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Mechatronics Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Illinois

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Entry-Level Automation / AGV Technician Location: Rivian Automotive Manufacturing Facility - Normal ... Mechatronics * Robotics * Automation Engineering * Industrial Engineering * Manufacturing ...

Energy Solutions Technicians Graduates

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/hr

The Accelerated Entry-Level Pathway: If you are a newer student or graduate building your ... Mechatronics & Building Automation Systems: Covers PLCs, CAN/BUS telemetry, solid-state electronics ...

Mechatronics Engineer Entry Level information

See Illinois salary details

$57.7K

$87.7K

$148.7K

How much do mechatronics engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechatronics engineer entry level in Illinois is $87,707.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $101,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry-level mechatronics engineer do?

An entry-level mechatronics engineer typically assists in the design, development, and testing of smart machines and automated systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. Responsibilities often include supporting senior engineers, creating prototypes, troubleshooting technical issues, and working with interdisciplinary teams. This role is ideal for recent graduates looking to gain hands-on experience in robotics, automation, or advanced manufacturing environments.

What does an entry-level mechatronics engineer do?

An entry-level mechatronics engineer works in manufacturing production and focuses on production machinery. As a recently graduated mechatronics engineer, your responsibilities are to assist with the design and development of new parts, technologies, and machine control systems. Your duties span research and development, understanding and implementing industry-appropriate technology, and working with teams to troubleshoot systems. You create prototypes for parts, use design automation software, apply manufacturing process knowledge, collaborate with other engineers, and work in teams to find solutions to design challenges. Daily duties can span research functions, data analysis, high-level programming tasks, and electrical system integration.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry-level mechatronics engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As an entry-level Mechatronics Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on and collaborative projects, such as assisting with the design, assembly, and testing of electromechanical systems. Typical tasks include supporting senior engineers with prototyping, troubleshooting automation equipment, and performing data analysis to improve system performance. You'll often work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, which helps broaden your technical skills and understanding of integrated systems. Early on, you may also be assigned documentation and quality assurance responsibilities to ensure compliance with project specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry-level mechatronics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry-Level Mechatronics Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in mechatronics or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC programming, and simulation tools, as well as knowledge of automation systems, is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help set you apart in collaborative engineering environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex automated systems in diverse industries.

What is the difference between Mechatronics Engineer Entry Level vs Mechanical Engineer Entry Level?

AspectMechatronics Engineer Entry LevelMechanical Engineer Entry Level
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechatronics, Robotics, or Electrical EngineeringBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing integrated mechanical-electrical systems, often in automation or roboticsDesigning mechanical components, systems, and thermal devices, mainly in manufacturing or automotive sectors
Industry UsageAutomation, robotics, manufacturing, aerospaceAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, energy

Both roles require a bachelor's degree in their respective fields and involve designing and testing systems. Mechatronics engineers focus on integrated electrical and mechanical systems, often in automation and robotics, while mechanical engineers concentrate on mechanical components and systems. The choice depends on your interest in interdisciplinary systems versus traditional mechanical design.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechatronics Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Mechatronics Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Mechatronics Engineer Entry Level jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechatronics Engineer Entry Level jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Mechatronics Engineer Entry Level job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,707 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Entry-Level Automation / AGV Technician

Power Labor Staffing

Normal, IL • On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

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Job description

Entry-Level Automation / AGV Technician

Location: Rivian Automotive Manufacturing Facility – Normal, IL
Pay: $27.00+/hour, based on experience
Schedule: Monday–Friday | 40 hours per week
Assignment: Long-term, 2-year assignment with additional opportunities expected
Experience Level: Entry Level / Recent College Graduates Encouraged to Apply

Start Your Career in Industrial Automation


We are hiring Entry-Level Automation / AGV Technicians to support operations at the Rivian Automotive manufacturing facility in Normal, Illinois.


This is an excellent opportunity for recent college graduates with a technical or engineering background who want to gain hands-on experience with advanced manufacturing, robotics, automated equipment, and Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs).


Previous AGV experience is NOT required. Candidates will receive hands-on training and learn how to operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the automated systems used throughout a modern automotive manufacturing facility.


This is a long-term, 2-year assignment, with additional opportunities anticipated as the program continues to grow.


What You'll Learn & Do

As an AGV / Automation Technician, you will work alongside experienced technicians and engineers while learning to:

  • Operate and monitor Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and related automation equipment
  • Perform preventative maintenance and routine equipment inspections
  • Troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and automation-related problems
  • Diagnose equipment faults and assist with repairs
  • Replace and adjust sensors, motors, wiring, mechanical components, and other equipment
  • Identify causes of AGV faults, alarms, and equipment downtime
  • Learn industrial electrical and mechanical systems
  • Assist with equipment testing, calibration, and startup
  • Read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, manuals, and equipment documentation
  • Document maintenance and repair activities
  • Follow established safety and manufacturing procedures
  • Work with technicians, engineers, and production personnel to minimize equipment downtime

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • Degree preferably in:
    • Electrical Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering Technology
    • Mechanical Engineering Technology
    • Mechatronics
    • Robotics
    • Automation Engineering
    • Industrial Engineering
    • Manufacturing Engineering
    • Electromechanical Engineering
    • Similar technical or engineering discipline
  • Strong mechanical and/or electrical aptitude
  • Comfortable working with tools and learning hands-on equipment repair
  • Ability to troubleshoot problems logically
  • Willingness to learn automation, robotics, and AGV technology
  • Ability to work safely in an active manufacturing environment
  • Reliable and able to maintain a Monday–Friday work schedule

Ideal Candidate

We are especially interested in recent graduates or early-career candidates who may not yet have extensive industrial experience but have a strong technical foundation and want an opportunity to build a career in:

  • Robotics
  • Industrial Automation
  • Automotive Manufacturing
  • Controls
  • Mechatronics
  • Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance
  • Advanced Manufacturing

Coursework, labs, internships, senior projects, robotics teams, Formula SAE, PLC exposure, electronics projects, automotive experience, mechanical projects, or other hands-on technical experience are all valuable.


Compensation & Assignment

Pay: Starting at $27.00+ per hour, depending on experience and technical background

Schedule:
Monday through Friday
40 hours per week

Duration:
Approximately 2 years, with additional opportunities expected following completion of the initial assignment.


Why Apply?

This isn't a short-term maintenance job. It is an opportunity to get your foot in the door of the rapidly growing automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing industry while gaining real-world experience inside a major electric vehicle manufacturing facility.

If you have the degree and technical aptitude, we can teach you the equipment.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply immediately. We are actively interviewing and looking to get technicians started as quickly as possible.


Power Labor logo

About Power Labor

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

POWER LABOR IS A FULL SERVICE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTING AGENCY THAT SPECIALIZES IN THE SKILLED LABOR CONSTRUCTION TRADES. Let us make construction skilled labor staffing work for you. Since 2012, Power Labor has been reducing headaches for construction contractors and industrial project managers by providing skilled construction workers, flexible skilled tradesmen, and HR management. With us, life gets a lot more workable. We support contractors who need high-quality construction skilled laborers to fulfill short or long-term needs. Power Labor was built in Texas, but today serve contractors across the country. Whatever your needs, our agency will work closely with your management team to anticipate your workforce requirements and determine a plan of action for staff supplementation that aligns with your project and budget.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Round Rock, TX, US

Year founded

2012