Mechanical Engineering New Graduate | Rock Island, IL
This entry-level Mechanical Engineering position at Confidential Client in Rock Island, IL offers new graduates hands-on experience designing and analyzing HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems primarily for education and campus projects. The role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, client interaction, and adherence to energy-efficient design standards, supported by mentorship and professional development within a 100% employee-owned company culture.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Graduate (Mechanical Engineering Consulting).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position Overview
Confidential Client is hiring an entry-level Mechanical Engineering New Graduate to join their Rock Island, IL office. This is a hands-on, full-time, contract role focused on HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection design for vertical building projects (strong emphasis on education/campus work). You’ll receive formal mentorship, training, and exposure to project delivery and energy-efficient design standards from day one.
What You’ll Do
- Assist in the design, analysis, and documentation of HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems using standard engineering tools and software
- Produce calculations, specifications, and drawings compliant with codes and firm standards
- Support project planning, schedules, and quality-control review processes
- Communicate with clients to gather requirements and present technical information professionally
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (architects, engineers, project managers) to deliver integrated MEP solutions within project budgets
- Analyze low-to-medium complexity engineering problems and propose practical solutions with guidance from senior staff
- Track project design progress and help document design decisions and client instructions
- Contribute to research and stay current with industry best practices (energy-efficient design, MEP2050/AIA2030 goals)
- Prioritize safety and identify/mitigate potential safety risks related to mechanical systems
What You’ll Bring
Required Education
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent)
Required Skills & Abilities
- Understanding of thermodynamics, psychrometrics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics as applied to building systems
- Familiarity with HVAC load calculation tools and industry-standard engineering software
- Basic knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software
- Strong technical and analytical problem-solving skills
- Clear written and verbal communication skills
- Team-oriented mindset and attention to detail
- Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Willingness to travel up to 5% (occasionally overnight)
- Eagerness to learn, adapt, and grow in a consulting environment
Preferred
- Internship experience in building design or consulting
- Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification
Team & Projects
- Local Rock Island MEP team focused on education and campus facilities
- Project types include higher-education labs and libraries, healthcare additions, civic lighting, aviation terminals, commissioning and facility assessments
- Recent/project examples: university lab & library projects, medical center additions, regional airport terminal work
Why Join
- Structured early-career consultancy development program and an assigned mentor
- Innovation programs and internal tools (including in-house AI platforms) to accelerate learning and productivity
- Employee ownership (ESOP) and profit-sharing opportunities
- Support for professional licensure (EIT → PE pathways) and exam prep
- Flexible “dress for your day” policy and generous time off (holidays + floating)
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting day one, preventive care covered, wellness credit, and employee well-being resources
Compensation & Logistics
- Pay range (State of Illinois): $36.00–$38.00 per hour
- Employment type: Contractor — Full-time (in-office)
- Location: Rock Island, IL (on-site)
- Travel: Up to 5%
- Sponsorship: Not available
- Compensation note: Individual pay will be set based on experience, education, skills, and relevant certifications. Additional rewards may include bonuses and stock ownership options where applicable.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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