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New Grad Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$63K - $97K/yr

Department Overview Our RF Site Software Engineering organization, a key component of the ASTRO ... Travel Requirements None Relocation Provided None Position Type New Grad Referral Payment Plan Yes ...

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Showing results 1-20

New Grad Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.3K

$74.8K

$129.3K

How much do new grad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for new 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 New Grad Engineer vs Entry Level Engineer?

AspectNew Grad EngineerEntry Level Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship or first full-time role, often in training programsFull-time position, performing basic engineering tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used for recent graduates entering engineering rolesUsed for professionals with minimal work experience in engineering

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in engineering. A New Grad Engineer often refers to someone just starting their career, possibly in a structured training program, while an Entry Level Engineer is a full-time employee performing foundational engineering tasks. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but 'New Grad Engineer' emphasizes recent graduation, whereas 'Entry Level Engineer' highlights minimal experience.

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

To thrive as a New Grad Engineer, you generally need a solid foundation in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with industry-standard software, such as CAD tools or programming languages, and internships or relevant project experience are highly valued. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help new engineers adapt quickly and collaborate effectively. These skills enable new engineers to contribute meaningfully to projects, integrate into teams, and grow within fast-paced technical environments.

What types of projects are new grad engineers typically assigned during their first year?

As a new grad engineer, you can expect to start with smaller, well-defined tasks that allow you to become familiar with the company's tools, processes, and codebase (if applicable). These projects are often part of a larger team effort and are designed to help you build confidence while contributing meaningfully. Over time, you'll likely be given more complex assignments and may have the opportunity to take ownership of specific features or problem areas. Regular collaboration with senior engineers and cross-functional teams is common, providing valuable learning and mentorship opportunities as you develop your skills.

What is a New Grad Engineer?

A New Grad Engineer is an individual who has recently graduated from a university or college with an engineering degree and is starting their professional career. These engineers are typically in entry-level positions, where they apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to real-world engineering problems. New Grad Engineers often participate in training programs, work under the guidance of more experienced engineers, and gradually take on more responsibility as they gain experience. Their roles can vary widely depending on the industry and the specific company they join.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for New Grad Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most New Grad Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various New Grad Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,779 per year, or $36 per hour.

New Grad Full-Time Quantitative Trader

WallStreetQuants

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

About the Role

A proprietary trading firm based in Chicago is seeking a highly motivated New Grad Quantitative Trader to join the team full-time. In this role, you will apply analytical thinking, market intuition, and quantitative problem-solving to identify trading opportunities, manage risk, and contribute to the development of data-driven strategies across global markets.

This is an ideal opportunity for recent graduates who are passionate about financial markets, probability, game theory, technology, and fast-paced decision-making. You will work closely with experienced traders, quantitative researchers, and engineers to learn how modern trading strategies are designed, tested, and executed.

Requirements

Responsibilities
  • Monitor and analyze real-time market data to identify trading opportunities.
  • Support the development, testing, and refinement of quantitative trading strategies.
  • Make fast, data-informed trading decisions while managing risk.
  • Collaborate with traders, researchers, and engineers to improve trading models, tools, and execution systems.
  • Conduct statistical analysis on historical and live market data.
  • Evaluate market microstructure, liquidity, volatility, and other drivers of price movement.
  • Participate in trading simulations, training programs, and strategy review sessions.
  • Communicate trade ideas, risks, and performance insights clearly to the team.
  • Continuously improve decision-making through feedback, research, and post-trade analysis.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Finance, or a related quantitative field.
  • Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Interest in financial markets, trading, probability, strategy games, or competitive problem-solving.
  • Ability to make decisions quickly and remain calm under pressure.
  • Strong attention to detail and intellectual curiosity.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Programming experience in Python or a similar language is preferred.
  • Prior internship, research, trading competition, or personal project experience involving data analysis, markets, or quantitative modeling is a plus but not required.
Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, competitive, numerically strong, and comfortable making decisions with incomplete information. You enjoy solving complex problems, thinking strategically, learning from feedback, and working in a fast-moving environment where performance and precision matter.

Benefits

What We Offer
  • Comprehensive training in trading, market structure, risk management, and quantitative strategy development.
  • Mentorship from experienced traders, researchers, and technologists.
  • Exposure to live markets and real-time trading decision-making.
  • A collaborative, high-performance environment that values curiosity, discipline, and continuous learning.
  • Opportunities for rapid growth based on performance, ownership, and impact.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package.