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Project Engineer I Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

J A Watts, LLC

Project Engineer I

Lisle, IL

$65K - $85K/yr

Our Project Engineer I role is responsible for supporting Engineering project management through preparing, scheduling, coordinating, and monitoring a variety of projects in the Engineering industry.

J A Watts Inc

Project Engineer I

Lisle, IL · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Our Project Engineer I role is responsible for supporting Engineering project management through preparing, scheduling, coordinating, and monitoring a variety of projects in the Engineering industry.

SWE Solutions

Project Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $48/hr

The Project Engineer I will work under the supervision of senior engineers and project managers to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with project requirements. Key Responsibilities: * Assist ...

SWE Solutions

Project Engineer I

Chicago, IL

$30 - $48/hr

The Project Engineer I will work under the supervision of senior engineers and project managers to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with project requirements. Key Responsibilities: * Assist ...

SWE Solutions

Project Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$30 - $48/hr

The Project Engineer I will work under the supervision of senior engineers and project managers to ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with project requirements. Key Responsibilities: * Assist ...

J A Watts Inc

Senior Project Engineer I

Lisle, IL · On-site

$124K - $156K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer I role will manage all areas of projects including oversight and engineering design, procurement, and construction inspection. The Senior Project Engineer I will also lead ...

J A Watts, LLC

Senior Project Engineer I

Lisle, IL

$115K - $140K/yr

The Senior Project Engineer I role will manage all areas of projects including oversight and engineering design, procurement, and construction inspection. The Senior Project Engineer I will also lead ...

ISEC, Inc.

Project Engineer I

Lisle, IL · On-site

$72K - $92K/yr

Exempt ISEC is seeking a Project Engineer I to join our Lisle office. This is a great opportunity for someone early in their construction career who's ready to learn and grow within a fast-paced ...

Mortenson

Project Engineer I - Controls

Chicago, IL · On-site

$84K - $113K/yr

Project Engineer I - Controls SUMMARY Mortenson is currently seeking an experienced Project Engineer I - Controls with the ability to interact with a variety of staff at all levels in an ever ...

isec

Project Engineer I

Lisle, IL

$68K - $87K/yr

Position Summary The Project Engineer is responsible for assisting the Project Manager with administrative duties associated with the project, material releases, vendor follow-up, coding invoices for ...

isec

Project Engineer I

Lisle, IL · On-site

$68K - $87K/yr

Position Summary The Project Engineer is responsible for assisting the Project Manager with administrative duties associated with the project, material releases, vendor follow-up, coding invoices for ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProject Engineer I JobsProject Engineer I Jobs in Chicago, IL

Project Engineer I information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$46.4K

$93.5K

$140.2K

How much do project engineer i jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer i in Chicago, IL is $93,450.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,300.00 and $106,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Project Engineer I vs Project Engineer II?

AspectProject Engineer IProject Engineer II
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's degree; often more certifications or experience required
Work EnvironmentEntry-level role, supporting project teams, on-site and officeMore independent responsibilities, overseeing parts of projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, civil engineeringSimilar industries, with increased scope and responsibility

The main difference between Project Engineer I and Project Engineer II lies in experience and responsibility. Project Engineer I is an entry-level position focused on supporting project tasks, while Project Engineer II involves more independent work and oversight. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the II typically demands more experience or certifications. Understanding these distinctions helps candidates and employers align expectations and career progression.

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

To thrive as a Project Engineer I, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and a foundational understanding of project management principles. Familiarity with CAD software, project scheduling tools like Microsoft Project, and basic knowledge of industry codes or standards is often required. Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and manage changing project requirements. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure projects are completed efficiently, safely, and within scope and budget.

What are some common challenges faced by a Project Engineer I, and how can they be addressed?

As a Project Engineer I, one common challenge is balancing multiple tasks and deadlines while ensuring project specifications are met. You may also encounter difficulties coordinating with cross-functional teams or managing changes in project scope. To address these challenges, effective time management, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving are essential. Seeking guidance from senior engineers and utilizing project management tools can also help you stay organized and meet expectations.

What does a Project Engineer I do?

A Project Engineer I is an entry-level engineering professional who assists in planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects within an organization. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers or project managers, helping to prepare project documentation, monitor progress, and ensure that technical standards and deadlines are met. Their role may involve collaborating with different teams, troubleshooting issues, and supporting project delivery from start to finish. This position is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to gain practical experience and grow their project management skills.
What are popular job titles related to Project Engineer I jobs in Chicago, IL? For Project Engineer I jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Engineer I jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Project Engineer I jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Project Engineer I jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Project Engineer I job openings:
Project Engineer I jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Engineer I job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,450 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Project Engineer I

J A Watts, LLC

Lisle, IL

$65K - $85K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description

J.A. Watts, LLC (JWI) is a woman-founded professional services firm that believes in treating its clients and employees like family at every level of our company. Our family culture is what we're known for, and we work to stay true to who we are. That's how we manage our projects and how we recruit THE Best People in our industry. Our clients come from all walks of life, and so do we, which makes us stronger together.   

Our Project Engineer I role is responsible for supporting Engineering project management through preparing, scheduling, coordinating, and monitoring a variety of projects in the Engineering industry. The Project Engineer I will assist in managing aspects of projects, including oversight and planning for engineering design, procurement, and construction inspection. The focus of this Project Engineer I role is design work for roadway and land development projects. Travel to client and project sites is anticipated and determined by project/client requirements.


Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform engineering, construction, and design assignments, requiring a solid grasp of the civil engineering discipline and the exercise of professional judgment
  • Responsible for performing technical assignments throughout assigned projects including design plan and specification development, perform engineering calculations, construction inspections, construction layout, and conducting field tests
  • Establish familiarity with applicable project specifications
  • Provide clear and concise documentation of all project activities and quantities
  • Provide status reports of project schedules
  • Perform quality control reviews of the work and regularly report on project status
  • Maintain professional integrity and reputation through compliance with state and federal regulations
  • Cooperate and communicate effectively with team members to assist and support
  • Make updates or changes to project plans as directed or assigned
  • Perform other duties as required/directed

Requirements

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from ABET accredited institution, Civil Engineering preferred 
  • Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification, or the ability to obtain within one (1) year preferred
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain within one (1) year of eligibility preferred
  • 0-5 years of relevant experience in highway/roadway, civil design/construction, and/or land development design/construction
  • AutoCAD and MicroStation experience preferred
  • Ability to visit and safely traverse construction and project sites, and comply with all applicable safety codes and requirements
  • Valid driver's license required and willingness to travel to job locations in Northeast Illinois and Northwest Indiana 
  • Must have strong oral and written communication skills
  • Must have a clear analytical approach to problem-solving and decision-making
  • Must work well in a fast-paced environment and be able to handle multiple tasks at a time

Company Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, Vision insurance options for employee and family
  • Health Savings and Flexible Spending Account options available
  • Company-provided group life, short and long-term disability, and voluntary life options
  • Matching 401(k) retirement plan
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Student debt repayment resources available 
  • ID Theft protection
  • Professional development and tuition assistance
  • Company-sponsored social events

Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled

An Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

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