Civil/Municipal Employment Type: Full Time Location: Rockford, IL ... If you are a recent grad or you have up to three years' experience, we're interested. You should ...

Entry Level Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

Description We're seeking driven Civil Engineering students and recent graduates who are ... If you are a recent grad or you have up to three years' experience, we're interested. You should ...

We're seeking driven Civil Engineering students and recent graduates who are enthusiastic about ... If you are a recent grad or you have up to three years' experience, we're interested. You should ...

Showing results 21-40

Grad Engineer information

What is a grad engineer?

Grad Engineers, short for Graduate Engineers, are individuals who have recently completed an engineering degree and are beginning their professional careers. They typically join organizations in entry-level engineering roles, where they receive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience in their chosen field. Grad Engineers are expected to apply the theoretical knowledge gained during their studies to real-world projects, contributing to problem-solving and innovation within their teams. Over time, they develop technical and professional skills that prepare them for more senior engineering positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a grad engineer?

To thrive as a Graduate Engineer, you need a strong foundation in engineering principles, analytical problem-solving, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, and sometimes certifications like EIT (Engineer in Training), are commonly expected. Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you excel in collaborative and fast-paced project environments. These skills ensure you can contribute effectively to technical projects, learn quickly, and support organizational goals as you develop professionally.

What opportunities for mentorship and professional development are typically available to grad engineers?

Grad Engineers often benefit from structured mentorship programs and regular training sessions, designed to help them transition smoothly into the professional engineering environment. They typically work closely with senior engineers and project managers, gaining hands-on experience and feedback on their work. Many organizations also encourage Grad Engineers to attend workshops, pursue certifications, and participate in cross-functional projects, fostering both technical skills and professional growth. These opportunities support career advancement and help Grad Engineers build a strong foundation for future leadership roles.

What is the difference between Grad Engineer vs Junior Engineer?

AspectGrad EngineerJunior Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; internship or project experienceBachelor's degree in engineering; entry-level position
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, mentorship, learning-focusedProject work, task execution, supervised responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role in engineering firms, manufacturing, constructionInitial role for recent graduates in similar industries

In summary, a Grad Engineer is typically a recent graduate undergoing training and development, while a Junior Engineer is an entry-level professional responsible for supporting engineering projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Grad Engineer position emphasizes learning and skill-building.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Grad Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Grad Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Grad Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Clayco

Chicago, IL • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Clayco rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

The Role We Want You For

The construction Project Engineer will be based on the jobsite and will service our clients in a multi-state region and may even travel across the country. You will have the opportunity to build large, complicated, iconic design-build projects $30 million and above. In this role you will be part of a team responsible for taking projects from conceptual stages through closeout.

The Specifics of the Role

  • Build client and subcontractor relationships.
  • Team with Architects, Engineers, and Planners to create and manage a design schedule.
  • Assist in the establishment of project forecasts and budgets.
  • Manage costs.
  • Accept responsibility for project execution.
  • Mentor and develop Interns and new incoming project management staff.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related.
  • Project Engineer internship experience or related internship.
  • Field experience desirable.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of construction principles, practices, and technology.
  • Previous experience on a successful project management team.
  • Ability to walk a job site, climb ladders, and scale multi-floor scaffolding.
  • Ability to lift objects of at least 50 lbs.

Some Things You Should Know

  • Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
  • No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
  • We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
  • The pace is fast!
  • This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check, which includes mandatory drug testing.

Why Clayco?

  • 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
  • 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
  • 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits

  • Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

  • The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $65,000 - $75,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).

What Clayco employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

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