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Grad Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cadence Design Systems Inc.

Application Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$74K - $137K/yr

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 ...

Cadence

Application Engineer

Cary, IL · On-site

$74K - $137K/yr

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 ...

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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 Jul 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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,779 per year, or $36 per hour.
Software Engineer - Python

Software Engineer - Python

Hudson River Trading

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Hudson River Trading (HRT) is a quantitative trading firm at the forefront of technological innovation. We build and deploy cutting-edge systems within one of the world's most advanced computing environments to power our global trading operations. Our bottom-up approach to projects and collaborative coding environment empower talented engineers to make significant contributions and see their impact daily. At HRT, you'll be challenged to solve the most complex problems in trading alongside many of the brightest minds in the field.
We are always seeking highly motivated and skilled Software Engineers across many different teams at HRT. These roles demand exceptional programming fundamentals, sharp debugging abilities, and strong critical thinking and communication skills. Engineers at HRT work on a wide variety of platform and trading-adjacent projects. Examples include:
  • Improving scheduling efficiency of distributed computations, speeding up research iteration.
  • Enhancing developer experience through language tooling, jupyter extensions, and AI tools.
  • Leveraging LLMs to make operational support tasks faster and more efficient.
  • Profiling computer usage at all levels, from system calls to large scale distributed computations.
  • Building systems to interact with trading venues and monitor risk.

Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, and maintain robust, efficient, and scalable software systems.
  • Debug complex issues across distributed systems in a time-sensitive environment.
  • Contribute to all phases of the software development lifecycle, from ideation to deployment and support.
  • Deliver exceptional experiences for internal users; your success will be directly tied to your ability to understand the needs of the people around you and apply your technical skills to efficiently meet them.

Qualifications
  • Completed a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field. If you are currently pursuing your Bachelor's degree, please apply to our Campus/New Grad opportunities.
  • Previous experience at a top-tier finance or technology company with an excellent track record of rapid advancement and superlative reviews.
  • Experience with applications of cutting-edge technology is preferred; being a core contributor to said technology is even better.
  • Candidates should be prepared for technical interviews in Python. While there is no hard language requirement for these roles, proficiency in one this language will be assessed during the interview process.
  • Kindness and empathy is a real requirement. No "smart jerks" at HRT.
  • Strong understanding of data structures, algorithms, and design principles.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • HRT ships every day. The ability to thoughtfully, methodically, and reliably deploy new software and features is a critical skill.
  • If you have management experience, that's always a bonus - but even so, expect to code!

The estimated base salary range for this position is 200,000 to 300,000 USD per year (or local equivalent). The base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. This role will also be eligible for discretionary performance-based bonuses and a competitive benefits package.
For more info about interviewing at HRT, see this blog!
Culture
Hudson River Trading (HRT) brings a scientific approach to trading financial products. We have built one of the world's most sophisticated computing environments for research and development. Our researchers are at the forefront of innovation in the world of algorithmic trading.
At HRT we welcome a variety of expertise: mathematics and computer science, physics and engineering, media and tech. We're a community of self-starters who are motivated by the excitement of being at the cutting edge of automation in every part of our organization-from trading, to business operations, to recruiting and beyond. We value openness and transparency, and celebrate great ideas from HRT veterans and new hires alike. At HRT we're friends and colleagues - whether we are sharing a meal, playing the latest board game, or writing elegant code. We embrace a culture of togetherness that extends far beyond the walls of our office.
Feel like you belong at HRT? Our goal is to find the best people and bring them together to do great work in a place where everyone is valued. HRT is proud of our diverse staff; we have offices all over the globe and benefit from our varied and unique perspectives. HRT is an equal opportunity employer; so whoever you are we'd love to get to know you.
Please be advised: Use of AI tools during interviews or assessments is strictly prohibited, unless otherwise instructed or agreed upon. We employ various methods to evaluate the authenticity of candidate responses. If we determine that AI assistance was used during any stage of the hiring process, we reserve the right to immediately disqualify your candidacy or rescind any job offers extended.

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