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Design Engineer Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sterling Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

We're hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer in Wood Dale, IL. Sterling Engineering is partnering with a longtime client of more than 25 years to hire a Mechanical Design Engineer for a direct hire ...

Engtal

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Location: Bolingbrook, IL Schedule: Full-Time | On-Site Industry: Mechanical Construction / HVAC About the Opportunity A growing mechanical contractor in the Chicagoland ...

Del Medical

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bloomingdale, IL · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Experienced | Position Type: Full Time | Salary Range: $80,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year Job Overview As a Mechanical Design Engineer, you will play a key role in the design and development of ...

Spartanics

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Position Summary The Mechanical Design Engineer designs, improves, and releases Spartanics industrial machinery and configurable product platforms. This role combines hands-on machine design with ...

R-V Industries, Inc.

Be Seen First

Mechanical Machine Design Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The role of a Senior Mechanical Machine Design Engineer will be to take industrial automation projects from an initial kick-off meeting to working completion through all of the stages of design ...

R-V Industries, Inc.

Be Seen First

Mechanical Machine Design Engineer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

The role of a Senior Mechanical Machine Design Engineer will be to take industrial automation projects from an initial kick-off meeting to working completion through all of the stages of design ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Engineer Mechanical Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Design Engineer Mechanical Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$46.9K

$94.3K

$140.6K

How much do design engineer mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer mechanical engineer in Chicago, IL is $94,339.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,300.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design engineer mechanical engineer?

Design Engineer Mechanical Engineers are professionals who use engineering principles to design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems. They create detailed technical drawings and specifications, select appropriate materials, and work closely with other engineers and manufacturers to ensure their designs are functional, efficient, and safe. Their work often involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software, problem-solving, and innovating new solutions for a range of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. They play a key role in turning ideas into practical, manufacturable products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design engineer mechanical engineer?

A successful Design Engineer Mechanical Engineer requires a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, CAD proficiency, and typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and FEA software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and certifications such as PE licensure, are often expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help set top performers apart. These competencies ensure precise, innovative designs that meet safety, quality, and project requirements in a collaborative engineering environment.

How do design engineers and mechanical engineers typically collaborate on projects?

Design Engineers and Mechanical Engineers often work closely together throughout the product development cycle. Design Engineers focus on conceptualizing and creating detailed designs, while Mechanical Engineers ensure those designs are practical, manufacturable, and meet performance standards. As a new hire, you can expect to participate in regular cross-functional meetings, share feedback on prototypes, and collaborate with other departments like manufacturing and quality assurance. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as both roles contribute to refining ideas and solving engineering challenges.

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

AspectDesign Engineer Mechanical Engineer
Primary FocusDesign and develop mechanical components and systems
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labs, manufacturing settings
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD proficiency
Industry UsageProduct design, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing

While both roles require a mechanical engineering background and similar credentials, Design Engineers focus on creating and developing new mechanical designs using CAD tools, whereas Mechanical Engineers often work on analyzing, testing, and maintaining mechanical systems. The Design Engineer role emphasizes innovation and product development, while Mechanical Engineers may work more on implementation and troubleshooting within various industries.

Can I be a design engineer with a mechanical engineer degree?

A mechanical engineering degree provides a strong foundation for a design engineer role, as both involve understanding mechanical systems, materials, and CAD software. Many design engineers have backgrounds in mechanical engineering and may also pursue certifications like EIT or PE to enhance their qualifications.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Design Engineer Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Design Engineer Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Design Engineer Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer Mechanical Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,339 per year, or $45.4 per hour.

Mechanical Engineering AI Expert

Andrews Recruitment Group

Chicago, IL • On-site, Remote

$50 - $150/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Mechanical Engineering AI Expert

Remote | Contractor | $50–$150 per hour equivalent

We are recruiting experienced Mechanical Engineering AI Experts to support a large-scale project helping train and evaluate next-generation AI systems.

No previous AI experience is required. Your engineering expertise is what matters.

The Role

Depending on your background, work may include:

  • Reviewing AI-generated engineering answers for technical accuracy
  • Solving mechanical engineering problems
  • Creating technical questions, assessments and grading criteria
  • Reviewing CAD models, drawings and technical documentation

Working with FEA, stress analysis, thermodynamics, dynamics, vibration or fluid mechanics

Analysing test data, sensors, instrumentation and failure reports

Producing clear explanations of engineering reasoning

Supporting AI training with realistic engineering scenarios and technical content

We’re Looking For

You could come from a background such as:

  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Mechanical Design Engineer
  • FEA / Simulation Engineer
  • R&D Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineering Technician
  • Test Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineering Lecturer / Professor / Researcher

Ideally, you will have:

A degree, MSc, PhD or recognised technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering

  • OR substantial hands-on mechanical engineering experience
  • Typically 4–5+ years of relevant experience
  • Strong technical problem-solving ability
  • Excellent written communication

Experience with engineering drawings, calculations, testing, CAD, FEA or technical documentation

Experience with SolidWorks, NX, Creo, CATIA, ANSYS, Abaqus or Nastran may be advantageous for some projects.

Contract

Projects are fully remote and typically move quickly, with successful applicants often starting within 24–48 hours of onboarding.

Compensation varies by project and expertise, typically equivalent to around $50–$150 per hour.

If you are an experienced Mechanical Engineering AI Expert interested in applying your technical knowledge to advanced AI projects, apply today.

Essential requirements

  • A degree, MSc, PhD or recognised technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering
  • OR substantial hands-on mechanical engineering experience
  • Typically 4–5+ years of relevant experience
  • Strong technical problem-solving ability
  • Excellent written communication
  • Experience with engineering drawings, calculations, testing, CAD, FEA or technical documentation