Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Project Engineer jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with demand concentrated in construction, civil infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy sectors at levels from entry-level associate through senior project engineer. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford are the primary hiring metros, anchored by employers such as Caterpillar, Baxter International, and AECOM, all of which maintain substantial Illinois operations. The most in-demand specialties include civil and structural engineering, industrial facilities, and MEP systems coordination. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Role Summary
The Project Engineer provides technical and project-specific engineering support to ensure the successful execution of customer and internal projects. This role partners closely with Project Engineering leadership, R&D, Project Managers, Sales, Operations, and Field Services to define accurate project scopes and deliver installation-ready solutions that integrate Watchfire products with third‑party systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Support projects throughout the full lifecycle, from initial scope development through installation readiness and validation.
- Analyze project requirements and perform standard engineering calculations to support system design, integration, and installation needs.
- Develop and maintain project-specific technical documentation, including drawings, schematics, diagrams, wiring details, and installation instructions.
- Qualify new products to use for project needs and create supporting documentation for installation, sales, and support.
- Assist with project estimating by supporting product selection, labor assumptions, equipment needs, workflows, and jobsite considerations.
- Collaborate with Project Managers and cross-functional teams to communicate technical requirements related to hardware, software, and system integration.
- Review production, installation, and maintenance issues; assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Use engineering and project management software tools to support planning, documentation, and execution.
- Assist Watchfire support staff in any installation or post-installation needs.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on engineering processes, documentation standards, and execution efficiency.
- Travel to Danville and jobsites as needed to support project validation, troubleshooting, and coordination.
- Participate in training and remain current on Watchfire products, industry standards, and best practices.
Required Qualifications and Skills
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Proficiency with engineering, design, and project management software tools.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment.
- Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
Education and Experience
- Associate’s degree or higher in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field preferred, or equivalent practical experience.
- 0 - 3 years of relevant engineering or technical project experience.
- Experience in manufacturing, construction, electronics, or integrated systems environments preferred.
- Knowledge of basic AC electrical distribution methods, common A/V practices, and networking techniques.
Physical and Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, and crouch in and around tightly configured spaces.
- Willingness to travel to jobsites as required.
- Ability to work extended hours when needed to meet project deadlines.
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Company Paid Life/ADD
- Voluntary Life/ADD
- Dependent Life/ADD
- 401k with Employer Match
- Vacation
- Personal Time
Watchfire is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.
Legal authorization to work in the United States is required. We will not consider candidates who require current or future sponsorship.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 136+ Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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Find Project Engineer JobsProject Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services15
- Staffing & Recruiting5
- Construction & Real Estate5
- Technology & Software4
- Medical Devices3
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, or related engineering from an accredited program
- Engineer Intern certification or active Professional Engineer license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Proficiency with project management software such as Procore, Primavera P6, or MS Project
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts
- Experience coordinating with subcontractors, vendors, and cross-functional project teams
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for client reporting and stakeholder updates
Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project engineer in Illinois?
You start with a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program, then sit for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to earn an Engineer Intern credential through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Many employers hire at the project engineer level after this step, while others expect you to continue toward a Professional Engineer license. Construction-focused roles often prioritize hands-on site coordination experience alongside the academic background.
Which companies hire project engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring project engineers in Illinois right now include Jobot, Farnsworth, and ARI, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's concentration of large manufacturing headquarters, infrastructure contractors, and engineering consulting firms means openings tend to appear across a range of industries rather than clustering in one sector.
Which Illinois cities have the most project engineer jobs?
Chicago, Peoria, and Champaign have the most project engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago and its surrounding suburbs account for the bulk of listings, driven by major construction activity, corporate engineering departments, and large consulting firms headquartered in the metro, while Peoria and Rockford generate steady demand from manufacturing and industrial operations tied to employers like Caterpillar and regional contractors.
Are there remote project engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Project engineering is largely a site-dependent role, requiring on-site coordination, inspections, and direct contractor oversight that cannot be performed remotely. About 38% of project engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those that do offer flexibility tend to be in planning, estimating, or design review phases rather than active construction or facilities management.
How can I get hired as a project engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an engineering internship or co-op during your degree, since firms like AECOM and large Illinois general contractors routinely convert interns to full-time project engineer roles. Alternatively, transitioning from a field inspector, construction coordinator, or CAD technician position gives you site exposure that hiring managers value. Earning your Engineer Intern credential through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before you graduate strengthens any application.
Where can I find and apply to project engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to project engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Illinois employers. Search the listings to find roles that match your specialty and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 136+ Project Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Engineer Jobs