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

Aplaro Ltd

Research Developer - New Grad

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Research Developer New Grad for Headlands Tech Locations: Amsterdam; Chicago; London; New York Scope : As a Research Developer at Headlands Tech, you'll join a team of quantitative researchers ...

3B Staffing LLC

Validation engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Validation Engineer * 5 years experience with validation processes * Will take a couple years +/- but does not want a new grad * Microsoft or Dev Ops * Scripting or test automation skills ...

3B Staffing LLC

Validation engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Validation Engineer * 5 years experience with validation processes * Will take a couple years +/- but does not want a new grad * Microsoft or Dev Ops * Scripting or test automation skills ...

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All JobsNew Grad Engineer JobsNew Grad Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

New Grad Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11.4K

$75.2K

$130K

How much do new grad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for new grad engineer in Chicago, IL is $75,179.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,600.00 and $86,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a new grad engineer?

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 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.

Are new graduate engineers struggling to find jobs?

New graduate engineers often face competitive job markets, but opportunities are available for those with strong technical skills, relevant internships, and certifications. Success depends on networking, interview preparation, and staying updated with industry tools and trends.

How to get a job as a new graduate engineer?

To secure a job as a new graduate engineer, candidates should focus on building a strong technical foundation through relevant coursework and internships, develop proficiency in engineering tools and software, and prepare a professional resume highlighting project experience. Networking with industry professionals and applying to entry-level positions through company career portals or job boards are also essential steps.

What jobs do new graduate engineers go into?

New graduate engineers typically start in entry-level roles such as design engineer, manufacturing engineer, quality engineer, or systems engineer. These positions often require knowledge of engineering principles, technical skills, and sometimes certifications or internships to qualify for the roles.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for New Grad Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most New Grad Engineer job openings:

New Grad Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,779 per year, or $36 per hour.

Research Developer - New Grad

Aplaro Ltd

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Research Developer New Grad Job Description for Headlands Tech Locations: Amsterdam; Chicago; London; New York Scope : As a Research Developer at Headlands Tech, you'll join a team of quantitative researchers responsible for the firm's portfolio of automated electronic trading strategies. You'll research and develop predictive signals and trading models, iterating to drive measurable improvements in strategy PnL. Working closely with colleagues, you'll own ideas from hypothesis through production and be responsible for the results they generate.

Qualifications
  • Low ego; effective both collaboratively and autonomously
  • Highly motivated and ambitious, focused on real-world results
  • Demonstrable interest in systematic trading; internship experience preferred
  • Degree in a highly technical field (computer science, engineering, statistics, mathematics or physics) required
  • Strong knowledge of statistics and machine learning with practical experience applying them to noisy real-world data
  • Solid software development skills, with practical experience in Java, C++, or Python
  • A drive to turn research into profitable, scalable, and maintainable strategies

We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and to provide employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Headlands Tech are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. Headlands Tech will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

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