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Grad Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Research Developer - New Grad

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Research Developer New Grad for Headlands Tech Locations: Amsterdam; Chicago; London; New York Scope : As a Research Developer at Headlands Tech, you'll join a team of quantitative researchers ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Sep 13, 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Grad Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,779 per year, or $36 per hour.

Research Developer - New Grad

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18.50 - $25.50/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Research Developer New Grad Job Description for Headlands Tech Locations: Amsterdam; Chicago; London; New York Scope : As a Research Developer at Headlands Tech, you'll join a team of quantitative researchers responsible for the firm's portfolio of automated electronic trading strategies. You'll research and develop predictive signals and trading models, iterating to drive measurable improvements in strategy PnL. Working closely with colleagues, you'll own ideas from hypothesis through production and be responsible for the results they generate.

Qualifications
  • Low ego; effective both collaboratively and autonomously
  • Highly motivated and ambitious, focused on real-world results
  • Demonstrable interest in systematic trading; internship experience preferred
  • Degree in a highly technical field (computer science, engineering, statistics, mathematics or physics) required
  • Strong knowledge of statistics and machine learning with practical experience applying them to noisy real-world data
  • Solid software development skills, with practical experience in Java, C++, or Python
  • A drive to turn research into profitable, scalable, and maintainable strategies

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and to provide employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Headlands Tech are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. Headlands Tech will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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