1

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

Project Engineer (Hybrid)

Kankakee, IL ยท Hybrid

$81K - $108K/yr

Manage the design of both water and sewer improvement projects i.e. tanks, boosters, lift stations ... Bachelor's Degree in Engineering is required. * Selected candidate must be a Registered ...

Civil Engineer

Frankfort, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $72K/yr

Would you like the opportunity to join our Infiltration and Inflow (I&I) Department as a Project Engineer? As an Engineer at Robinson, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic team ...

Engineer II - Mechanical

Crete, IL ยท On-site

$68K - $98K/yr

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Engineer I team members Project Execution & Documentation * Support project timelines and milestones using sound project management practices * Create ...

Project Manager I

Frankfort, IL ยท On-site

$106K - $135K/yr

Project Manager - Civil Engineering & Design (CE&D) Founded in 1973, DJ&A is a multidisciplinary professional services consulting firm with office locations in Montana, Colorado, Washington, Florida ...

E&I Engineer

Elwood, IL

$90K - $120K/yr

E&I Engineer (Electrical & Instrumentation - Reliability Focus) Millsdale, IL | On-site Own the ... Support capital projects (design review, equipment selection, scoping) * Ensure compliance with ...

E&I Engineer

Elwood, IL

$90K - $120K/yr

E&I Engineer (Electrical & Instrumentation - Reliability Focus) Millsdale, IL | On-site Own the ... Support capital projects (design review, equipment selection, scoping) * Ensure compliance with ...

E&I Engineer

Elwood, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

E&I Engineer (Electrical & Instrumentation - Reliability Focus) Millsdale, IL | On-site Own the ... Support capital projects (design review, equipment selection, scoping) * Ensure compliance with ...

Electrical Controls Engineer - Power

Monee, IL ยท On-site

$77K - $103K/yr

This position is not a project management or project controls role . Instead, the Power Controls ... Support SCADA point lists, I/O mapping, control logic, and alarm philosophies. * Coordinate ...

... project managers, engineers, maintenance team, and other trades to schedule work activities and ... Overview The I&E Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the installation, maintenance, and repair ...

... project managers, engineers, maintenance team, and other trades to schedule work activities and ... Overview The I&E Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the installation, maintenance, and repair ...

... project managers, engineers, maintenance team, and other trades to schedule work activities and ... Overview The I&E Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the installation, maintenance, and repair ...

... I/O lists, and functional design specifications. * Collaborate with equipment vendors and system ... Lead, execute, and support capital improvement projects from initial scope definition through ...

... and capital project groups), corporate technical networks and peers, and vendors/suppliers as ... Basic understanding of industry codes and standards (i.e. IEEE, ISA, NFPA, NEC) Instrumentation and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Project Engineer I information

See Kankakee, IL salary details

$43.3K

$87.1K

$130.7K

How much do project engineer i jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer i in Kankakee, IL is $87,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,100.00 and $99,500.00 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 Kankakee, IL are hiring for Project Engineer I jobs? Cities near Kankakee, IL with the most Project Engineer I job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Engineer I job openings in Kankakee, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,141 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Project Engineer (Hybrid)

Aquaamerica

Kankakee, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$81K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, employs people in a variety of roles within our eight-state footprint, ranging from field workers and customer service representatives who are on the front lines working with customers, to scientists and engineers who help ensure we're delivering reliable water and wastewater services to our communities. If you're looking for a rewarding career helping improve our environment and protect our natural resources, we encourage you to join our team!

About Essential Utilities

Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities.


Operating as the Aqua (water and wastewater services) and the Peoples and Delta (natural gas) brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. We are committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status - including a competitive and comprehensive benefits package as well as a commitment to career growth opportunities.


We are advocates for the communities we serve and are dedicated stewards of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint.


Our company is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service and natural gas providers in the U.S.

Aqua is on a mission to improve the infrastructure and ensure the highest quality of drinking water and wastewater services possible. We are in need of a nimble, detail-oriented Project Engineer to support the cause. Working under the general supervision of the Engineering Manager you will tackle the below duties for the state of Illinois.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  • Responsible for planning for assigned divisions/systems.

  • Manage the design of both water and sewer improvement projects i.e. tanks, boosters, lift stations, WTP projects, WWTP projects, regulating vaults, etc.) as needed.

  • Work with hydraulic modeling team to evaluate and mitigate system-wide challenges

  • Responsible for submittal of any required permits and approvals. Prepares and/or supervises the permit applications for selected projects and ensure all required permits are obtained with necessary approvals.

  • Coordinatesand manages construction projects including bidding, scheduling, and cost estimating. Enforces contract requirements and performs construction administration on assigned projects

  • Work with consultants to necessary easements for all assigned projects. Negotiates and prepares property easements and oversees the preparation of property descriptions, survey and legal recording as required.

  • Responsible for managing project financials i.e. work orders, purchase orders, invoicing etc.

  • Collaborate with various departments state wide: operations, engineering, accounting, customer service

  • Responsible for Due Diligence for possible new acquisitions.

  • Assists with other tasks or projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering is required.

  • Selected candidate must be a Registered, Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois or the ability to obtain PE license within three years from hire date.

  • Two or more years of experience in water and wastewater is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Must be computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Office applications, as well as other software applications used in the normal course of business

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills; communicate effectively (clearly, concisely and professionally) with internal customers

  • Strong customer service skills

  • Ability to work well under pressure

  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment

  • A team player able to work effectively in a team fostered multi-tasking environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Perform sedentary work- exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.

  • Working conditions may include travel to work sites of Essential Utilities and/or other constituents within the State of IL

HIRING SALARY RANGE: $81,975.36 - $108,412.41

Aqua, an Essential Utilities company is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. Equal employment opportunity is provided to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to the following legally protected characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions, including medical conditions related to lactation), physical or mental disability, covered-veteran status, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state or federal law.
Aqua is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If you have a condition that may prevent you from applying for a job online or need to request an accommodation during the interview process, please call (1-877-271-9012).
To maintain the integrity of the recruitment process and to avoid real or perceived conflicts of interest due to employment and/or assignment of family members and personal referrals, specific guidelines apply to the hiring and assignment of these individuals including, but not limited to:

  • Family members cannot result in a supervisor/subordinate reporting relationship
  • Family members cannot work in the same department.