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Project Engineer Trainee Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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... Trainee. No experience required - all training is provided on the job! What We're Looking For ... and developers, ACS brings deep, practical construction knowledge to every project, allowing ...

Responsibilities include assisting with project planning, regulatory coordination, scholarly ... This role supports the department's mission of academic excellence, trainee education, quality ...

... projects . The role involves full-scope civil and light electrical work, including trenching ... Excavate, form, and pour concrete slabs per engineering drawings and site specs. * Interpret ...

... projects . The role involves full-scope civil and light electrical work, including trenching ... Excavate, form, and pour concrete slabs per engineering drawings and site specs. * Interpret ...

... projects . The role involves full-scope civil and light electrical work, including trenching ... Excavate, form, and pour concrete slabs per engineering drawings and site specs. * Interpret ...

Civil Crew Foreman

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$29 - $40/hr

... projects . The role involves full-scope civil and light electrical work, including trenching ... Excavate, form, and pour concrete slabs per engineering drawings and site specs. * Interpret ...

... Trainee (SMT) roles. Our internship program is highly competitive--each year, over 600 candidates ... Combination of in-store experience, project work, and corporate programming * Competitive hourly ...

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Moldmaker

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Ensure that the project gets completed to specification and on-time; Communicate to all team ... makers, engineers, and supervisor Ability to work effectively in a team environment Physical ...

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Project Engineer Trainee information

See Illinois salary details

$43.6K

$87.8K

$131.8K

How much do project engineer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer trainee in Illinois is $87,836.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,700.00 and $100,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project engineer trainee?

A project engineer trainee is an entry-level position where individuals gain practical experience in managing engineering projects, assisting with planning, coordination, and technical tasks. The role often involves learning industry tools, safety protocols, and project management skills under supervision to prepare for a full engineering role.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, managing large projects, or holding executive-level responsibilities.

What does a Project Engineer Trainee do?

A Project Engineer Trainee assists senior engineers and project managers in planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documents, performing site inspections, supporting project scheduling, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. This entry-level role provides hands-on experience and training in project management, engineering principles, and teamwork within various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The position is designed to help trainees develop practical skills and knowledge required for advancement to more senior engineering roles.

What is the difference between Project Engineer Trainee vs Project Engineer?

AspectProject Engineer TraineeProject Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed a relevant degree; may have certifications like PMP or engineering licensesCompleted degree; often holds professional engineering license or certification
Work EnvironmentTraining programs, internships, or entry-level roles in construction or engineering projectsFull-time roles managing project phases, coordinating teams, and overseeing execution
ResponsibilitiesAssisting senior engineers, learning project processes, supporting documentationPlanning, executing, and monitoring projects, ensuring deadlines and budgets are met

The main difference is that a Project Engineer Trainee is an entry-level position focused on learning and supporting project tasks, while a Project Engineer is a fully responsible professional managing project execution independently.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most project engineers earn significantly less, some senior-level engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, often through bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries or executive-level positions.

Can you become a project engineer with no experience?

Becoming a project engineer typically requires some related experience or a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Entry-level positions may be available for trainees or interns, but gaining skills in project management, technical knowledge, and certifications like PMP can improve prospects for those with little to no experience.

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

To thrive as a Project Engineer Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, a relevant degree (such as in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering), and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with project management software (like MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and basic knowledge of industry standards is often required. Effective communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are vital soft skills for success in this entry-level role. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting project delivery, ensuring technical accuracy, and building a strong foundation for a future engineering career.

What are some typical day-to-day responsibilities for a Project Engineer Trainee, and how do they contribute to project success?

As a Project Engineer Trainee, your daily tasks often include assisting with project planning, coordinating with contractors or vendors, preparing documentation, and tracking project progress against timelines. You'll likely attend team meetings, help resolve technical issues, and support senior engineers with data collection and report generation. These activities provide hands-on experience with the project lifecycle while ensuring that deliverables stay on schedule and meet quality standards. Your contributions help the team identify bottlenecks early and maintain effective communication among stakeholders.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Project Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Project Engineer Trainee jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Project Engineer Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Project Engineer Trainee job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,836 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Disposal Operations Management Trainee - Taylorville, IL

Disposal Operations Management Trainee - Taylorville, IL

Waste Management

Taylorville, IL

$84K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Waste Management rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 627 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 72 rated recycling and waste


Job description


I. Job Summary
The Disposal Operations Management Trainee (DOMT) position is part of a required developmental training program lasting up to 18 months. The duties and responsibilities are under the direction and supervision of WM frontline managers (e.g., Area Directors of Disposal Operations, Landfill District Managers, and Operations Managers) related to the operations of a landfill. The primary mentor for this position will be the Landfill District Manager at the training location to which the DOMT is assigned or the Area Director of Disposal Operations. The DOMT, through assigned work activities, a training curriculum, and hands-on projects, will develop a strong working knowledge of all aspects of the day-to-day disposal operations at a WM landfill, including but not limited to, safety, environmental protection and permitting, finance and accounting, personnel management, heavy equipment, community and customer service, construction and engineering, gas and leachate management, and waste streams and sales. The Disposal OMT training program is designed to develop individuals into Operations Managers and District Managers with a strong career path to Directors of Disposal Operations or other roles.
II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 

  • Successfully complete the Disposal OMT curriculum consisting of Foundational, Intermediate, and Advanced level training. Complete all required training items through participation in the WM Learning Management System.
  • Attend and participate in all mandatory group training sessions.
  • Disposal Operations: Responsible for the knowledge development and progressive understanding and expertise in all aspects of day-to-day management of a landfill, including, but not limited to, fill sequencing, cover operations, waste placement and compaction operations, equipment and labor deployment, storm water management, and traffic flow.
  • Develop a working knowledge of heavy equipment functionality and maintenance care including actual operation and in-shop maintenance.
  • Learn how to effectively manage site personnel including non-exempt operators through experiential efforts and training.
  • Develop an understanding of landfill design and construction including cell excavation and earthwork, liner cross-sections, slope stability, geosynthetics deployment, leachate control and landfill gas control systems and final cover cross sections.
  • Develop proficiency and understanding in all aspects of leachate and landfill gas management. Develop general understanding of renewable energy operations and its relationship with the landfill gas systems.
  • Develop a strong sense of community affairs and community relations management through actual participation in public affairs events and processes.
  • Develop a complete understanding of environmental monitoring and environmental protection issues that exist at a landfill including interaction with various regulatory agencies. Review and understand regulatory requirements and site permits.
  • Develop understanding of financial, accounting, and forecasting processes and systems including experience in reporting to senior management and showing proficiency in operations of the scale house.
  • Develop understanding of how waste streams are sold and priced within WM sales and marketing organization, and its relationship to operations.
  • Develop a strong understanding and dedication to the WM Safety Program; work with Corporate and local safety teams to continue to create an increasingly aware and observant safety conscious culture.
  • Participate in landfill operational reviews and provide constructive feedback to operations staff.
  • Participate in Area mentor programs.
  • Perform other duties as assigned that may include special projects and interim management assignments. Learning will be very action and experiential based.


III. Qualifications 
A. Required Qualifications  

  • Bachelor's Degree (accredited), or in lieu of degree
  • High School Diploma or GED (accredited) and 4 years of relevant work experience.
  • 5 years of relevant work experience with increased responsibility in construction, engineering, geology, operations management or heavy equipment (in addition to education requirement).


B. Preferred Qualifications  

  • PE (Professional Engineer) certificate
  • RLS (Registered Land Surveyor) certificate
  • PG (Professional Geologist) certificate


IV. Physical Requirements
Listed below are key points regarding physical demands, physical and occupational risks, and the work environment of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Pay: The expected base pay range for this office/on-site position is $84,700 - $107,174 . This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific salary offered to a successful candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's relevant experience, education, training, certifications, qualifications, and work location.
V. Benefits 


At WM, each eligible employee receives a competitive total compensation package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Short Term Disability. As well as a Stock Purchase Plan, Company match on 401K, and more! Our employees also receive Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days. Please note that benefits may vary by site. 

PLEASE SUBMIT A CURRENT RESUME TO RECIEVE FURTHER CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION.
If this sounds like the opportunity that you have been looking for, please click "Apply."

ABOUT WM

WM (WM.com) is North America's leading provider of comprehensive environmental solutions. Previously known as Waste Management and based in Houston, Texas, WM is driven by commitments to put people first and achieve success with integrity. The company, through its subsidiaries, provides collection, recycling and disposal services to millions of residential, commercial, industrial, medical and municipal customers throughout the U.S. and Canada. With innovative infrastructure and capabilities in recycling, organics and renewable energy, WM provides environmental solutions to and collaborates with its customers in helping them pursue their sustainability goals. WM has the largest disposal network and collection fleet in North America, is the largest recycler of postconsumer materials and is a leader in beneficial use of landfill gas, with a growing network of renewable natural gas plants and the most landfill gastoelectricity plants in North America. WM's fleet includes more than 12,000 natural gas trucks - the largest heavyduty natural gas truck fleet in the industry in North America. Healthcare Solutions provides collection and disposal services of regulated medical waste, as well as secure information destruction services, in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe. To learn more about WM and the company's sustainability progress and solutions, visit Sustainability.WM.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

For United States:  WM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

For Canada:  WM is committed to the principle of equal employment for all applicants and employees, without discrimination on the basis of all grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Please notify us if you require accommodation.

Real ID

In order to travel by air or access federal property, federal law requires individuals have a REAL ID or an acceptable alternative. This position may require the successful candidate to travel by air for business reasons or service federal property. Accordingly, successful candidates must have, or be willing to obtain, a REAL ID or TSAapproved alternative.

What is the value of a WM job? At WM we know that the value of a WM job is more than a paycheck. It's a way to create opportunities for you and your family. This is why we are constantly working to make WM a great place to work and grow a career. We Are WM is what defines the perks of being in the WM family - from benefits, to resources and engagement activities. 

We are People First. We are Committed to Your Growth. We Are Investing in You. We are a Family. We are Stable. We are Always Working for a Sustainable Tomorrow. 

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