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Grad Engineer Jobs in Lake Forest, IL (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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Android Applications Developer will be responsible for the following: Your responsibilities will ... US citizenship required Travel RequirementsNone Relocation ProvidedNone Position TypeNew Grad ...

We are seeking college seniors or grad students, pursuing degrees in one of the following preferred ... Computer Programming and Technology - concentration in Networking Candidates Must: * Be willing to ...

Showing results 21-40

Grad Engineer information

See Lake Forest, IL salary details

$10.9K

$71.9K

$124.3K

How much do grad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for grad engineer in Lake Forest, IL is $71,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $82,200.00 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 cities near Lake Forest, IL are hiring for Grad Engineer jobs?

Cities near Lake Forest, IL with the most Grad Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Grad Engineer job openings in Lake Forest, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,875 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

Motorola

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

$73K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Motorola Solutions rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We're a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.


Department OverviewThe RF Site Hardware team is an organization within the Products and Solutions group of Motorola Solutions. Our team is responsible for developing and maintaining sophisticated and highly reliable communications, infrastructure and networking products for Mission Critical and commercial communication products across a variety of global markets and standards. The RF Site Hardware Engineering team develops state of the art Digital, RF, Mechanical and Power Supply solutions to meet our customer's needs.
Job Description

This is an entry level product design and development position designing and providing manufacturing support of highly sophisticated and reliable communications infrastructure products for professional and mission critical markets. Engineers in this position will function primarily as a mechanical engineer in large and/or complex team projects, as well as an individual contributor on smaller tasks and assignments. This role would also support method and process improvements or maintenance of existing product lines.

Responsibilities include:

  • Preparing concept and prototype designs of mechanical systems as well as hands on design and analysis of individual parts and components, that meets customer requirements and expectations, reliability and robustness requirements, manufacturing processes and safety guidelines.

  • Modeling complex component and assembly designs using advanced 3D CAD tools, and interpreting and generating 2D drawings per mechanical drafting standards.

  • Designing and conducting experiments using statistical tools and techniques to confirm analyses, evaluating new or existing designs to conform to product specifications.

  • Understanding and analysis of tolerances and effects on design.

  • Working with suppliers and commodity teams to meet cost and lead-time goals for tooling and piece parts.

  • Setting up and maintaining bills of materials and releasing mechanical prints.

  • Performing mechanical verification tests per products specifications and writing test reports.

  • Supporting factory quality and process issues and providing feedback to resolve. Supporting prototype/pilot builds.

  • Develop intellectual property for the corporation.

Desired Skills:

  • Hands-on experience with 3D modeling and surfacing software, Creo Parametric (Pro/Engineer) or equivalent, to design components and assemblies.

  • Familiarity and understanding of design and manufacturing of parts such as: die casting, machining, sheet metal and stampings, plastic injection molding, compression molded rubber, connectors, cables, and printed circuit board assemblies.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to perform hand or FEA calculations for stress and thermal. Demonstrated experience in Finite Element Analysis for structural and heat transfer applications highly desirable.

  • Use of test equipment such as thermal imaging, thermal scanners, air flow analysis and strain gauge tools.

  • Works autonomously but able to work effectively with other engineers within mechanical and other disciplines (electrical engineering, procurement, manufacturing, etc...).

  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects.

  • Generates concise and comprehensive design and test report documents.

  • Summarizes complex technical concepts clearly.

  • Good writing and communication skills.

Target Base Salary Range: $73,800 - $107,600 USD

Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate.

#LI-JM2

#LI-ONSITE


Basic Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field OR 3+ years of experience.

  • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely is required. Employer work permit sponsorship is not available for this position.


Travel RequirementsUnder 10%
Relocation ProvidedNone
Position TypeNew Grad
Referral Payment PlanNo

Our U.S.Benefitsinclude:

  • Incentive Bonus Plans

  • Medical, Dental, Visionbenefits

  • 401K with Company Match

  • 10 Paid Holidays

  • GenerousPaidTime Off Packages

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • PaidParental & Family Leave

  • and more!


EEO Statement

Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.

We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you'd like to join our team but feel that you don't quite meet all of the preferred skills, we'd still love to hear why you think you'd be a great addition to our team.

We're committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete thisReasonable Accommodations Formso we can assist you.


What Motorola Solutions employees say

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About Motorola Solutions

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with safety. It's the constant that empowers people to confidently move forward. It can fill a flight or sell out a stadium. It can care for a patient or graduate a class. As a global leader in public safety and enterprise security, we create and connect the technologies that help to keep people safe where they live, learn, work and play. Our integrated technology ecosystem unifies critical communications, video security and access control, and command center software, enabling collaboration in more powerful ways. At Motorola Solutions, we're ushering in a new era in public safety and security. Bring your passion, potential and talents to a career that matters.

Industry

Technology, communication and media

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1928