Entry Level Energy Project Manager Jobs
New grad energy project manager jobs welcome recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where strong internship work or a project portfolio can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Consulting & Professional Services, Energy, and Construction & Real Estate, with employers like ENFRA, Resource Innovations, and ICF hiring at this level now.
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Energy Engineer - Energy Resources Center
Hiring Department: Energy Resources Center
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1041091
Posting Close Date: Thursday, July 9, 2026
Salary: The previously determined salary range for this position was $100,000.00 to $107,000.00.
About the University of Illinois Chicago
UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has over 300,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
Position Summary
Under minimal supervision develops partnerships with private and public sector to develop research ideas and translate them into fundable projects to improve energy efficiency. Through energy audits, energy studies, and engineering analyses, the employee is responsible for identifying practical answers to energy problems in the industrial, commercial, institutional and/or residential markets. This employee is a project leader and has responsibilities leading engineering teams as assigned.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Works with Energy Resource Center (ERC) project teams to identify and develop energy and environmental research ideas and assists in converting them into fundable projects (energy efficiency, energy use, energy conversion, energy storage, emission reduction). Provides technical and engineering expertise in energy efficiency technologies/measures/ concepts.
- Provides original ideas/concepts to technical proposals, contributing major sections to the proposals and working with the ERC project teams to complete all sections of the proposals (technical, budget, schedules, deliverables).
- Serves as principal investigator and point of contact on some projects and/or elements of ERC programs, directing tasks and taking responsibility for the results. Provides input/recommendation to sponsoring agency. Responds to inquiries. Responsible for providing final project deliverables (including, reports, papers, presentations, etc.) on time and within budget.
- Applies engineering principles to projects, along with in depth technical knowledge of energy/environmental technologies and concepts, to specific energy and/or environmental research issues, opportunities and tasks (analysis, technical writing, independent technical research & judgment).
- Acts as technical project team member (work within technical teams of various disciplines). Provide technical guidance in areas of expertise as well as periodically leads engineering team activities in the field (site visits, energy assessments, commissioning & recommissioning). Approve and oversee project plans, timelines and cost structures. Review and approve final deliverables, ensuring the accuracy of data.
- Conducts independent and group research as appropriate.
- Encourages interdisciplinary program planning to develop new programs, insuring energy efficiency and environmental stewardship principles are included.
- Staff Management: plan, assign and review work of staff to ensure that group objectives are met. Hire, train, develop and manage staff to ensure that a qualified staff exists to meet group objectives.
- Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (preferable mechanical, industrial, electrical, chemical, civil, energy or equivalent) with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in energy, manufacturing, utility, research or service industry.
Alternatively, Masters degree in Engineering, Business or Finance with a minimum of one (1) year equivalent work or research experience in a related field.
Minimum of 2 years experience in modeling heat pump technologies.
Excellent technical written and verbal communications. Understanding of energy engineering principles (technical concepts, analysis techniques, energy-financing principals). Computer proficiency (MS Office, Excel, Word PowerPoint, Internet Research- Energy and any energy engineering software capabilities are a plus.
Preferred Qualifications
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
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Who's Hiring
- ENFRA5
- Resource Innovations5
- ICF4
- Tesla4
- Eversource Energy4
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services31
- Energy16
- Construction & Real Estate12
- Education10
- Manufacturing8
Entry Level Energy Project Manager Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level energy project manager job?
Start by building hands-on experience through internships, co-ops, or campus energy project work, since most employers at this level prioritize demonstrated initiative over years on the job. A working knowledge of project scheduling tools, basic budgeting, and energy fundamentals gives you a clear edge. Certifications like CAPM or LEED Green Associate can also signal readiness to hiring managers reviewing entry level candidates.
Which companies hire entry level energy project managers?
Companies hiring entry level energy project managers right now include ENFRA, Resource Innovations, and ICF, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from utilities, renewable energy developers, engineering and construction firms, and government contractors building out clean energy infrastructure.
Are there remote entry level energy project manager jobs?
Yes, though most entry level roles still favor on-site or hybrid work. About 20% of entry level energy project manager openings are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with fully remote positions more common at companies managing distributed energy portfolios or software-driven project platforms. On-site roles typically offer stronger mentorship for candidates just starting out.
Are these new grad energy project manager jobs?
Yes. These listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior energy project manager roles. A new grad friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internships or co-op work in place of full-time history, and does not require professional licensure. Look for language like "entry level," "recent graduates welcome," or "training provided" as reliable signals.
Which industries hire the most entry level energy project managers?
Entry Level energy project manager roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Energy, and Construction & Real Estate, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. These sectors drive entry level hiring because they are actively expanding capacity, need junior project support to manage timelines and vendor coordination, and often have structured onboarding programs suited to candidates new to the field.