1

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad Jobs in New Lenox, IL

... and most recently launching POP-EYE self-alerting pressure relief valves, ACT anti-corrosion ... Strong background in electro-mechanical product development for industrial or commercial ...

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Harvey, IL · On-site

$105.40K - $130.70K/yr

Atkore is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electrical, mechanical, and safety ... a recent recipient of a Great Place to Work© certification. Atkore's commitment to quality ...

Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Harvey, IL · On-site

$105.40K - $130.70K/yr

Atkore is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electrical, mechanical, and safety ... is a recent recipient of a Great Place to Work certification. Atkore's commitment to quality ...

... the automotive industry, recently ranked 10th of the 150 Top North American Suppliers in ... This includes basic electrical, mechanical and pneumatic functions of the robot and connections.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad information

See New Lenox, IL salary details

$46.3K

$104.7K

$169.4K

How much do mechanical engineer recent grad jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineer recent grad in New Lenox, IL is $104,664.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,900.00 and $128,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in mathematics, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and experience with simulation tools like ANSYS, are typically required, along with knowledge of industry standards. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help distinguish you in collaborative and fast-paced environments. These skills and qualities are vital to successfully design, analyze, and implement engineering solutions that meet project and industry requirements.

What types of projects can a recent graduate in mechanical engineering expect to work on during their first year?

As a recent graduate, you can expect to be involved in a variety of entry-level projects such as assisting with product design, performing basic calculations and simulations, supporting prototype development, and preparing technical documentation. You'll often collaborate with senior engineers and cross-functional teams—including manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement—to gain exposure to different aspects of the engineering process. This hands-on experience is designed to build your technical skills, familiarize you with industry standards, and prepare you for more complex responsibilities as you advance.

What does a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad do?

A Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad assists in designing, developing, and testing mechanical systems or products. They typically work on tasks such as creating technical drawings, running simulations, conducting experiments, and supporting senior engineers in project work. Recent grads often work in industries like automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, or energy, gaining hands-on experience and building their engineering skills. They also collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, learn industry standards, and may help troubleshoot mechanical problems. This role serves as a foundation for professional growth and prepares them for more advanced engineering responsibilities.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineer Recent GradMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, internship experienceBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, some design coursework
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, manufacturing or R&D settingsDesign-focused tasks, CAD software, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, energy sectorsProduct design firms, engineering consultancies, industrial equipment

The main difference between a Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad and a Mechanical Design Engineer lies in their experience and focus. Recent grads are just starting their careers with foundational skills, while Mechanical Design Engineers typically have some experience in design processes and software. Both roles often overlap in industry and credentials, but the Design Engineer role emphasizes design-specific tasks and software proficiency.

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in New Lenox, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs in New Lenox, IL are:
What cities near New Lenox, IL are hiring for Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad jobs? Cities near New Lenox, IL with the most Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineer Recent Grad job openings in New Lenox, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $104,664 per year, or $50.3 per hour.
Engineer I - Mechanical Engineer - New Grad - PSS

Engineer I - Mechanical Engineer - New Grad - PSS

Federal Signal

University Park, IL

$60.84K - $86.92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Federal Signal rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 415 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Federal Signal has an immediate opening for a Mechanical Engineer I based at our University Park, Illinois facility. This position is responsible for assisting in making decisions regarding engineering problems for products in our Public Safety Division.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Develops layouts concepts, parameters and designs for new and existing product re-designs.
  • Uses mathematics, statistics, dynamics and other engineering disciplines for calculations and evaluation of alternatives for current product design and their functionality in current product designs.
  • Performs analysis as required to insure meeting product performance and reliability requirements.
  • Conducts feasibility studies and prepares preliminary cost estimates of designs and redesigns.
  • Assists in generating detail specifications of individual components of a new design and replacement components in end of life and cost reductions projects.
  • Communicates with vendors where engineering is required to develop specifications for components and processes.
  • May write rough draft of changes to customer instruction sheet.
  • Fabricates mockups and builds working prototypes of new products.
  • Works with Quality Control in approving vendor's parts.
  • Writes Engineering Change Requests and product structures.
  • May assist Purchasing, Manufacturing Engineering and Quality Assurance in vendor selection.
  • Perform product evaluations to determine if engineering standards are met
  • Works with and assists operations, industrial/test engineering, and other engineering function personnel during the course of design projects to achieve desired outcome.
  • Flexibility to perform other duties and assignments as required.

Position Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited University
  • 0-3 years of engineering experience
  • Knowledge of basic principles, theories and concepts.
  • Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Solid modeling skills, SolidWorks preferred.
  • Good understanding of sheet metal design principals.

Salary Range: $60,841/yr - $86,916/yr + bonus

Benefits of Employment

In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.

About Us

Federal Signal in University Park is a leading manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive systems and products used to protect people and property. Our products and integrated solutions include systems for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, industrial communications, and command and municipal networked security. Specific products include: lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens and public safety software.

Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com

The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at HR@federalsignal.com. All other applications must be submitted online