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Project Engineer Trainee Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Aquaamerica

Wastewater Plant Manager

Crete, IL

Coordinates with internal and external engineering, operational and compliance staff to ensure ... Responsible for fulfilling all duties of Project Manager on Wastewater Department capital projects.

Demgy

Moldmaker

Elk Grove Village, IL

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 ...

Aquaamerica

Wastewater Plant Manager

Manteno, IL

Coordinates with internal and external engineering, operational and compliance staff to ensure ... Responsible for fulfilling all duties of Project Manager on Wastewater Department capital projects.

Aquaamerica

Wastewater Plant Manager

Kankakee, IL

Coordinates with internal and external engineering, operational and compliance staff to ensure ... Responsible for fulfilling all duties of Project Manager on Wastewater Department capital projects.

Demgy

Tooling Supervisor

Elk Grove Village, IL

Work with production and engineering to determine toolroom support requirements; prioritize and ... Mentor moldmaker apprentices and other trainees as needed * Document and monitor departmental KPI ...

Albertsons

2027 Summer Business Internship

Itasca, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... 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 ...

Albertsons

2027 Summer Business Internship

Itasca, IL

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... 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 ...

New

IMEG

Field Technician

Peoria, IL · On-site

$45K - $52K/yr

Are you Ready to Engineer Your Career? At IMEG , one of the largest design consulting firms in the ... level trainee, work is checked by others in process and upon completion. The Construction Project ...

Meharry Medical College

Staff Scientist

Campus, IL · On-site

... trainees, and external partners to move high-impact projects from concept to publication and ... D. in a relevant biomedical, computational, or engineering discipline. * Minimum 3-5 five years of ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProject Engineer Trainee JobsProject Engineer Trainee Jobs in Illinois

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:
Project Engineer Trainee jobs near you
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.
Wastewater Plant Manager

Wastewater Plant Manager

Essential Utilities, Inc.

University Park, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 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.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: (Primary Duties and Responsibilities)
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
  • Supervisor in charge of all Central Division wastewater collection systems, lift stations. and treatment facilities, along with all associated equipment. Responsible for ensuring the timely repair, maintenance and management of assets and operations via an electronic work order management system.
  • Responsible for attaining established Department objectives, including established performance metrics. This includes the training and developing of Wastewater Department employees with an understanding of, and compliance with, Aqua policies, procedures, and practices.
  • Serves as the Responsible Operator In Charge (ROIC) for all Central Division Wastewater Department NPDES systems and other jurisdictions as required within established operations. Responsible for compliance with all IEPA and EPA regulatory requirements related to the Department operations.
  • Administration of all non-union employee relations including staffing, labor relations, compliance with personnel policies and programs, staff development and personnel reviews. Also responsible for employee personal development, interviewing, hiring, training, rewarding, counseling, and employee discipline as necessary.
  • Responsible for timely management and reconciliation of accounts payable expenditures to all vendors providing support to the Department's activities; responsible for management of materials, chemicals, equipment, fleet procurement, and inventory control/reconciliation. Also responsible for preparation of purchase requisitions and monitoring open purchase orders.
  • Responsible for identifying, developing, and managing capital expenditures within the Wastewater Department. Coordinates with internal and external engineering, operational and compliance staff to ensure capital expenditures are in accordance with established budgets and operational plans. Responsible for fulfilling all duties of Project Manager on Wastewater Department capital projects.
  • Manages the procurement, accountability and charge-out of inventory items in support of the Department. Ensures needed materials and chemicals are on hand for daily work and that invoices are reconciled in a timely fashion.
  • Supervises others who perform NPDES and process analyses in wastewater treatment as needed.
  • Supervises all wastewater employees at the division level including operator trainee/ operators, maintenance, laboratory, and team lead personnel.
  • Prepares, reviews, and submits regulatory agency required reporting and monitoring, with oversight by the Area Manager and Compliance Manager.
  • Responsible for maintaining compliance with sampling schedules and parameter limits for wastewater quality.
  • Evaluates new treatment processes through pilot studies and develops capital projects or process changes to implement improvements in quality or efficiency of operation.
  • Receives and investigates customer back up or sanitary overflow complaints and formulates appropriate responses.
  • Manages overall operational ready status of plant and collection system equipment including computerized control systems and monitoring sensors.
  • Oversight of department safety programs, safety leadership and training of employees. Utilize and support Aqua safety program and policies in conjunction with State Safety Specialist including but not limited to process safety, Chemical Hygiene Plan, Risk Management Plan, Lock Out/Tag Out and Confined Space Program.
  • Performs all other duties assigned.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL OR REGISTRATION QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, environmental engineering, or engineering is preferred but not required. An advanced degree is advantageous.
  • Must have 10 years of experience in the industry with 5 years in a supervisory role. Previous experience should also include work with computer control systems and programming, environmental chemistry and laboratory procedures, computational skills to calculate chemical dosages and determine calibration of chemical feed systems, basic mechanical skills to maintain large pumps, drives, motors, piping systems, chemical feeders and storage tanks, knowledge of electrical power distribution and control systems.
  • Must be advanced in Microsoft Office (Email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Creative problem-solving skills, strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment preferred.
  • Ability to think analytically and logically with strong attention to detail.
  • Must possess the ability to motivate oneself and others to accomplish required tasks, and the ability to work with and motivate people of diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to work harmoniously and effectively with public officials, staff, and management.
  • Ability to establish meaningful, timely and attainable goals and effectively coordinate multiple projects.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to effectively conduct business with internal and external customers and represent the company.
  • Must be available for emergencies or consultation 24/7 and respond when necessary.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
  • Class 1 Illinois Public Wastewater Operator's Certificate is required but will consider candidates with the ability to obtain a Class 1 certificate within the specified experience requirement.
  • Candidate must possess a valid U.S. driver's license.

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Pay Range: $113,000 - $145,000
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.

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