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Application Design Engineer Jobs in Centralia, IL

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Application Design Engineer information

See Centralia, IL salary details

$18

$51

$78

How much do application design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for application design engineer in Centralia, IL is $51.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.84 and $65.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an application design engineer?

Application Design Engineers are professionals who develop, customize, and optimize technical solutions or products to meet specific client or industry needs. They work closely with customers, sales teams, and product development teams to ensure that applications perform efficiently and address user requirements. Their role often involves both engineering design tasks and application support, requiring a strong understanding of both product capabilities and customer use cases. They may also assist in troubleshooting, prototyping, and modifying existing systems to improve functionality.

What are some common challenges faced by application design engineers when working on custom solutions for clients?

Application Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing client requirements with technical feasibility, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. They must frequently adapt to evolving project scopes and navigate communication between cross-functional teams, including sales, development, and support. Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills are essential, as is the ability to clearly translate client needs into practical design specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an application design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, software development, and system design, usually supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and programming languages such as Python or C++ is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for translating client needs into technical solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure that complex applications are designed efficiently, meet user requirements, and function reliably in real-world environments.

What is the difference between Application Design Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectApplication Design EngineerSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, CAD or design certificationsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing settings, client sitesOffices, development labs, remote work
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, industrial equipmentIT, software development, tech companies
Primary FocusDesigning and testing physical products and systemsWriting, testing, and maintaining software applications

Application Design Engineers focus on creating and testing physical product designs, often working with hardware and systems integration. Software Engineers primarily develop and maintain software applications. While both roles require technical skills and collaboration, their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly, making this comparison useful for those exploring career options or job opportunities in engineering fields.

Do application design engineers make good money?

Application design engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. They often have specialized skills in software or hardware design, which can lead to higher compensation, especially with advanced certifications or expertise in tools like CAD or simulation software.

What cities near Centralia, IL are hiring for Application Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Centralia, IL with the most Application Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Application Design Engineer job openings in Centralia, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,924 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

General Job Duties

  •  Responsible for maintaining and enhancing all automated systems including robotic systems. This would include modifying and/or creating ladder logic programs, vision system programs and HMI programs. Provide PLC troubleshooting assistance to maintenance personnel and system design assistance to facility engineers. Act as project manager on assigned projects.


Specific Job Duties

  • Assist Nascote Maintenance and Production Technicians with automated systems operation, maintenance and implementation of application enhancements.
  • Coordinate all mechanical/electrical system modifications with external vendors, paint maintenance personnel and paint facility engineers.
  • Organize and maintain all system documentation (i.e. mechanical/electrical prints, software documentation and backups, path problems, robot configuration parameters, Binks RCS configuration parameters.
  • Outline maintenance practices for Nascote application automated systems. In addition, maintain software programs for automated systems.
  • Design and implement software, electrical and mechanical automated system enhancements.
  • Support and assist maintenance personnel with diagnosing software and electrical system problems.
  • Support multiple PLC and electrical controlled automated systems.
  • Identify, justify, implement and support capital projects. This includes lending design specification and implementation support to other members of the engineering staff.
  • Maintains a clean and safe work area.
  • Participates in department meetings.
  • Completes documentation of activities as required.
  • Submits cost reduction and Innovation ideas.
  • Performs other tasks as assigned.
  •  


Skills/Experience Required
 

  • Required - Must have a minimum of 2 years experience in the following: Robotics and Automated systems design and integration.
  • Must have good problem solving skills.
  • Must understand the application of the PLC in automated systems. This includes the ability to program and troubleshoot relay ladder logic.
  • Must be comfortable with the applications of control theory with emphasis on the PID loops.
  • Must be experienced with electrical and electronic controls.
  • Knowledge of Allen Bradley RS Logix 5000, Studio 5000, and Factory Talk Software.
  • Experience with Cognex, Keyence or equivalent vision software
  • Computer networking software and hardware skills area desirable.
  • Software programming skills.
  • Experience with Ignition and/or Python Software a plus.
  • Must have skills with supporting, maintaining and enhancing automated and/or robotic systems.
  • Knowledge and ability to implement software and hardware controls for the automated equipment is essential.
  • Project management skills are necessary.
  • Knowledge of Automotive paint, molding and assembly automated systems is desirable.
  • AutoCAD experience is necessary.
  • Must work well with others.  Must have good communication skills – both verbal and written.
  • Must have good math skills.
  • Must have good SPC skills.
  • Ability to read/interpret prints (customer parts, mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and facility).
  • Be able to work with and understand AI tools and techniques.


Educational Requirements

  • Required - B.S. degree in Electrical/Mechatronics or with a related technology degree.
  • In special circumstances, candidates who have not met the required education, but have substantial manufacturing work experience that is applicable to the job may be considered.
  •  


Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to at least meet the physical demands as defined by the current production requirements and the job function evaluation.  See job function evaluation in the Occupational Nurse’s office for more details. 
  • Manufacturing environment using normal PPE and safety precautions.
  • Manufacturing environment requiring the use of respirators and knowledge and use of special safety precautions.
  • Office environment.  May spend some time in manufacturing environment using normal PPE and safety precautions.
Employment Type: FULL_TIME