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Professional Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

GDR Defense

Senior Electrical Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$120K/yr

Professional Engineer (PE) license in Illinois highly preferred Perks & Benefits * Competitive salary * Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision * Paid time off (PTO) * Short-term and ...

Prairie Engineers

Electrical Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Current Professional Engineer in Illinois or the ability to obtain within the first 6 months of employment * Software: Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, and Microsoft Office Suite What you will Do:

Mannik Smith Group

Senior Project Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

A Professional Engineer (PE) license is required, or the ability to obtain reciprocity. Ideally, you will also: * Speak and write well. * Have strong analytical and organizational skills. * Be ...

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All JobsProfessional Engineer JobsProfessional Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

Professional Engineer information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$46.6K

$97.2K

$136.7K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Champaign, IL is $97,205.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,600.00 and $110,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional engineer?

Professional Engineers (PEs) are licensed engineers who have met the education, experience, and exam requirements established by their state or country. They are legally authorized to sign off on engineering projects, offer their services to the public, and take responsibility for the safety and integrity of engineering work. Becoming a PE typically involves earning an accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. The PE license signifies a high standard of competence and ethics in the engineering profession.

What does a professional engineer do?

A professional engineer uses mathematics and science to create safe and efficient buildings, machines, and applications. Engineers typically specialize in a particular field, such as aerospace, mechanical, or structural engineering. Your job duties vary depending on your area of expertise and employer but may include creating plans, designing machinery, or building skyscrapers. This career often involves a combination of office and field work. Frequent travel is an additional job requirement for many professional engineering jobs. Long hours and overtime work are also expected to meet deadlines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Professional Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a degree in engineering, typically complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools, along with ongoing continuing education, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and project management abilities help engineers deliver effective solutions and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure engineers can design safe, efficient systems and maintain high professional standards in complex technical environments.

What are some common challenges professional engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Professional Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, coordinating with diverse teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to handle shifting deadlines and resource allocation. Collaborating closely with project managers, clients, and other engineers helps maintain project momentum and quality, while regular progress reviews ensure that no critical detail is overlooked.

What is the difference between Professional Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProfessional EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsRequires PE license, degree, work experience, examRequires degree, possibly fundamentals exam, but not license
Work EnvironmentDesign, review, sign off on projects, often in consulting or engineering firmsDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing in various industries
Industry UsageLicensed in engineering projects, legal responsibilityCommonly employed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more

The main difference between a Professional Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer is that the PE is licensed and authorized to sign off on engineering projects, ensuring legal and safety standards are met. Mechanical Engineers typically hold the necessary education and experience but do not have licensing requirements unless they pursue PE licensure. Both roles work closely in engineering fields, but the PE designation signifies a higher level of responsibility and legal accountability.

What can professional engineers do?

Professional engineers design, develop, and evaluate systems, structures, and products across various engineering disciplines. They apply technical knowledge, use tools like CAD software, and often require licensure to approve projects and ensure safety standards are met.
More about Professional Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL?

For Professional Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Professional Engineer jobs?

Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Professional Engineer job openings:

Professional Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,205 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Senior Project Engineer Public Works

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Champaign, IL • Hybrid

$88K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

MSA Professional Services rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Overview

Senior Project Engineer Public Works

Locations: Any WI, IA, IL, or MN office locationType: FullTime | Salaried | Hybrid Eligible | Flex Time Eligible

MSA is hiring a Senior Professional Engineer (PE) on our Public Works team for any Midwest office location. This role is for those who love working primarily with the public sector, with a wide variety of project types.

Public Works engineers may work on projects such as utilities, sanitary sewer, road reconstructions, water/wastewater, parks and trails, and more! As a Project Engineer, this role is anticipated to include technical work and interfacing directly with local clients. 

MSA specializes in the sustainable development of communities and is proud to be 100% employee owned. With roots reaching back to 1919, MSA has grown from a rural land survey company into a multidisciplinary network of nearly 550 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts, environmental scientists, and more who are committed to making communities better places to live, work, and play. 

Come join the ownership team here! 

Employee Testimonial:

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners." -Project Engineer Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

Responsibilities

Role Responsibilities

  • Client relations 
  • Design of municipal infrastructure projects
  • Assist with mentoring junior engineering staff
  • Preparation of plans, details, specifications, and bidding documentsPreparation of technical reports and regulatory permits for projects
  • Development of project funding packages with assistance from funding staff
Qualifications

What you bring

Skills & Knowledge / Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (or related field) required
  • Professional Engineer (PE) required
  • 8+ years of previous experience required
  • This position requires you to have authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We will not provide sponsorship for this position
Why MSA
  • 100% employeeowned firm with 100+ years of community impact
  • Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
  • Flexible worklife integration
  • Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
  • Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
  • Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years
Pay & Benefits*
  • Compensation Range: $88,000-$143,000 (commensurate with experience)
  • Flex Time (Remove for Hourly): Work 42 hours this week? Have 2 hours added to your Flex Time balance to use as time off in the future
  • ESOP: Receive MSA stock shares annually, at no cost to the employee
  • Medical, dental & vision insurance for you, spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents
  • 17+ days PTO (potentially higher pending experience) + 8 paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave regardless of birth parent
  • 401(k) plan with company matching
  • Shortterm incentive program for annual bonus opportunities 
  • Companypaid life & disability insurance

*Full eligibility requirements for listed benefits will be discussed during the hiring process

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@msa-ps.com

 

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Employment Type: OTHER

What MSA Professional Services employees say

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