Manufacturing, Energy & Logistics

Engineering, Manufacturing + Technology Careers: Innovate and Build

Ignite your vision at Illinois Tech, applying scientific and mathematical principles to design, build, and optimize systems that solve real-world problems. Our rigorous technical foundations and Elevate program’s practical application prepare you for a dynamic career in Chicago’s global hub for infrastructure, manufacturing, and innovation.

Impactful Career Paths

  • Mechanical Engineer: Design and develop mechanical systems and products.
  • Electrical Engineer: Work with diverse electrical systems, from power to electronics.
  • Civil Engineer: Design, construct, and maintain vital infrastructure projects.
  • Chemical Engineer: Develop and optimize chemical processes for manufacturing.
  • Aerospace Engineer: Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
  • Biomedical Engineer: Create devices and systems for medical and healthcare needs.
  • Environmental Engineer: Develop sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
  • Systems Engineer: Optimize complex systems across multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Research & Development Engineer: Advance technological frontiers through applied research.

Essential Skills for Success

Technical Prowess: Master engineering design principles, mathematical modeling, CAD/simulation, materials science, lab procedures, technical documentation, industry-specific software, and regulatory compliance.

Transferable Strengths: Hone problem-solving, critical thinking, project management, teamwork, technical communication, ethical decision-making, and adaptability.

Illinois Tech’s engineering programs, combined with Elevate experiences, develop both the technical expertise and professional competencies employers seek.

Chicago: Your Engineering Launchpad

Chicago offers exceptional opportunities for engineers:

  • Major Engineering Firms: Significant offices for AECOM, Burns & McDonnell, Jacobs, and more.
  • Manufacturing Leaders: Key presence from Caterpillar, Boeing, Abbott Laboratories, and other major companies.
  • Research Facilities: Access to Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and university research centers.
  • Infrastructure Projects: Engage in ongoing city infrastructure development and renovation.
  • Innovation Hubs: Explore mHUB (manufacturing innovation center) and specialized tech centers.

Take Action: Launch Your Career

Connect with Career Services for essential resources:

  • Resume & Cover Letter Guides: Craft compelling application materials.
  • LinkedIn Profile Optimization: Build a strong professional online presence.
  • Interview Preparation: Excel in critical interview stages.
  • Career Exploration Tools: Discover diverse pathways within engineering and technology.
  • Alumni Mentoring Program: Connect with experienced professionals in the field.

Schedule an appointment with a career advisor today to discuss your specific engineering career goals and create a personalized plan for success.

This industry group aligns closely with the Mechanical, Materials Science, and Aerospace Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Industrial Technology and Management departments, yet welcomes students from most majors!

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Career Resources

Scarlet C-Suite Program

Scarlet C-Suite Program

The Scarlet C-Suite Program is a comprehensive program offered by Career Services. The purpose of the program is to elevate …

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Labor Market InsightsIn partnership withLightcast logo

Find a career that aligns with your career interests, see current salary projects, and identify skills you need to apply for that next job or internship.

There are two ways to use this tool below:

  1. By Keyword: Search for the name of the occupation you’re interested in.
  2. By Industry: Not sure what job you’d like? Search by desired industry and see available occupations.

First, choose an industry of interest, then filter for occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Type in a keyword to select a relevant occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

 Access All Labor Market Insights Here

Illinois Tech Features Over 100 Professional Student Organizations

  Benefits of Joining

* Professional development and continuing education
* Conferences and networking events
* Design competitions and awards programs
* Certification preparation and support
* Career resources and job boards
* Mentorship opportunities
* Industry publications and research access

Union Board

Prism

Society of Women Engineers

SEDS (Students for the Exploration and Development of Space)

Undergraduate Research Journal

Engineers without Borders – Engineering

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Featured Classes

Introduction To The Profession (ITP)

Introduction to the Profession (ITP) is a course that every Illinois Tech student takes during their first semester. Each academic…

Inter-Professional Projects Program (IPRO)

Interprofessional Projects (IPROs) at Illinois Tech provide real-world project experience for students. All undergraduate students must complete two IPRO courses,…
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Undergraduate Career Outcomes

Career Outcomes

Illinois Tech graduates are in high demand. See what our graduates are doing within six months of graduation

Career Services tracks career outcomes on an annual basis through a survey known as First Destination. This data refers to the post-graduation status of students within six months of graduation and provides a snapshot view of the success undergraduates obtain.

For the 2023 class, surveys were collected from 94% of graduates.

Graduates of Illinois Tech pursue a wide variety of industries and positions in leading companies and organizations, and Career Services strongly believes that engaging in internships, research, study abroad, and student organizations are practices that lead to post-graduation success. For additional information or questions, please get in touch with Illinois Tech Career Services at careerservices@iit.edu and review our collection and reporting methodology.

  • First Destination
  • Top Employers
  • Starting Salary
  • Employment Locations
  • Top Universities
  • Degree Types
  • Fields of Study

First Destination

The vast majority of our graduates obtained full-time employment or decided to continue their education through graduate studies.

Learn more about the percentages of our graduates employed full-time, part-time, in graduate school, serving in the military, or pursuing volunteer opportunities.