2026 Engineering Internship Programs in Illinois
Illinois' engineering landscape spans manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology. Internship programs across Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Schaumburg, Evanston, Deerfield provide experience in software engineering, industrial engineering, civil infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
Engineering in Illinois
Illinois engineering blends heavy industry with emerging technology. Boeing's Chicago headquarters coordinates global aerospace programs, while Caterpillar and John Deere anchor the state's agricultural and construction equipment engineering. Chicago's growing software startup scene adds web and mobile engineering opportunities. Argonne National Laboratory provides research-oriented engineering internships in energy, computing, and materials science.
Market Highlights
- ●Illinois ranks in the top 10 states for engineering employment with 180,000+ practicing engineers
- ●Chicago's software engineering sector grew 30% from 2022-2025, driven by fintech and healthtech startups
- ●Argonne National Laboratory hosts 100+ engineering interns annually across 12 research divisions
Employment Type: Internship
Education: Bachelor's degree (in progress or completed)
Experience: Entry-level / No prior experience required
Posted: February 2026
Apply By: December 31, 2026
Eligibility
- ✓Currently enrolled students or graduates from accredited U.S. universities (Class of 2024-2027)
- ✓Authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or valid work visa)
- ✓Strong academic record with demonstrated interest in engineering
- ✓Willingness to work on-site in Illinois or relocate with assistance
Top Engineering Employers in Illinois
Boeing (Chicago)
Caterpillar (Deerfield)
Motorola Solutions (Chicago)
John Deere (Moline)
Argonne National Laboratory (Lemont)
Available Locations in Illinois
Chicago
IL
Aurora
IL
Naperville
IL
Schaumburg
IL
Evanston
IL
Deerfield
IL
Peoria
IL
Springfield
IL
Rockford
IL
Champaign
IL
Many programs offer relocation flexibility. If you don't see your preferred city listed, apply through PropelGrad and our recruiters will help match you with the right location.
Application Process
Browse Open Jobs
View all open internship and leadership program listings on PropelGrad, filtered to your field.
Find Your Match
Review role details, salary, location, and requirements to find the best fit for your background.
Apply Directly
Click apply on any open job and complete the official application with recruiter assistance.
Get Matched
Your application is reviewed by hiring partners. Interviews and offers follow for qualified candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions: Engineering Internships in Illinois
What is the average engineering intern salary in Illinois?
Engineering interns in Illinois earn $25-$35 per hour. Software engineering roles at tech companies pay the highest. Industrial and manufacturing engineering internships at Caterpillar and John Deere average $25-$30/hr, often including relocation packages for non-local candidates.
What engineering specialties are strongest in Illinois?
Aerospace systems (Boeing), industrial and manufacturing engineering (Caterpillar, John Deere), software engineering (Chicago startups), and computational science (Argonne). The state's unique strength is the intersection of software with physical systems and heavy industry.
Is Chicago good for software engineering careers?
Increasingly yes. Chicago's tech scene has matured rapidly, with major companies like Grubhub, Groupon, Tempus, and Avant headquartered there. The city offers software engineering opportunities at 70-80% of Bay Area salaries with 40% lower cost of living.