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Assistant Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Design Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Support senior staff and collaborate within a team environment. * Assist in the preparation of plans and specifications for transportation projects. * Perform traffic engineering and design tasks ...

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote ... Project Delivery * Assist with construction administration tasks including reviewing shop drawings ...

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote ... Project Delivery * Assist with construction administration tasks including reviewing shop drawings ...

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote ... Project Delivery * Assist with construction administration tasks including reviewing shop drawings ...

Rail Design Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of ... Prepare scopes, budgets , and schedules for assignments * Assist with proposals to provide ...

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of ... Prepare scopes, budgets , and schedules for assignments * Assist with proposals to provide ...

As a Rail Engineer IV , you will play a crucial role in supporting the design and development of ... Prepare scopes, budgets , and schedules for assignments * Assist with proposals to provide ...

Transportation Design Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Support senior staff and collaborate within a team environment. * Assist in the preparation of plans and specifications for transportation projects. * Perform traffic engineering and design tasks ...

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Senior Highway Design Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Senior Highway Design Engineer

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

$63K - $82K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer I The Electrical Design Engineer I within our Production Engineering ... Coach, maintain and assist technical aptitude among design team members * Be a change agent in ...

Electrical Design Engineer I

Bolingbrook, IL ยท On-site

$63K - $82K/yr

Coach, maintain and assist technical aptitude among design team members * Be a change agent in ... Experience with Programming Languages * Leadership and Training * Change Management experience

Senior Highway Design Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago ... The person will be a member of our roadway group and will assist in various tasks including plan ...

Showing results 41-60

Assistant Design Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$32K

$86K

$130.3K

How much do assistant design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant 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:

Transportation Design Engineer

DLZ Corporation

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Shape the Future with DLZ!
At DLZ Corporation, we don't just design infrastructure-we create solutions that improve communities and empower careers. As a nationally recognized, award-winning multidisciplinary firm, we deliver engineering and architectural design services, construction management, surveying, right-of-way acquisition, and materials testing across the Midwest.
Join a team where innovation meets collaboration, and your expertise drives meaningful impact.
DLZ Corporation is seeking a motivated Transportation Design Engineer to join our team in Chicago, IL!
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Perform engineering and design assignments for transportation and traffic projects.
  • Prepare detailed drawings and coordinate with engineers and technical staff; review completed work for accuracy.
  • Prepare specifications, proposals, cost estimates, and project schedules.
  • Support senior staff and collaborate within a team environment.
  • Assist in the preparation of plans and specifications for transportation projects.
  • Perform traffic engineering and design tasks across a range of projects.
  • Oversee entry-level engineers' design work.
  • Follow established quality control procedures.
  • Coordinate with clients, agencies, and external partners.
  • Perform work in accordance with safety standards and project requirements.
  • Participate in professional organizations and activities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
  • 3-5 years of roadway/transportation engineering experience.
  • PE license (Illinois or other states) preferred; FE required/acceptable.
  • Experience with OpenRoads Designer and/or Civil 3D.
  • Experience with IDOT and/or Local Agency Federal Aid projects.
  • Phase II experience with IDOT District 1 or local county DOT's (LCDOT, DuDOT, CCDOTH, KDOT) preferred, with an emphasis on design of traffic signals and/or ITS.
  • Experience with roadway geometric design.
  • Knowledge of MUTCD, ADA, and PROWAG requirements.
  • Lighting plan experience a plus.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to visit and navigate construction sites in compliance with safety requirements.

Investing in Your Future:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and career growth:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts & health savings account
  • 401(k) options (Traditional and Roth)
  • Paid parental leave
  • Life & AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability
  • Wellness program with reimbursement benefits

Our Commitment to Inclusion
At DLZ, diversity isn't just a policy-it's a priority. We foster an environment where every individual is respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique perspective. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, in full compliance with all applicable laws. #LI-DM1 #ZR
This position has a salary range of USD $80,000.00/Yr.-USD $110,000.00/Yr., your specific compensation will be determined by a combination of factors, including your job-related knowledge, skill level, education, experience, and overall qualifications.

DLZ logo

About DLZ

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Architectural services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Columbus, OH, US

Year founded

1946