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Mechatronics Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Illinois

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 Jul 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 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 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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Mechatronics Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Mechatronics Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Mechatronics Engineer Entry Level job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,707 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Instrumentation & Controls Engineer 1 (Entry-Level) - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL

$62K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 438 rated engineering


Job description

Nuclear power is a carbon-free energy source. We offer you the opportunity to utilize and expand your academic background in engineering by digitizing nuclear power plants:

  • You will work on a multi-discipline engineering team involved in nuclear power plant instrumentation and controls projects. These projects are a synergistic integration of electrical, computer, and mechanical engineering along with control theory.
  • You will work with electronic process sensors, digital controllers, network topology, touchscreen displays, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, steam turbines and reactors.
  • You will prepare specifications for the procurement of instrumentation and control equipment as well as engineering calculations.
  • Through mentoring, classroom-style technical sessions, and on-the-job training, you will increase your knowledge and skills in your engineering discipline.
  • You will also have the opportunity to travel to client and vendor offices for design reviews and to plant site locations for project coordination and field verification of designs.

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science degree in engineering with a strong academic background and coursework in analog and digital control systems, systems engineering, mechatronics, or robotics
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency with MS Office applications

Valued but not required:

  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s of Science from an ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission-approved program
  • Prior, related internship or co-op experience
  • Successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, and designation as an Engineer in Training

In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to solve problems using modern tools:

  • You are expected to take engineering problems from issue to solution using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Many engineers in these roles build or use automation to create calculations, summarize technical documents, or draft design documentation, including appropriate use of agentic AI tools, with strong engineering judgment and verification of results.
  • Programming or scripting (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate calculations, design checks, reporting, or data transformation is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other training in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that helps you apply automation or agentic AI to real engineering problems.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$62,998 - $90,586
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we’ve been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!


Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.


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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

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