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Design Engineer Mechanical Engineer Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer develops advanced mechanical designs for both standard and custom plastic assembly products that meet performance specifications, project ...

Actalent

Mechanical Design Engineer

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer develops advanced mechanical designs for both standard and custom plastic assembly products that meet performance specifications, project ...

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 ...

Saige Partners

Design Engineer

Dekalb, IL · On-site

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field. Minimum 2 years of experience in packaging design; medical device or health ...

Saige Partners

Design Engineer

Huntley, IL · On-site

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field. Minimum 2 years of experience in packaging design; medical device or health ...

Toppan

Design Engineer

Huntley, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field. * 2+ years of experience in packaging design, with a strong preference for medical device ...

Toppan

Design Engineer

Huntley, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field. * 2+ years of experience in packaging design, with a strong preference for medical device ...

Constellation Energy

Engineer, Mechanical

Yorkville, IL · On-site

$87K - $154K/yr

... design criteria, practices, procedures and codes are used in preparation of plans and ... in Engineering (Chemical, Civil/Structural, Electrical, Industrial, Mechanical or Nuclear)

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Showing results 1-20

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

Design Engineer Mechanical Engineer information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$44.7K

$89.9K

$134K

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 DeKalb, IL is $89,883.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,600.00 and $101,100.00 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 DeKalb, IL are hiring for Design Engineer Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, 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 DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,883 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer-Mechanical

Advastar, Inc

Sycamore, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

#jobalert | DIRECT HIRE | MANUFACTURING ENGINEER-MECHANICAL | Sycamore, IL area

This is a well-established, globally operating industrial manufacturer that produces large-scale engineered equipment for infrastructure and industrial storage applications. The Illinois facility is a high-volume production site running stamping and punch presses, laser cutting, and automated conveyance systems. The company needs a Manufacturing Engineer – Mechanical to own process design and equipment optimization across fabrication, coating, and assembly operations. This is a hands-on engineering seat with direct visibility to plant leadership and real capital-project ownership — not a desk-only design job.

  • Anticipated $110,000–$135,000, based on experience
  • Full suite of benefits: Health/Dental/Vision, PTO

Overview

  • Own process design and equipment selection for stamping, laser cutting, and automated production lines
  • Cut production cost without giving up quality on new and existing product lines
  • Lead capital equipment projects from justification through implementation
  • Troubleshoot and improve mechanical and electrical performance of production equipment
  • Turn plant-floor problems into standardized work procedures that actually get used
  • Train production teams on new equipment and processes
  • Use production data to find and close performance gaps

Preferred Skills/Experiences

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering
  • 10+ years designing manufacturing equipment, tooling, and fixtures
  • Extensive 3D CAD design experience
  • Hands-on experience with CNC, punch presses, fiber lasers, robotics, and PLCs
  • Equipment programming experience (lasers, robots, sensors, PLCs)
  • Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Six Sigma
  • Experience with facility layout, process design, PFMEA, and DOE
  • Track record leading cross-functional teams to project completion
  • Comfortable communicating from shop floor to executive level
  • Up to 10% travel

KEYWORDS:
Manufacturing Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, 3D CAD, AutoCAD, CNC, Punch Press, Fiber Laser, Laser Cutting, Robotics, PLC Programming, Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, PFMEA, DOE, Facility Layout, Capital Projects, Tooling Design, Fixture Design, Equipment Design, Production Engineering, Automation, Cross-Functional Leadership

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