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Brake Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

ITT Inc. - English US

Product Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

A global leader in brake pads (ICE and electrified brake pads) and shock absorbers (energy ... Re-Engineering Data Acquisition: FARO arm and 3D scanner * 2D Machine Drawings * 3D CAD Modeling ...

ITT Inc. - English US

Product Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $126K/yr

A global leader in brake pads (ICE and electrified brake pads) and shock absorbers (energy ... Re-Engineering Data Acquisition: FARO arm and 3D scanner * 2D Machine Drawings * 3D CAD Modeling ...

Watco

Conductor/Engineer - Tuscola, IL

Tuscola, IL · On-site

... brake as well as apply and release handbrakes • Observes track to detect obstructions. • Inspects locomotive after run to detect damaged or defective equipment • Maintains records, number ...

OmniTRAX

Engineer/Conductor

Ottawa, IL · On-site

Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interprets gauges and controls * Operate valves and ... FRA Locomotive Engineer Certified: required post hire PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor

Ottawa, IL · On-site

Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interprets gauges and controls * Operate valves and ... FRA Locomotive Engineer Certified: required post hire PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor

Ottawa, IL · On-site

Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interprets gauges and controls * Operate valves and ... FRA Locomotive Engineer Certified: required post hire PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ...

GW Electric

$20 - $24/hr

Can safely operate fabrication machinery such as press brake, punch press, etc. * Has experience ... engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of ...

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All JobsBrake Engineer JobsBrake Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Brake Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$20.6K

$63.4K

$136.4K

How much do brake engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for brake engineer in Illinois is $63,361.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,905.00 and $87,747.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a brake engineer do?

A Brake Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and improving braking systems for vehicles such as cars, trucks, and trains. They work to ensure that braking systems are safe, reliable, and meet regulatory standards. Brake Engineers collaborate with other automotive engineers to integrate braking systems with other vehicle components, conduct simulations, analyze test data, and troubleshoot issues. Their work is critical in enhancing vehicle safety and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a brake engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Brake Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, automotive systems, and materials science, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools like MATLAB or ANSYS, and industry standards such as ISO/TS 16949 is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex design challenges. These skills ensure the development of safe, high-performing braking systems that meet rigorous safety and quality standards in the automotive industry.

What are some typical challenges brake engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams during vehicle development?

Brake Engineers often work closely with design, manufacturing, and testing teams, which can present challenges in aligning performance goals with practical constraints. For example, balancing braking performance with weight, cost, and manufacturability requires effective communication and compromise. Additionally, coordinating timelines and integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders is crucial to ensure the final product meets safety and regulatory standards. Building strong relationships and maintaining clear documentation can help overcome these common hurdles.

What is the difference between Brake Engineer vs Brake Technician?

AspectBrake EngineerBrake Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical or Automotive EngineeringHigh school diploma or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, R&D facilities, manufacturing plantsRepair shops, maintenance facilities, on-site vehicle service
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, heavy machinery manufacturingAutomotive repair, service centers, fleet maintenance

Brake Engineers focus on designing and developing braking systems, requiring engineering degrees and working in labs or design environments. Brake Technicians perform maintenance and repairs, working directly on vehicles in repair shops. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but differ in education, responsibilities, and work settings.

What are popular job titles related to Brake Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Brake Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Brake Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Brake Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Brake Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Brake Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,361 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Sr. Sheet Metal Fabricator - Machinist

Panduit

Tinley Park, IL

$34/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Panduit rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

At Panduit, we don't just offer a job - we offer a career where your contributions directly impact our customers, the environment and our company's success. You'll have the opportunity to grow, innovate, and be a part of an inclusive team that celebrates both individual and collective achievements. If you're ready to elevate your career and help us deliver exceptional experiences to our customers, apply today and make your mark with Panduit!
Join Panduit's R&D Tool Room Team as a Sr Sheet Metal Fabricator - Machinist, where you'll bring innovative prototype designs to life using advanced CNC technology. In this hands-on role, you'll program, set-up, and operate CNC press brakes, CNC waterjet, and CNC laser/punch machines to create complex, high-quality sheet metal prototypes. You'll also use CAD skills to convert 3D models into flat patterns and develop setup and inspection documentation that ensures precision and quality. Strong CNC press brake programming, setup and operation experience is essential.
What You Will Do
  • Program, set up, and operate CNC press brakes, CNC waterjet, and CNC laser/punch machines to build precision sheet metal prototypes in an R&D Tool Room environment.
  • Use CAD software to convert 3D models into 2D flat patterns and create setup and inspection documentation.
  • Perform high-precision fabrication work to tight tolerances on complex designs.
  • Conduct in-process inspection utilizing calipers, height gages, micrometers, protractor, precision square and dial indicators while accurately documenting the quality results.
  • Continuously expand technical capabilities by learning new skills identified by Tool Room Management.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.

What You Will Bring
  • Education: Highschool diploma or GED equivalent required.
  • Experience: 2 years in a similar role with experience programming, setting up, and operating CNC press brake, waterjet, and laser/punch machines. Ability to accurately utilize inspection equipment. CAD/CAM experience is a plus.
  • Knowledge: Strong ability to read engineering drawings, follow work instructions, and perform basic mathematical calculations with precision.
  • Skills: Mechanically inclined, self-motivated and adaptable, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment. Effective communication and collaboration skills to work cross-functionally with engineering and tool room teams.
  • Physical Ability: Ability to lift up to 45lbs and walk/stand throughout the day.

What We Can Offer You
  • Competitive Pay & Benefits: Enjoy a robust Total Rewards Program that includes health, financial benefits, and more.
  • Work-Life Balance: Flexible work options to help you achieve the perfect work-life balance.
  • Generous Time Off: Take advantage of our generous vacation, sick days, holidays, plus a volunteer day to give back to the community.
  • Retirement & Growth: 401(k) match, profit sharing, and abundant growth and development opportunities to help you advance your career.
  • Parental Leave: Because we care about your family and your future.

Compensation: The expected starting base pay range for this role is $29 - $34 an hour. Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate skills, experience, qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Making the connections that matter. Join us and apply online to be part of the Panduit team. We're an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Panduit will not sponsor applicants for work visas now or in the future. All roles, including remote positions, require an in-person interview as part of the hiring process.
Work Shift
Evening (United States of America)

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