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Design Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

Be Seen First

Mechanical Design Engineer - Entry Level

Champaign, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... GHR Engineers & Associates, Inc. is a mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) consulting firm. Since 1949, we have built our reputation through quality work, integrity, and service. We design the ...

Actalent

Cad Technician

Rantoul, IL · On-site

$20 - $31.25/hr

Job Title: CAD Technician This CAD Technician role focuses on collaborating closely with engineers ... Collaborate with engineers to complete accurate and detailed drawings for new products. * Implement ...

Actalent

Cad Technician

Champaign, IL

$20 - $31.25/hr

Job Title: CAD Technician This CAD Technician role focuses on collaborating closely with engineers ... Collaborate with engineers to complete accurate and detailed drawings for new products. * Implement ...

Actalent

Cad Technician

Champaign, IL · On-site

$20 - $31.25/hr

Job Title: CAD Technician This CAD Technician role focuses on collaborating closely with engineers ... Collaborate with engineers to complete accurate and detailed drawings for new products. * Implement ...

Actalent

CAD Technician

Champaign, IL

$20 - $31.25/hr

Job Title: CAD Technician This CAD Technician role focuses on collaborating closely with engineers ... Collaborate with engineers to complete accurate and detailed drawings for new products. * Implement ...

GHR Engineers & Associates, INC.

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Mechanical Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

You will design and coordinate HVAC systems across a wide variety of project types ... Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with Illinois licensure or the ability to obtain * 5 to 7 years ...

Vesuvius

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Automation Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

Automation Engineers split their time between in-office and on-site work. When in office, the job ... Decision Making • Makes decisions and recommendations regarding technical approach, or design.

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

Design Engineer information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$40.6K

$88.3K

$158.7K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Champaign, IL is $88,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $98,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What does a Design Engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

How does a Design Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What Is a Design Engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

More about Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL? For Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Champaign, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,278 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Project Engineer - Transportation Design

Project Engineer - Transportation Design

CLARK DIETZ INC

Champaign, IL • Hybrid

$101K - $118K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description

With offices across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin, Clark Dietz, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned ENR Top 500 Design Firm. We are recognized leaders in transportation, civil, environmental, structural, mechanical, electrical and construction engineering. We succeed Together and believe that an inclusive workplace builds stronger teams and better solutions for our clients and communities. Our culture promotes innovation, and professional growth through collaboration, mentoring, and Communities of Practice.


Position Overview

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Civil Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Champaign, IL. This position will be responsible for the planning and design of transportation projects for municipal, county, and state agencies in Central and Southern IL. A strong knowledge of transportation engineering and IDOT standards/procedures is required. Our transportation projects can include a variety of linear features along a transportation corridor, such as traffic, pavement, signals and lighting, structures, storm systems, drainage, watermain transmission, and sanitary systems. 


Key Responsibilities

  • Manages and executes design tasks or phases for a variety of transportation and civil infrastructure improvement projects.
  • Applies local, state, and federal design guidelines and standards to complete transportation, traffic, and drainage related designs.
  • Develops multimodal solutions and alternatives for urban projects.
  • Develops cost estimates and specifications for transportation or municipal related projects.
  • Develops horizontal/vertical and cross-sectional geometry for roadway and/or drainage projects. 
  • Understands and applies the Highway Capacity Manual to complete traffic related designs.
  • Creates plans and bid documents for project deliverables using industry standard CAD and modeling software.
  • Coordinates with public/private utilities to document physical location and analyze potential conflicts.
  • Leads or assists with making presentations to elected officials and public interest groups.
  • Assists with project permitting and interprets local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines. 
  • Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced staff to help them develop basic technical capabilities.
  • Other duties as assigned.


Requirements

  • B.S Degree in Civil Engineering and Illinois PE are required.
  • 10+ years of experience as a transportation design engineer for IDOT and municipal/county clients is required.
  • Experience with the development of plans, specifications, special provisions and bid packages is required.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the IDOT design manuals, submittals, permitting, and environmental requirements is required.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interface with clients and participate in public meetings.
  • Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work as part of a team across multiple offices. Ability to mentor and develop less experienced engineers.
  • Proficiency with MS Office and Open Roads Designer is required. Experience with other software; Vissim, Synchro, ArcGIS, etc. is desired. 
  • Valid driver's license and the ability to travel to client and project sites is required.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Starting salary range: $101,088 - $118,560 + annual performance bonus.
  • Comprehensive benefits package plus 401(k) & ESOP with unlimited company match. 
  • Flexible hybrid schedule with work-from-home options.
  • Support for licensure, education, and career development.
  • Opportunity for ownership in a thriving, employee-centric firm.


To learn more about our firm visit Clark Dietz 


Clark Dietz is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.


Apply