1

Professional Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Proficient environmental engineering professional responsible for managing and executing site testing and making recommendations for systems design on smaller projects of minimal complexity.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$107K - $142K/yr

The ideal candidate is a licensed Professional Engineer with comprehensive experience in mechanical system design and documentation across multi-family housing, commercial, and government projects.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$107K - $142K/yr

We are looking for a licensed Professional Engineer with experience in all aspects of design and documentation with leading-edge commercial project experience.

Showing results 21-40

Professional Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$46K

$95.9K

$134.9K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Elgin, IL is $95,948.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,600.00 and $108,700.00 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.

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

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

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

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

What job categories do people searching Professional Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,948 per year, or $46.1 per hour.

Professional Engineer, Mechanical - Commercial & Industrial HVAC

TKDA

Downers Grove, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$91K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Our employee-owned and multi-disciplined team, has an opportunity available for a Professional Mechanical Engineer who has extensive experience modeling and designing HVAC, plumbing, and other mechanical systems for industrial and commercial facilities to join our Facilities Engineering team!
 
As a member of our team, you will work alongside a multi-disciplined team of Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Structural) and Architecture professionals to provide planning, design, construction management, and commissioning services for systems a diverse portfolio of multi-disciplined projects including light and heavy industrial facilities, food and beverage facilities, and educational and commercial facilities.
 
You will perform energy modeling and life cycle cost analysis while designing complex sustainable building performance systems. You will also be involved with equipment selection and sizing, heat load analysis, and the preparation of mechanical plans, specifications, design details and construction documentation. Furthermore, this position requires participation in project development and fee estimating, attending client presentations and interviews, meeting with code officials, and performing inspections and assessments at project sites. Additionally, opportunities will be available to serve as a Project Manager on mechanical intense projects as well as larger multi-disciplined projects.  
 
Flexible work arrangement (3 days in office / 2 days WFH)
This role can work out of our Bloomington, MN, Milwaukee, WI, or Downers Grove, IL offices. Please see below to review the salary ranges for all offices. 
 
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college/university in Mechanical Engineering.
  • Minimum of five years of progressive design experience of mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, and piping systems) for commercial and/or industrial facilities.
  • Registered as a Professional Engineer in one or more states with the ability to obtain registration through reciprocity within additional states.
  • Prior energy modeling of mechanical HVAC systems.
  • Previous experience responding to Requests for Proposals, including estimating mechanical fees.
  • Previous experience performing facility or building load calculations and analyzing system components and capabilities in accordance with design and client requirements.
  • Previous experience sizing ductwork and/or piping systems.
  • Previous experience and ability to prepare studies, technical specifications and construction cost estimates and work with drafters to prepare accurate design drawings.
  • Previous experience conducting construction administration and inspection activities.
  • Working knowledge associated with design coordination on larger, multi-disciplined projects: Architecture, Civil, Electrical, Structural, etc.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and effective verbal and written communication skills; Ability to articulate technical ideas and concepts both visually and in writing; Ability to write specifications and reports and lead and/or participate in discussions during client consultations and project team meetings.
  • Ability to travel as needed (up to 10%) for team meetings, client consultations, site inspections/visits, construction management duties, etc.; Occasional overnight travel may be required.
Advantageous Qualifications
  • Previous experience and working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit MEP.
  • Previous experience working with energy modeling software such as Trane Trace 3D or related.
  • Previous fire protection system design experience.
  • Previous experience with the creation of air balance diagrams, process flow diagrams, equipment general arrangement drawings and piping/HVAC plan drawings.
  • Previous experience in boiler and/or chiller system design for facilities.
  • LEED certification.
The listed salary range reflects base pay for candidates with 4-10 years of related experience. in our Bloomington office. Compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and responsibilities, and individuals with further qualifications are encouraged to apply. Below are the salary ranges for our Milwaukee and Downers Grove offices. 
 
Milwaukee: $93,000 - 123,300
Downers Grove: $95,500 - $126,300
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.

Join Our 100% Employee-Owned Firm
At our company, every employee is an owner. From the front desk to the corner office, every one of our 430+ professionals thrive on collaboration and holistic development. Our success is collective, and so are the rewards.
 
Comprehensive Benefits
Health Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, and life insurance from day one
Annual Incentive Plan: Eligible for discretionary bonuses
HSA Contributions: Receive monthly employer contributions if you choose an HSA-eligible plan
401(k) Match: Get employer matching on your 401(k) deferrals
ESOP: Benefit from our Employee Stock Ownership Plan, funded entirely by company profits
Paid Time Off: Accrue PTO based on your professional experience and enjoy eight paid holidays per year
 
Upon receiving a formal offer, you will get a personalized Total Compensation Overview (TCO) to see how everything adds up and what it looks like to be part of our community.
 
TKDA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status, gender identity, or any other characteristics protected by law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, all applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. 
 
All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future visa sponsorship needs or requirements. TKDA does not sponsor any type of employment visas, including but not limited to H‑1B, F‑1 OPT/CPT, TN, or other work authorization programs.
 
*Pre-Employment Screening*
Upon acceptance of a conditional offer of employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete a standard pre-employment background screening, which consists of Social Security verification, educational verification, review of criminal convictions, and driving history.
 
*Notice to Recruiters and Placement Agencies*
TKDA will not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or placement agencies unless a service agreement is in place. In the event TKDA receives an unsolicited resume without a service agreement in place, TKDA will not be obligated to pay a service fee of any amount nor will TKDA be held liable to terms or conditions under any agreement of any kind that has not been authorized in writing by a TKDA officer.

TKDA logo

About TKDA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Paul, MN, US

Year founded

1910

Social media