Associate engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

To view the Associate Consultant job description for our Montreal office, click here.

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world’s most ambitious change makers define the future. We work with leading organizations across industries and geographies on their most critical challenges, delivering impact in strategy, operations, digital transformation, sustainability, mergers and acquisitions, and more.

WHY BAIN

Bain is a launchpad for your career, where you’ll work on the most interesting challenges alongside a bright and supportive peer group who will push your thinking, celebrate your progress, and grow with you.

From day one, you’ll build a strong foundation and business toolkit, working across a wide range of industries and contributing to work that helps global clients, including senior executives and C-level leaders, address complex strategic issues and translate them into actionable plans.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Associate Consultants are integral members of our consulting teams, working alongside teammates across levels on case teams embedded within client organizations, including many of the world’s leading companies. You’ll bring fresh thinking, structured problem solving, and a collaborative spirit to help solve high-impact business challenges.

Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll do:

• Break down complex problems using hypothesis-led thinking and rigorous analysis to generate insights that shape strategic decisions
• Own discrete workstreams such as market sizing, financial modeling, scenario planning, or benchmarking to deliver clear, actionable recommendations
• Use data, tools, and digital platforms, which may include Bain’s proprietary platforms and emerging capabilities such as generative AI to support analysis and decision making
• Adapt and deliver by taking on varied responsibilities depending on the needs of each case, from research and analysis to implementation support

HOW BAIN WILL SUPPORT YOU

While the learning curve is steep and the work is challenging, you’ll be supported every step of the way through training, mentorship, and a culture that helps you thrive. You’ll learn from colleagues across regions, tapping into Bain’s global network of expertise, resources, and shared communities. Whether on a case, in training, or through firmwide initiatives, you’ll build meaningful relationships and expand your perspective.

ABOUT YOU:

This role is ideal for final-year undergraduates, non-MBA master’s students, or early career professionals. Eligibility and application deadlines vary by office. Please refer to our office information for additional details.

Associate consultant candidates typically meet the following qualifications:

• A university degree from a renowned academic institution
• Fluency in English, along with additional language requirements for the office you’re applying to
• Strong analytical skills and a curious mindset
• Clear written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Collaborative, with the initiative to contribute ideas independently
• Willingness to travel and work onsite with clients and in the Bain office, sometimes in fast-paced and evolving environments

If you’re ambitious and energized by working with exceptional people, Bain is an exciting place to launch and grow your career.

COMPENSATION:

For all locations, the good-faith, reasonable annualized full-time compensation for this role is commensurate with competitive geographic market rates. In some locations, compensation may vary based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, education, licensure/certifications, training, and skill level.

Bain’s comprehensive benefits and wellness programs are designed to support your emotional, physical, and professional needs:

• Wellbeing: Health plans for employees and families that go beyond the basics to include mental, emotional, and behavioral health resources, counseling, assistance, and digital wellness tools
• Financial Security: Life, accident, disability, as well as tax efficient programs and retirement savings, where applicable, and extras through various expense and office policies
• Flexibility: Paid holidays, vacation, personal sick time, flexibility, and accommodation. Plus, flexible breaks and family leave policies
• Learning: A culture of mentorship across all roles, and full lifecycle career support, training, tuition, and planning

Compensation for this role in the United States includes base salary, annual discretionary performance bonus, 401(k) plan with an annual employer contribution based on years of service, and Bain’s best in class benefits package (details listed above).

The annualized base compensation for first-year Associate Consultants in the United States is $120,000. This role may also be eligible for other elements of discretionary compensation.

Note for Italy

In accordance with applicable Italian pay transparency requirements, Bain & Company provides information regarding the compensation applicable to this position. The annualized base salary for this role in Italy is €45.000 gross per year.

This compensation has been determined based on objective and gender-neutral criteria and reflects the compensation normally applicable to this position at the time of publication.

This role is eligible for an annual performance bonus of up to 22% of base salary.

Bonus awards are discretionary and actual bonus outcomes depend on individual and firm performance.

This position is subject to the provisions of Contratto Collettivo Nazionale di Lavoro per i lavoratori addetti all’industria metalmeccanica e della installazione di impianti

WHAT MAKES US A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

We are proud to be consistently recognized as one of the world’s best places to work. We are currently the top ranked consulting firm on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work list and have earned the #1 overall spot a record seven times. Extraordinary teams are at the heart of our business strategy, but these don’t happen by chance. They require intentional focus on bringing together a broad set of backgrounds, cultures, experiences, perspectives, and skills in a supportive and inclusive work environment. We hire people with exceptional talent and create an environment in which every individual can thrive professionally and personally.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.