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Recent Graduate Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Akuna Capital

Software Engineer - C++

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145K/yr

What you'll do as a Software Engineer at Akuna: Akuna is looking for motivated self-starters to ... If you are a current student or recent graduate, please take a look at our Entry Level and Intern ...

Akuna Capital

Software Engineer - C++

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$145K/yr

What you'll do as a Software Engineer at Akuna: Akuna is looking for motivated self-starters to ... If you are a current student or recent graduate, please take a look at our Entry Level and Intern ...

Jump Trading

HPC Production Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Our global High Performance Computing Team is looking to add a Production Engineer in our Chicago ... Reliable and predictable availability If you are currently a student or recent graduate, please see ...

CHAMBERLAIN GROUP

Software Engineer I - AI

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$53K - $100K/yr

This is a role within CGI's Engineering group. A successful incumbent passionate about building ... This role is ideal for a recent graduate who has completed academic or personal projects using LLMs ...

Jump Trading

UI Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $67/hr

We are looking for an experienced UI front-end developer to join our UI platform team. We operate ... If you are currently a student or recent graduate, please see our Campus postings which offer both ...

Hendrickson USA, LLC

AI Intern

Woodridge, IL · On-site

... engineering best practices. * Other duties as assigned. Education and Training * Must be a current enrolled student or recent graduate in a computer science, AI, IT, or related technical program.

Cage Engineering Inc

Civil Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Civil Engineer EOE StatementWe are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national ...

Jump Trading

UI Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

We are looking for an experienced UI front-end developer to join our UI platform team. We operate ... If you are currently a student or recent graduate, please see our Campus postings which offer both ...

OceanComm, Inc.

Engineering Intern / Co-op

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... Actively enrolled in an academic program, not a recent graduate * Full-time, on-site commitment for ...

OceanComm, Inc.

Engineering Intern / Co-op

Chicago, IL

$35 - $55/hr

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... Actively enrolled in an academic program, not a recent graduate * Full-time, on-site commitment for ...

OceanComm, Inc.

Engineering Intern / Co-op

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $55/hr

Join OceanComm's engineering team and help build undersea drones, intelligent sensors, and other ... Actively enrolled in an academic program, not a recent graduate * Full-time, on-site commitment for ...

Palladium Energy

Account Manager

Downers Grove, IL

... three engineering technical centers, a multi-tiered sales service channel, and 3,000+ employees ... What You'll Do We are seeking a motivated junior-level professional, recent graduate, or early ...

Inventus Power Illinois LLC

Account Manager

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$55K - $80K/yr

... three engineering technical centers, a multi-tiered sales service channel, and 3,000+ employees ... What You'll Do We are seeking a motivated junior-level professional, recent graduate, or early ...

NuMat

R&D Process Development Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

A bachelor's degree in chemical, materials, or mechanical engineering, or a related physical science; recent graduate or early-career (~0-5 years). * R&D experience highly preferred -- an internship ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsRecent Graduate Engineer JobsRecent Graduate Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Recent Graduate Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$29.6K

$66.5K

$111.9K

How much do recent graduate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent graduate engineer in Illinois is $66,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $72,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges recent graduate engineers face during their first year on the job?

Recent graduate engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to real-world project timelines, transitioning from academic theory to practical application, and understanding workplace communication protocols. Navigating team dynamics and learning to balance multiple tasks or projects simultaneously can also be new experiences. Seeking mentorship and actively asking questions can help ease the transition and accelerate professional growth in the early stages of an engineering career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recent graduate engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recent Graduate Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, as well as experience with project management tools, is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability will help you excel in collaborative, fast-paced environments. These skills are crucial for effectively contributing to projects, learning quickly on the job, and successfully transitioning from academia to professional engineering practice.

What is the difference between Recent Graduate Engineer vs Entry-Level Engineer?

AspectRecent Graduate EngineerEntry-Level Engineer
QualificationsRecent degree, limited work experienceSame as recent graduate, possibly some internships
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised rolesOperational roles with increasing responsibilities
Industry UsageCommonly used for new graduates entering engineering rolesBroader term for early-career engineers

Recent Graduate Engineer typically refers to individuals who have recently completed their engineering degree and are starting their professional careers, often in training or supervised roles. Entry-Level Engineer is a broader term that includes recent graduates and those with minimal work experience beginning their engineering jobs. Both roles are aimed at early-career professionals, but 'Recent Graduate Engineer' emphasizes the candidate's recent academic completion, while 'Entry-Level Engineer' highlights the job level regardless of graduation timing.

What is a recent graduate engineer?

Recent graduate engineers are individuals who have recently completed an engineering degree and are beginning their professional careers. They typically have foundational knowledge in their specific engineering discipline, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering. These engineers often start in entry-level positions where they gain practical experience, develop technical skills, and learn workplace protocols. Many employers offer training and mentorship programs to help recent graduates transition smoothly into the workforce.
What are popular job titles related to Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Illinois? For Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Recent Graduate Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Recent Graduate Engineer job openings:
Recent Graduate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Recent Graduate Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,491 per year, or $32 per hour.

Software Engineer - C++

Akuna Capital

Chicago, IL • On-site

$145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Akuna:
Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market maker - meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models.
Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm's first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world - Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, London and Singapore.
What you'll do as a Software Engineer at Akuna:
Akuna is looking for motivated self-starters to join our growing engineering team and contribute to the build-out of our proprietary options market-making trading platform. You will focus on analysis, design, implementation, testing and delivery of Akuna's trading system using the latest technologies. Successful candidates will work closely with an industry-leading team of options Traders who participate fully in the design and ongoing enhancements to our proprietary trading platform. In this role, you will:
  • Design and build mission-critical and complex trading systems
  • Plan, design, and implement efficient, flexible, and resilient Linux services using modern C++ technologies
  • Build software using Agile methodologies
  • Participate in design sessions and code reviews
  • Work on cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and solve complex problems

Qualities that make great candidates:
  • 3+ years of experience developing performant, scalable applications in modern C++ (and at least 2 years with C++ 20 or 23; template metaprogramming a plus)
  • Experience with Linux and Python required
  • Understanding of data structures, algorithms, distributed systems, multi-threading, and asynchronous execution
  • Object-oriented design and programming experience
  • Ability to take on projects and drive them through to completion in a timely manner
  • Familiarity with trading and trading systems is a plus
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Math, or equivalent
  • The ability to react quickly and accurately to rapidly changing market conditions, including the ability to quickly and accurately respond and/or solve math and coding problems are essential functions of the role

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want everyone to feel empowered to apply. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us!
Please note that level/title, as well as team placement, will be determined upon the conclusion of the interview process. If you are a current student or recent graduate, please take a look at our Entry Level and Intern positions.
In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $145,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package and includes a comprehensive benefits package that may encompass employer-paid medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, paid time off, and other benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.

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