ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Grad Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

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 ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

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 ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

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 ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

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 ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

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 ...

Clayco

Project Engineer - New College Grad

Chicago, IL

$65K - $75K/yr

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGrad Engineer JobsGrad Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Grad Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$74.8K

$129.3K

How much do grad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for grad engineer in Chicago, IL is $74,779.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,400.00 and $85,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 can a graduate engineer do?

A graduate engineer can perform tasks such as assisting in design, analysis, and testing of engineering projects, often under supervision. They typically use tools like CAD software, follow safety protocols, and may pursue professional certifications to advance their careers.

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A software engineer or developer can earn $10,000 or more per month through skills in programming, experience, and often remote work opportunities. High-paying roles in tech typically require strong coding abilities, problem-solving skills, and sometimes certifications, but not necessarily a formal degree.

What jobs do engineering graduates get?

Engineering graduates can pursue roles such as design engineers, project engineers, quality assurance engineers, and research and development engineers. These positions often require knowledge of technical tools, problem-solving skills, and sometimes certifications like EIT or PE, depending on the field and location.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often work in high-demand industries or leadership roles.

What are Grad Engineers?

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 Graduate Engineer, and why are they important?

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 are popular job titles related to Grad Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Grad Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Grad Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Grad Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Grad Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Grad Engineer job openings:
Grad Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Grad Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,779 per year, or $36 per hour.

2026 New Grad | Software Engineer, Full-Stack (Chicago)

Loop

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Loop is the data platform for the global supply chain, utilizing AI to automate payments and audits for Fortune 100 companies. They are seeking a New Grad Software Engineer to build critical infrastructure and deliver impactful projects in production AI systems, starting with hands-on experience from day one.
Responsibilities:
• Ship critical infrastructure. Manage real-world logistics and financial data for the largest enterprise in the world..
• Own the why. Build deep context through customer calls, and understand the Loop’s value to our customers. You push back on requirements if you see a better, faster way to solve the customer’s problem.
• Full-stack proficiency. Work across system boundaries, from frontend UX to LLM agents, database schema and event infrastructures.
• Leverage AI tools to handle the 90% boilerplate, so you can focus the highest leverage 10%: quality, architecture, product taste.
• Raise the velocity bar. You will constantly optimize our dev loops, refactor legacy patterns, automate your own workflows and fix broken processes.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Graduating with a BS or higher in STEM fields; available to start full-time in 2026.
• Working in person in the SF or Chicago office 4 days a week.
• Proficiency with modern techstack. You can deliver a modern web app in hours not in days.
• Unblocking yourself. You thrive in ambiguity. Despite the chaos, you deliver high quality products and business impact.
• AI Literate. You have strong intuition on how LLM works: where they excel and where they generate slop. You live and breathe AI native tools (Cursor, Codex, Claude Code etc.)
Company:
Loop provides a platform that manages logistics and supply chain data through automation and analytics tools. Founded in 2021, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

Apply