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

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Design Engineer I to join our growing team Design Engineering team ... Work with the project design, electrical, and civil engineering team in the design of site use ...

Engineer I Mechanical

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $106K/yr

Responsible for completing project specific objectives under direction of a Senior Mechanical ... Benefits: This position, Stress Engineer I , is eligible for participation in Zachry's Total ...

Develop project specifications. * Review shop drawings. * Participate in project planning and ... This Engineer I Civil/Structural position is eligible for participation in Zachry's Total Employee ...

Responsible for completing project specific objectives under direction of a Senior Mechanical ... Benefits: This position, Stress Engineer I , is eligible for participation in Zachry's Total ...

This role will involve working closely with senior engineers, contractors, and project managers to ... The Construction Engineer I will contribute to various aspects of the construction process, from ...

This role will involve working closely with senior engineers, contractors, and project managers to ... The Construction Engineer I will contribute to various aspects of the construction process, from ...

This role will involve working closely with senior engineers, contractors, and project managers to ... The Construction Engineer I will contribute to various aspects of the construction process, from ...

Description The role of the Project Engineer (PE) is to assist the Senior Project Manager, Project ... Initial setup of submittal log, i.e., proper distribution path, number of copies/submittals ...

Showing results 41-60

Project Engineer I information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$46.4K

$93.4K

$140.1K

How much do project engineer i jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer i in Chicago, IL is $93,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $106,600.00 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 cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Project Engineer I jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Project Engineer I job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Engineer I job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,376 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 hours ago


Job description

New Leaf Energy is an experienced clean energy developer that partners with landowners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a world powered by renewable energy. We identify high-value sites, work with landowners and local communities to develop them, and partner with long-term asset owners to bring the most impactful clean energy projects to life.
New Leaf Energy is seeking a Design Engineer I to join our growing team Design Engineering team. This position may be filled out of our Lowell or Boston, MA offices. We value in-person collaboration and offer a hybrid work environment. Hybrid employees work in the office at least two out of every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and are free to work from the office or from home on other days.
Position Summary
The Design Engineer I will design, review and entitle designs for commercial, government and utility solar PV projects ranging in size from 3MW AC to 300MW AC. This role supports 15-25 projects simultaneously, and has broad visibility across the organization. In this role, you will work with a team of design engineers, civil engineers, and project developers.
Position responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
  • Work with the design team in evaluating and performing feasibility analysis on potential sites;
  • Work with the project design, electrical, and civil engineering team in the design of site use permit plan sets and bid level (50%) drawings that will be used for permitting and the IPP bidding process;
  • Design projects according to the New Leaf Energy Design Standards and train new employees on the standards;
  • Complete the review process for each job through milestone drawing releases;
  • Participate in our continuous improvement environment, specifically focusing on improving training materials;
  • Handle administration of permitting and bidding as needed, including working with and advising the project team with respect to design/production modeling considerations as questions arise from the AHJ or bidding IPP;
  • Contribute to the design of infrastructure and offer new perspectives. We are open to new views and want to leverage professional experience; initiative and recommendations are encouraged;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications
While no one individual will possess them all, the successful candidate will bring many of the following experiences, skills, and attributes. If you're unsure of whether you meet enough of the qualifications below but believe that your experience and skill set is a good match for this position, we invite you to apply!
  • B.S. degree required;
  • 1-3 years' experience preferred;
  • Completion of at least 40 NABCEP credits preferred;
  • Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects and tasks;
  • Solid written and oral communication skills;
  • Ability to effectively communicate design concepts to other internal New Leaf Energy stakeholders including project developers and regional technical leads;
  • Computer proficiency with AutoCAD, PV Case, PVSyst.

Compensation
New Leaf Energy compensates all employees in three ways: market-competitive base salary, plus above-market variable compensation, plus an equity-like program such that all employees experience the benefits of ownership. We use a data-driven and transparent methodology to calibrate compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable, guided by the New Leaf Energy compensation manual, which is available to all employees.
Under our compensation framework, the likely base salary range for this position in the Boston location is $80,900-$94,019. The on-target annual cash bonus associated with this position is an additional 10% percent of base salary. Your actual salary may be above, in, or below this range, depending on your location and experience.
We value transparency and can share more during the interview process.
Benefits and Culture
New Leaf Energy's success is driven by our collaborative, long-term relationships based on trust and transparency. We offer a flexible work environment that places significant responsibility in independent teams and creates opportunities for innovation and personal growth. New Leaf Energy's benefits are designed to appropriately recognize our employees' contributions and enable a reasonable work/life balance. Our benefits include:
  • Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision;
  • A 401k plan with immediate vesting and a company match (100% of the first three percent of your pay; 50% for the next two percent you contribute);
  • An open and self-managed paid time-off policy;
  • A hybrid work location policy that supports working from home for part of the week;
  • A parental leave policy for both birthing and non-birthing parents, available immediately upon hire;
  • Professional development and education assistance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
New Leaf Energy values the diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and contributions of all employees. We want all our employees to feel like they belong and are empowered to be their most authentic selves at work. We're actively committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive environment not only within our own organization but also within the clean energy industry.
We seek a diverse candidate pool in this-and every-search. New Leaf Energy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, New Leaf Energy complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. EEO M/F/D/V.
A Note to Third-Party Recruiters
New Leaf Energy's People + Culture team coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company. New Leaf Energy does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies. Resumes are only accepted from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies if a signed agreement is in place AND if external recruiting assistance is authorized by the People + Culture team for a specific position. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of New Leaf Energy. New Leaf Energy is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.