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Apprentice Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Allied

Software Engineering Apprentice

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$25 - $30/hr

POSITION SUMMARY The Software Engineering Apprentice will support the configuration, optimization ... Leverage low-code/no-code platforms to design and develop solutions that meet business needs.

Eaton Aerospace

Toolmaker - 2nd Shift

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Provide input, as requested, to assist with die design and strip layout processes * Inspect all ... Assess and document progress of apprentice performance on assigned jobs and progress though ...

Eaton Aerospace

Toolmaker - 2nd Shift

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Provide input, as requested, to assist with die design and strip layout processes * Inspect all ... Assess and document progress of apprentice performance on assigned jobs and progress though ...

Eaton

Toolmaker - 2nd Shift

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Provide input, as requested, to assist with die design and strip layout processes * Inspect all ... Assess and document progress of apprentice performance on assigned jobs and progress though ...

Central Machines, Inc.

Be Seen First

Toolmaker / Machinist

Addison, IL · On-site

$30/hr

... Trade Apprenticeship, or similar level of competence proven by experience. Company Description Central Machines, Inc. specializes in the design and construction of In-line, Rotary, Indexing ...

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All JobsApprentice Design JobsApprentice Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Apprentice Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$12

$22

$38

How much do apprentice design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice design in Chicago, IL is $22.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Apprentice Design vs Junior Designer?

AspectApprentice DesignJunior Designer
Required CredentialsBasic education, often in progress of learning design skillsSome formal education or training, basic design skills
Work EnvironmentMentorship-focused, entry-level projectsSupervised projects, collaborative team settings
Employer UsageTraining roles in design firms or agenciesEntry-level position in design teams

Apprentice Design roles are primarily focused on learning and gaining hands-on experience under supervision, often with minimal prior skills. Junior Designer positions require some foundational skills and involve contributing to projects with more independence. Both roles serve as stepping stones in a design career, but apprenticeships emphasize training, while junior roles focus on applying skills in real-world projects.

What types of projects can an Apprentice Designer expect to work on, and how much creative input is typically allowed at this level?

As an Apprentice Designer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects ranging from supporting senior designers with ongoing campaigns to assisting in the creation of assets for digital and print media. While much of your work will involve following established guidelines and direction from more experienced team members, many organizations encourage apprentices to contribute their ideas and bring a fresh perspective to brainstorming sessions. Over time, as you demonstrate your skills and initiative, you'll likely be given more responsibility and creative freedom on projects. Collaboration with other departments, such as marketing or product teams, is common, providing valuable exposure to the full design process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Designer, you need a solid understanding of design principles, basic proficiency in graphic design or related coursework, and a strong creative portfolio. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) is typically expected. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn from feedback help set you apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality design work, collaborating with senior designers, and growing professionally in a fast-paced creative environment.

What does an Apprentice Designer do?

An Apprentice Designer is an entry-level professional who works under the supervision of experienced designers to learn the fundamentals of design. Their responsibilities often include assisting with concept development, creating drafts or prototypes, and supporting the design team in various projects. They may work in fields such as graphic design, fashion, interior design, or industrial design. The apprenticeship provides hands-on experience, allowing them to build their skills and portfolio while gaining insight into industry practices. Over time, apprentice designers may take on more complex tasks as they grow in their role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Apprentice Design jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Apprentice Design job openings:
Apprentice Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,187 per year, or $22.7 per hour.

Sr. Tool Design Engineer

Weiss-Aug - Elk Grove Village, IL

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description

Join Weiss-Aug - A Leader in Precision Manufacturing and Innovation


Be part of a company that's shaping the future of manufacturing where your ideas, skills, and passion matter. 


Weiss-Aug, is a leading provider of advanced manufacturing and engineering solutions with advanced facilities across the U.S. and Mexico for over 50 years.


Why Join Us? 

At Weiss-Aug we are driven by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. As a recognized leader in the industrial and commercial sectors, specializing in high-volume metal stamping, thermoplastic molding, and value-added assembly solutions for the medical, aerospace & defense, automotive, interconnect, telecommunications and consumer goods industries, we take pride in cultivating a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment.


We're currently seeking a passionate and skilled Sr. Tool Design Engineer with at least 5 years' experience in precision metal stamping to join our team and contribute to our mission of delivering high-quality, engineered solutions to our customers worldwide. In this role you will be responsible for managing the progressive die design process beginning with the customer part print through completion of a fully detailed tool design. Requires a 2-yr technical degree or equivalent formal training. Must have relevant CAD experience in both 2D and 3D environments.


Responsibilities

  • Design high-precision progressive stamping dies for high-volume production of complex tight-tolerance products per W-A Engineering standards. This includes, but is not limited to generate flat blank, develop strip layout, blanking and forming station layout, detail component and assembly drawings, etc.
  • Create and modify Material Specifications, Plating Specifications, Heat-Treat Specifications, and other outside material/process specifications as required.
  • Process data (layouts) for use in WEDM and CNC machining.
  • Create and modify internal product drawings for inspection and other purposes.
  • Design fixtures, gages and other custom tooling or equipment as required.
  • Review customer drawings and specifications for manufacturing feasibility.
  • Initiate and/or coordinate change control process (ECO) relating to Engineering documentation.
  • Participate in Tooling Kickoff, Specification Review, Design Review and Lessons Learned (Postmortem) Meetings.
  • Provide technical assistance to Tool Room regarding tooling and process issues during die fabrication and debugging.
  • Jointly responsible for successful transfer of tooling to Manufacturing along with Tool Room and Project Engineering functions.
  • Responsible for adherence to tooling project schedules and budgets as established by Project. Engineering and/or Stamping Design Manager.
  • Initiate and/or coordinate outsourced tooling work with qualified tooling subcontractors. ensure accuracy, quality workmanship and on-time delivery of outsourced tooling components.
  • Review stamping die cost estimates for accuracy.

Requirements

  • Minimum of 5 yrs. of experience designing complex progressive stamping dies.
  • 2-yr. technical degree required; 4-yr engineering degree preferred. Equivalent experience in a hands-on technical position, such as tool & die maker/apprentice, may be considered as a substitute for degree.
  • Proficient in Computer-Aided Design (CAD). At a minimum, must be familiar with at least one 2-D CAD design package (eg. AutoCAD, Solid Edge, CadKey), however, 3-D experience preferable (eg. Solidworks, ProENGINEER).
  • Understanding of ANSI/ISO drawing standards. Knowledge of GD&T dimensioning preferable.
  • Knowledge of Wire EDM and/or CNC machining technologies.
  • Knowledge of tool steels and their applications.
  • Knowledge of commonly stamped metals such as cold-rolled steels, stainless steels, and copper-based alloys.
  • Understanding of die sensors, vision inspection, and/or related technology is preferable.
  • Knowledge of insert molding process desirable.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Exceptional analytical and computational skills.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Experience working in an environment having a registered quality system is a plus.

This position is at our Elk Grove Village, IL location.


Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000 per year


Other Benefits Include

  • Medical, Dental and Vision 
  • 401 (k) with company match
  • Holiday, Vacation and Personal Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Short Term Disability
  • Group Life and Accidental Insurance

US Pay Transparency

The base salary for this role will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, experience, and internal consistency.


If your salary requirements exceed the advertised range and you remain interested in Weiss-Aug, we encourage you to apply.


Weiss-Aug is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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