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

Fall Software Development Intern

Hammond, IN · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 · 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 ...

UI Developer

Chicago, IL

$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 ...

New

Data Analyst

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Data Analyst / Report Developer Lake Forest, IL Hybrid role (Onsite 3x/week) $30-$35 per hour ABOUT ... This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early-career professional eager to gain ...

... 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.

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 ...

New

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 18, 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 are recent graduate engineers?

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,685 per year, or $34 per hour.
Fall Software Development Intern

Fall Software Development Intern

Altom Transport

Hammond, IN • On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Internship

Re-posted 20 days ago


Altom Transport rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Duration: Fall 2026 (Flexible start and end dates)
Hours: 20-40 hours per week (depending on availability)
Paid Internship

About Us:

Altom Transport is a premier petrochemical and hazardous materials carrier committed to safety, innovation, and operational excellence. We're looking for a Software Development Intern to help support our operations, billing, and app development initiatives. This is a great opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to gain real-world experience in software development within the transportation and logistics industry.

This position operates out of our Hammond terminal.

Requirements

What You’ll Do:
  • Assist in building and optimizing internal applications to support business operations.
  • Work with billing and operations teams to develop tools that streamline processes.
  • Help improve mobile and web applications used by customers and staff.
  • Collaborate with the IT team to troubleshoot, test, and deploy new software solutions.
  • Work on API integrations, database management, and system automation.
  • Participate in meetings with stakeholders to understand business needs.
What We’re Looking For:
  • 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 management (SQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB).
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) is a plus.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and a passion for technology.

Benefits

What You’ll Gain:
  • Hands-on experience in real-world software development.
  • Exposure to business operations and process automation.
  • Mentorship from experienced IT and operations professionals.
  • A chance to build applications that directly impact the company’s success.


Interested? Send your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in software development.


What Altom Transport employees say

Pay

Benefits

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