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Grad Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The RF Site Hardware Engineering team develops state of the art Digital, RF, Mechanical and Power ... Travel RequirementsUnder 10% Relocation ProvidedNone Position TypeNew Grad Referral Payment PlanNo ...

Open to a recent grad or 0 - 3 years of experience. * Requires competent engineering and technical judgment. * Fluid Power Pneumatic certification within first 12 months through company * Proficient ...

New

We engineer our products from start to finish and manufacture them in-house. We're known for low ... Travel RequirementsNone Relocation ProvidedNone Position TypeNew Grad Referral Payment PlanYes Our ...

The opportunity to learn from the technical experts, sales and application engineers who provide ... Opportunity to network and participate in fun activities and recent college grad community at ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Assistant Electrical Engineer - Water (Chicago)

Burns & McDonnell

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction


Job description

Description
The Assistant Electrical Engineer will assist project teams to create world class designs for new projects, alterations and redevelopments on a variety of projects focused on critical water/wastewater infrastructure while also including power, process, corporate, healthcare, airports, institutional, industrial, manufacturing, government and military facilities. The Assistant Electrical Engineer will work with the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting electrical plans according to budget constraints, design factors or client needs.
  • Assists in the electrical design of projects from the conceptual phase through design completion.
  • Assists with modifying and reviewing production drawings for a variety of projects including, but not limited to: power plants, process facilities, industrial facilities, healthcare facilities, airports, educational institutions, commercial, and governmental and military facilities.
  • Assists in designing electrical components for project needs and requirements that are set forth by the project managers.
  • Applies basic knowledge of commonly used electrical concepts, practices, codes, and procedures within the electrical engineering services industry.
  • Assists with research and complies project related data as required by the project managers.
  • Assists with correcting and updating drawings provided by senior engineers to verify corrections are made within multiple CAD related software.
  • Assists with client presentations, shop drawing review, and contract administration for the design of power, process, industrial, healthcare, airports, educational institutions, commercial, and governmental and military 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 Degree in Electrical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program required, or,
  • Bachelor Degree in Electrical 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 electrical engineering techniques, principles and procedures.
  • 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 include electrical analysis programs (e.g., RISA), AutoCAD, BIM (e.g., Revit and Tekla), 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
$85,000.00-130,000.00 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 Electrical Engineering
Primary Location US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 25 % of the Time
Req ID: 263039
Job Hire Type New Grad #LI-AM #WTR *IND-DNP*

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About Burns & McDonnell

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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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