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Assistant Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

$60K - $85K/yr

Design Engineer Department: Engineering Employment Type: Full Time Location: East Peoria, IL ... Perform design calculations and assist in quantity take-offs and cost estimates. * Interpret survey ...

Design Engineer

Streator, IL · On-site

$85/hr

May include travel to the field and/or trade shows. * Assist drafters and designers with required engineering expertise to complete design activities. * Develop project plans with input from ...

Design Engineer

Harwood Heights, IL · On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Work with manufacturing engineers, quality assurance and product line engineers to ensure design for manufacturability. * Assist in the creation of process control documentation. * Communicates with ...

Design Engineer

Harwood Heights, IL · On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Work with manufacturing engineers, quality assurance and product line engineers to ensure design for manufacturability.  * Assist in the creation of process control documentation.  * Communicates ...

Fehr Graham is a leading engineering and environmental firm with a passion for helping communities ... Perform design calculations and assist in quantity take-offs and cost estimates. * Interpret survey ...

Design Engineer

Moline, IL · On-site

$87K - $127K/yr

Working under the direction of the Assistant Director of Engineering, you'll design streets, utilities, parks, and other public works projects by applying sound engineering principles, City standards ...

May include travel to the field and/or trade shows. * Assist drafters and designers with required engineering expertise to complete design activities. * Develop project plans with input from ...

Design Engineer

Streator, IL · On-site

$85/hr

May include travel to the field and/or trade shows. * Assist drafters and designers with required engineering expertise to complete design activities. * Develop project plans with input from ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Bolingbrook, IL Schedule: Full-Time | On-Site Industry ... Work closely with project managers, estimators, BIM/VDC teams, and field personnel. * Assist with ...

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

We are seeking a motivated Civil Design Engineer I to join our team and contribute to the ... Key Responsibilities * Assist in the preparation of civil engineering designs, drawings, and ...

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

Key Responsibilities * Assist in the preparation of civil engineering designs, drawings, and ... Stay current with advancements in civil engineering design practices, tools, and regulations.

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

Description We are seeking a motivated Civil Design Engineer I to join our team and contribute to ... Key Responsibilities * Assist in the preparation of civil engineering designs, drawings, and ...

Senior Design Engineer Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc. | Peoria, IL Design the equipment that moves the ... Support Sales by creating proposal drawings for prospective customers. * Assist with research and ...

Product Design Engineer

Moline, IL · On-site

$32 - $34/hr

Develop engineering drawings for design communication, evaluation, and implementation. * Assist with product development, engineering analysis, and data interpretation. * Develop and follow ...

The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing ... Write design validation plans and testing procedures; Assist testing personnel in specifying ...

Electrical Design Engineer We're looking for an Electrical Design Engineer to support the design ... Create schematics and assist with PCB layout using AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks, or similar tools.

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Showing results 1-20

Assistant Design Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$32K

$86K

$130.3K

How much do assistant design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant design engineer in Illinois is $86,005.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,300.00 and $101,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant design engineer do?

An Assistant Design Engineer supports senior engineers in creating and developing designs for products, structures, or systems. Their tasks often include preparing technical drawings, conducting research, creating prototypes, and assisting with testing and analysis. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create models and work closely with other team members to ensure designs meet project requirements and safety standards. This role is typically an entry-level position that provides valuable experience in engineering design and project management.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as EIT (Engineer-in-Training) are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork and communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure precise, innovative design solutions and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What are some common challenges assistant design engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to professional engineering environments?

Assistant Design Engineers often find that transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering roles involves adapting to tighter deadlines, larger teams, and stricter compliance with industry standards. Unlike classroom assignments, professional projects require precise documentation, coordination with other departments such as manufacturing and quality assurance, and adherence to budget constraints. Embracing collaborative tools and clear communication is essential, as is being open to feedback from senior engineers to grow technically and professionally.

What is the difference between Assistant Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectAssistant Design EngineerDesign Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience
Work EnvironmentSupport role in design teams, assisting senior engineersLead or primary role in designing projects, overseeing technical details
ResponsibilitiesAssist in creating designs, preparing drawings, and conducting researchDevelop and finalize designs, review technical specifications, and coordinate with manufacturing

The main difference between an Assistant Design Engineer and a Design Engineer lies in responsibility level and experience. Assistant Design Engineers support the design process and gain experience, while Design Engineers take on more complex tasks and lead design projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Design Engineers typically have more hands-on experience and responsibility.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Assistant Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Assistant Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Assistant Design Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,005 per year, or $41.3 per hour.

$60K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Design Engineer
Department: Engineering
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: East Peoria, IL
Compensation: $60,000 - $85,000 / year
Description
Fehr Graham is a leading engineering and environmental firm with a passion for helping communities thrive. We offer smart solutions to complex challenges in infrastructure, water resources, transportation, environmental compliance, and beyond. Our team of experts works collaboratively across disciplines to improve quality of life for our clients and the communities we serve.
What's in it for you?
We offer an exciting and engaging work environment where every day brings new challenges and opportunities. At Fehr Graham, we don't just manage projects - we bring them to life! This position will put you in the driver's seat to help steer our water resources projects. If you have a passion for transforming concepts into tangible achievements and hope to accelerate your career, we want you on our team.
Where you'll work
The position is based in our East Peoria, IL office. At Fehr Graham, we pride ourselves on delivering personalized attention and building trust with our clients. We believe in the power of skilled professionals who provide exceptional service. We also believe in work-life balance, and that includes injecting a healthy dose of fun into everything we do. It's even part of our Core Values! We celebrate milestones and enjoy friendly team-building activities and office outings after work. A happy and engaged work team is a successful one. Each of our offices brings an environment filled with positive energy and enthusiasm. We encourage our teams to connect on multiple levels and support each other's personal and professional growth.
Go beyond the job description: Uncover projects that ignite your passion. Engineering Services.
What you'll do
We are seeking a Design Engineer to join our firm. This position plays a key role in supporting engineering teams on transportation, municipal infrastructure, and water resource projects. The ideal candidate is skilled in CAD design, familiar with civil engineering principles, and eager to contribute to meaningful projects that improve public infrastructure and community sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare design plans and construction drawings for transportation, roadway, utility, stormwater, and water/wastewater projects using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
  • Collaborate with Project Engineers and Project Managers to support project execution from concept through final design.
  • Perform design calculations and assist in quantity take-offs and cost estimates.
  • Interpret survey data, GIS data, field notes, and technical reports for use in project designs.
  • Assist with preparation of permit applications and project documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal standards and regulations.
  • Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including municipal clients and review agencies.
  • Contribute to quality assurance and quality control checks on design deliverables.

What it takes
  • Associate or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field.
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in civil design; focus on infrastructure, transportation or water resources preferred.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D required; experience with MicroStation and GIS is a plus.
  • Knowledge of IDOT standards and local permitting agencies is beneficial.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Eagerness to grow professionally and support a collaborative project team.

What you'll getYou'll have plenty of opportunities to grow professionally at our progressive firm, which started in 1973. Our people-first organization is focused on giving our employees the opportunity for growth. In addition to a competitive salary, we also offer:
  • Medical/dental/vision
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401K Retirement Plan
  • Profit-sharing bonus plan
  • Paid time off
  • An awesome work environment.

Pay Transparency:
The base salary (or hourly rate) range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.
Learn more about Fehr Graham's people, culture and projects on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Fehr Graham provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
We may use AI-powered tools to support administrative aspects of recruiting, including sourcing support and note-taking. These tools do not evaluate candidates or influence screening, interview, or hiring decisions. Every candidate is reviewed and assessed by human recruiters and hiring managers.
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