2

Research Engineer Entry Level Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Signal Integrity Engineer (Entry level)

Lisle, IL · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Your Job Molex is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Entry level Signal Integrity Engineer to ... Support research and implementation of advanced technologies for high-speed electrical measurements

New

Engineer, Mechanical

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** * Entry Level - $87,000 * Mid-Level ... Perform independent research, reviews, studies, and analyses in support of technical projects and ...

Engineer, Mechanical

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$114K - $122K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** * Entry Level - $87,000 * Mid-Level ... Perform independent research, reviews, studies, and analyses in support of technical projects and ...

Posted today

Engineer, Mechanical

Ottawa, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** * Entry Level - $87,000 * Mid-Level ... Perform independent research, reviews, studies, and analyses in support of technical projects and ...

Engineer, Mechanical

Wedron, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** * Entry Level - $87,000 * Mid-Level ... Perform independent research, reviews, studies, and analyses in support of technical projects and ...

Engineer, Mechanical

Mazon, IL · On-site

$114K - $122K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** * Entry Level - $87,000 * Mid-Level ... Perform independent research, reviews, studies, and analyses in support of technical projects and ...

Engineer, Mechanical

Seneca, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** * Entry Level - $87,000 * Mid-Level ... Perform independent research, reviews, studies, and analyses in support of technical projects and ...

Engineer, Mechanical

Joliet, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** * Entry Level - $87,000 * Mid-Level ... Perform independent research, reviews, studies, and analyses in support of technical projects and ...

Engineer, Mechanical

Dwight, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** * Entry Level - $87,000 * Mid-Level ... Perform independent research, reviews, studies, and analyses in support of technical projects and ...

Engineer, Mechanical

Joliet, IL · On-site

$114K - $122K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Please see minimum qualifications list below for each level*** * Entry Level - $87,000 * Mid-Level ... Perform independent research, reviews, studies, and analyses in support of technical projects and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Engineer Entry Level information

See Illinois salary details

$35.9K

$102.7K

$138.1K

How much do research engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for research engineer entry level in Illinois is $102,729.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,800.00 and $100,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level research engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Research Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, data analysis, and problem-solving, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as MATLAB, Python, CAD software, and laboratory instrumentation is typically expected. Strong communication, curiosity, and teamwork skills help you collaborate effectively and adapt to new challenges. These skills are vital for conducting innovative research, generating actionable insights, and contributing value to multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What is the difference between Research Engineer Entry Level vs Research Scientist?

AspectResearch Engineer Entry LevelResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's degree, often PhD in a specialized science
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, technical teamsResearch institutions, labs, academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, engineering firmsUniversities, government agencies, research labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Research Engineer Entry Level roles focus on applying engineering principles to develop and test new products or systems, often working closely with design and manufacturing teams. Research Scientists typically conduct fundamental scientific research, analyze data, and publish findings. While both roles involve research, engineers are more application-oriented, whereas scientists focus on theoretical and experimental science. The roles often overlap in research settings, but their primary goals and work environments differ.

What does a research engineer entry level do?

A Research Engineer Entry Level assists in the development and testing of new technologies, products, or processes under the supervision of senior engineers or scientists. Their tasks often include conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and preparing technical reports. These engineers work in various industries such as technology, manufacturing, or academia, and are typically recent graduates with a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related field. Entry-level research engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to solve technical problems and contribute to innovative projects.

What types of projects and technologies do entry level research engineers typically work on, and how do they contribute to a larger team?

Entry-level Research Engineers often support senior engineers and scientists by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and developing prototypes. They may work on projects involving machine learning, robotics, material science, or software development, depending on the organization's focus. Collaboration is a key part of the role, as entry-level engineers frequently work in interdisciplinary teams, contribute to group meetings, and assist in publishing findings or preparing technical documentation. This environment provides excellent opportunities to learn from experienced colleagues and grow technical expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Research Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Engineer Entry Level jobs in Illinois?

For Research Engineer Entry Level jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Engineer Entry Level job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,729 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Signal Integrity Engineer (Entry level)

Koch Industries

Lisle, IL • On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Your Job
Molex is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Entry level Signal Integrity Engineer to join our team, focusing on designing, modeling, analyzing, and characterizing high-speed connectors, cables, and systems. This role is an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology in the data center and storage industry. The successful candidate will support the development of new and advanced interconnect technology solutions and learn from experienced engineers.
Our Team
At Molex, we create connections for life by enabling technologies that transform the future and improve lives. With a presence in more than 40 countries, we offer a complete range of connectivity products, services, and solutions across various industries, including data communications, medical, industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics.
Our Datacom and Specialty Solutions (DSS) team specializes in providing signal integrity solutions essential for building reliable communications equipment, catering to telecommunications, datacom, hyperscalers, cloud, data center, and storage applications. We continue to innovate to meet the demands of next-generation markets.
What You Will Do
  • Assist in the characterization and analysis of high-speed connectors and systems using digital testing and electromagnetic modeling techniques
  • Develop and document electrical test procedures and specifications
  • Collaborate with senior engineers in designing characterization and verification boards
  • Participate in empirical and analytical testing to meet design requirements
  • Prepare evaluation and qualification reports for internal review
  • Learn and provide signal integrity insights to the team
  • Stay updated on industry trends in high-speed connector requirements
  • Support research and implementation of advanced technologies for high-speed electrical measurements
  • Engage with customers under supervision on various high-speed applications
  • Maintain and update SI documentation and database

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or a related field
  • Strong willingness and eagerness to learn signal integrity concepts and techniques
  • Basic understanding of Electromagnetics/RF principles
  • Familiarity with laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, TDRs, and VNAs is a plus
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Coursework or projects related to high-speed electronics or RF design
  • Internships or previous experience in electronics design or testing
  • Familiarity with CAD/CAE tools like HFSS, CST, or similar software
  • Basic programming or scripting skills for automating analysis processes

This position does not qualify for VISA Sponsorship.
For this role, we anticipate paying $85,000 - $100,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
#LI-AP3

What Koch Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom