1

Design Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Design Manager

Chicago, IL · Remote

$120K - $150K/yr

Support development of project delivery strategies and procurement approaches. Consultant ... Design Management * Lead and manage design development through all project phases, including:

Mechanical Design Project Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Contribute to the design, development and physical validation of products * Support the creation and maintenance of technical drawings using PTC Creo * Assist in the design, development and ...

Mechanical Design Project Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Contribute to the design, development and physical validation of products * Support the creation and maintenance of technical drawings using PTC Creo * Assist in the design, development and ...

Contribute to the design, development and physical validation of products * Support the creation and maintenance of technical drawings using PTC Creo * Assist in the design, development and ...

Join us and design your place with Stantec. The buildings that make up the landscape of our daily ... Adaptation and development of non-standard details to meet the requirements of a specific space or ...

Design Coordinator - Retail

Chicago, IL · On-site

$79K - $114K/yr

Adaptation and development of non-standard details to meet the requirements of a specific space or ... Participates in design critiques and pin-ups. * Interprets and applies building and zoning codes ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Design Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$22

$33

How much do design development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for design development in Chicago, IL is $22.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Design Development vs Design Engineer?

AspectDesign DevelopmentDesign Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, architecture, or related fieldBachelor's or master's in engineering, design, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentCollaborative teams, design studios, project sitesEngineering offices, manufacturing plants, project sites
Industry UsageArchitecture, product design, industrial designMechanical, civil, electrical engineering projects

Design Development focuses on refining and evolving design concepts, often involving creative and aesthetic decisions. Design Engineers apply engineering principles to develop functional, safe, and manufacturable products or systems. While both roles require technical knowledge, Design Development emphasizes creative design progression, whereas Design Engineers focus on technical feasibility and engineering solutions.

What is a development designer?

A development designer is a professional involved in the design and planning phases of a project, often in fields like architecture, product design, or software development. They collaborate with engineers, architects, or developers to create detailed plans, prototypes, or models, utilizing tools such as CAD software or design programs. Strong creativity, technical skills, and understanding of project requirements are essential for this role.

What is the highest paid design job?

Senior roles in industrial, UX, or product design tend to be among the highest paid in the design field, often earning six-figure salaries. Executive-level design positions such as Creative Director or Design Director can also command high compensation, especially in large corporations or specialized industries.

What is design development?

Design development is a phase in the architectural and design process where initial concepts are refined into detailed plans and specifications. During this stage, designers work out the specifics of materials, dimensions, systems, and aesthetics, often collaborating with engineers and consultants. The goal is to translate ideas from the schematic design phase into precise documentation that can be used for construction. This stage helps ensure that the project is feasible, meets client needs, and complies with regulations.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design, user experience (UX) directors and creative directors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially in large companies or tech industries. These roles require advanced skills in design, leadership, and strategic planning, and often involve managing teams and overseeing large projects.

What are some common challenges faced in a Design Development role and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Design Development often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with practical constraints like budget, timeline, and client requirements. Navigating feedback from multiple stakeholders and ensuring that design intent is maintained throughout the development process can also be demanding. These challenges can be addressed by fostering strong communication within cross-functional teams, maintaining detailed documentation, and using iterative design reviews to ensure alignment. By staying adaptable and solution-oriented, design development specialists can help bridge the gap between concept and execution.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

In design development, high-paying roles such as freelance designers, UX/UI specialists, or product developers can earn $10,000 or more monthly through project-based work, client contracts, or building a strong portfolio. Success often depends on skills, experience, reputation, and the ability to secure high-value projects without formal degrees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Design Development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Design Development, you need a solid background in design principles, project management, and a relevant degree such as architecture, industrial design, or engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and design documentation systems is typically expected. Strong collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively translate concepts into practical solutions and work within multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for delivering innovative, functional designs that meet client needs and project requirements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Development jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Design Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Mgr, Design & Development

Mgr, Design & Development

Grainger Businesses

Lake Forest, IL • Hybrid

$95K - $159K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Grainger rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 345 rated logistics


Job description

 

Work Location Type: Hybrid  

Req Number  331260

About Grainger

W.W. Grainger, Inc. is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America and Japan. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working by serving more than 4.6 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and value-added solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer expertise. Known for its commitment to service and purpose-driven culture, the Company reported 2025 revenue of $17.9 billion. For more information, visitwww.grainger.com. 

Compensation

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $95,900.00 - $159,800.00. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 15 %, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.

Rewards and Benefits

With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:

  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
  • 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
  • 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.
  • Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
  • Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.

For additional information and details regarding Grainger's benefits, please click on the link below:

https://experience100.ehr.com/grainger/Home/Tools-Resources/Key-Resources/New-Hire

Grainger Benefits

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation.  The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.   

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. 

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

Position Details

The Sales Learning and Development Team provides role-specific learning for over 4,500 North American Sales and KeepStock team members and leaders that builds capabilities to drive profitable growth. COE Managers own operational excellence, continuous improvement, and incorporation of impactful emerging trends for their area of practice - Facilitation and Coaching, Design and Development, or Learning Operations. As part of the Learning Leadership team, COE Managers oversee a learning portfolio that includes onboarding/capability building programs, on demand learning and role-specific continuous learning. The team is charged with accelerating team member growth through role transitions and strengthening current team members skills as measured by learning, behavior, and performance metrics. You will work hybrid 2 days per week from our Lake Forest, IL office; remote/virtual candidates may be considered with increased travel.


You Will

  • Specific Responsibilities for Manager, Design and Development COE
    • Oversees learning design and development across the entire learning portfolio including formal capability building programs, large scale initiatives including NSSM, role-specific continuous learning, and on demand in-the-moment learning.
    • Champions disciplined use of learning frameworks and methodologies to design learning that drives performance improvement across design team. Incorporates a deep understanding of adult learning principles and an evolving view of how team members' learn to inform COE's design and development standards.
    • Standardizes on suite of authoring tools and experiences that address performance gaps, engage participants and fostering development efficiency. Stays abreast of industry trends on emerging modalities including digital immersive simulations and more extensive AI solutions. Consults on adoption of these modalities, analyzes make/buy decisions, and oversees vendor selection and ongoing relationships.
    • Governs and champions use of COE standards by other teams building select learning.
  • Common Learning COE Manager Responsibilities
    • Champions COE standards, processes, and tools that drive high-quality consistent COE learning output and establishes strong connection points including clear handoffs and standard artifacts with other learning COEs, Program Managers and stakeholder groups
    • Partners with Program Managers, Sales Effectiveness Intake Leads, and other key stakeholders to prioritize and scope new work in alignment with GBU priorities. Manages disciplined COE resource staffing process with the dual objective to deliver timely consistent high-quality work output along with growth of individual team members' capabilities
    • Owns COE effectiveness and efficiency goals. Develops metrics and measurement tracking processes and use these measures to drive continuous improvement around seller effectiveness and operational efficiency. Partners with Program Managers to analyze program-specific COE data and feedback to ensure operational excellence at a program-level.
    • Collaborates with Learning Leadership Team, COE and Program Managers, to optimize impact of overall learning portfolio and operational excellence across the broader team. Also collaborates with Learning Leadership team to evolve the learning roadmap incorporating a clear understanding of the needs of our customers, the team members we serve, external learning trends and innovations to optimize the learning environment.
    • Supports stakeholder alignment and communication with key business leaders most typically in partnership with Program Managers.
    • Stays abreast of emerging trends and practices leveraging internal Learning Partner network and external organizations and thought leaders.
    • Owns collaborative project management across COEs for large, prioritized initiatives. Builds internal team project management discipline and practices leveraging standard tools and processes


You Have

  • Bachelor's Degree Business, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Education, Adult Education, or related fields required
  • 7+ years serving as an informal and formal leader across multiple learning areas of practice with experience operationalizing and scaling, with demonstrated ability to ability to coach and have difficult conversations required
  • Ability to travel 20-30%
  • Strong business acumen including knowledge of Grainger business, our customers and the sales and service teams preferably gained through direct field experience.
  • Deep expertise in adult learning including learning frameworks, methodologies, technology, best practices, and emerging trends and driving performance improvement
  • Strong design and development skills and ability and familiarity with range of AI type solutions
  • Process orientation/ continuous Improvement focus with strong ability to redesign processes to drive productivity and service improvements
  • Strong program/project management, skills overseeing large scale projects or workstreams
  • Strong collaboration skills and desire to partner closely with others
  • Continuing Education learning certifications desirable
  • Ability to lift <25 lbs.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one's employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.

#LI-hybrid

#LI-LE1


What Grainger employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Grainger logo

About Grainger

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Grainger is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. We achieve our purpose, We Keep the World Working®, by serving more than 4.5 million customers with a wide range of products that keep their operations running and their people safe. Grainger also delivers services and solutions, such as technical support and inventory management, to save customers time and money. We're looking for passionate people who can move our company forward. As one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For, we have a welcoming workplace where you can build a career for yourself while fulfilling our purpose to keep the world working. We embrace new ways of thinking and recognize everyone is an individual. Find your way with Grainger today.

Industry

Office administration and facilities support services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Lake Forest, IL, US

Year founded

1927