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Recent Graduate Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Bridge Civil Engineer (EIT)

Lisle, IL ยท On-site

$76K - $95K/yr

Candidate may be recent graduate or an experienced individual with up to (3) years of experience (salary commensurate with experience) * Candidates with a master's degree in structural engineering ...

Software Engineer - C++

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Software Engineer - C++

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

HPC Production Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Fall Software Development Intern

Hammond, IN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Current student or recent graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with JavaScript, Python, or other programming languages . * Knowledge of database ...

Fall Software Development Intern

Hammond, IN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Current student or recent graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with JavaScript, Python, or other programming languages . * Knowledge of database ...

Fall Software Development Intern

Hammond, IN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Current student or recent graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with JavaScript, Python, or other programming languages . * Knowledge of database ...

Fall Software Development Intern

Hammond, IN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Current student or recent graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with JavaScript, Python, or other programming languages . * Knowledge of database ...

Fall Software Development Intern

Hammond, IN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Current student or recent graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with JavaScript, Python, or other programming languages . * Knowledge of database ...

Fall Software Development Intern

Hammond, IN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Current student or recent graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with JavaScript, Python, or other programming languages . * Knowledge of database ...

Fall Software Development Intern

Hammond, IN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Current student or recent graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with JavaScript, Python, or other programming languages . * Knowledge of database ...

Fall Software Development Intern

Hammond, IN ยท On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Current student or recent graduate in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field. * Experience with JavaScript, Python, or other programming languages . * Knowledge of database ...

Software Engineer I - AI

Oak Brook, IL ยท 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 ...

UI Developer

Chicago, IL ยท 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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Recent Graduate Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$31.4K

$70.7K

$119K

How much do recent graduate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent graduate engineer in Chicago, IL is $70,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,600.00 and $76,700.00 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 cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Recent Graduate Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Recent Graduate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Recent Graduate Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $70,685 per year, or $34 per hour.

Bridge Civil Engineer (EIT)

Hanson Professional Services, Inc.

Lisle, IL โ€ข On-site

$76K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Hanson Values
Integrity | Commitment | Quality | Relationships | Innovation
If you're looking for a firm that encourages innovative thinking and challenges you every day, with an opportunity to learn and advance, a career at Hanson is right for you. The belief in sustainability within our company's practices creates a focus on client success and partnerships that are important to our communities and our environment.
A Day in Life of a Bridge Engineer (EIT) at Hanson
Here's a snapshot of what you would do in this role:
  • Assist and participate in design of bridges and structures
  • Assist and participate in the inspection of in-service bridges and structures
  • Conduct analysis and design, calculation, preparation of specifications, details, and construction plans
  • Assist and participate in construction engineering
  • Conduct observation and documentation of construction activity
  • Conduct evaluation of construction for compliance with contract documents
  • Interpret plans for design intent
  • Other duties as assigned

What We're Looking For
We feel the following qualifications would set you up for success in this role:
Skills:
  • Experience with MicroStation preferred
  • Experience with MS Office Suite preferred
  • Experience with AutoCAD, LPILE and RISA 3-D a plus
  • Must be able to communicate complex technical concepts to engineers, clients, and/or public stakeholders
  • Must be able to build effective relationships with internal and external client bases
  • Must be able to work independently and as a team member to problem solve and learn new technical skills
  • Interest in experiencing a variety of assignments is important

Education/Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering
  • 18 credit hours of structural engineering coursework (may include design project credit hours if your role was structural). For those 6 or fewer credit hours short of the 18 credit hour requirement, proof of class enrollment to achieve this level is required (reimbursable).
  • The ability to sit for the 16-hour NCEES Structural exam
  • Registration as an Engineer Intern (EI) with the Illinois Division of Professional Regulation required or the ability to obtain in 6 months, or an equivalent registration from another jurisdiction recognized by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
  • Demonstrated excellence in academia
  • Candidate may be recent graduate or an experienced individual with up to (3) years of experience (salary commensurate with experience)
  • Candidates with a master's degree in structural engineering are preferred

Compensation range: $76,000 - $95,000
Benefits
Our focus on people means we offer a generous benefits program to help you create a solid foundation for health and security throughout your career, including:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Performance bonuses
  • 401(k) with matching contribution
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Comprehensive health & well-being plans
  • Financial wellness plans
  • Work-life balance programs

Want to know more? Visit our benefits page for all the details.
Culture
We understand that selecting a job is about more than the day-to-day tasks. It's important to feel like you belong and safe to grow and progress along your career path. You'll find that at Hanson. We have an inclusive, diverse workforce awaiting to connect with you and numerous opportunities to cultivate your career, including:
  • Monthly educational webinars
  • Leadership training
  • Lunch & learn development sessions
  • 24/7 access to thousands of skill-building courses
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Award-winning internship program
  • Employee recognition
  • And so much more!

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EEO - EMPLOYER
We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies/staffing firms. Resumes are only accepted from recruiters and agency/staffing firms if a signed agreement is in place at the inception of the recruiting effort and authorized for a specified position.