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Design Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead electrical engineering efforts for projects, including client coordination, pre-design services, conceptual planning, detailed design, meetings, site visits, and overall project management

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Lead and manage a team of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers responsible for project execution, product design, engineering documentation, and technical support. * Establish engineering priorities ...

Video Game Design Tutor

Champaign, IL ยท Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of game design principles, game mechanics, level design, narrative design, user interface design, game engines including Unity and Unreal, basic programming for games, art asset ...

Work with design software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, GIS tools) * Collaborate with senior engineers, clients, and contractors * Participate in planning studies, feasibility analyses, and permit ...

Early Career Engineer

Champaign, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Work with design software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, GIS tools) * Collaborate with senior engineers, clients, and contractors * Participate in planning studies, feasibility analyses, and permit ...

Early Career Engineer

Champaign, IL ยท On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Work with design software (AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, GIS tools) * Collaborate with senior engineers, clients, and contractors * Participate in planning studies, feasibility analyses, and permit ...

Electrical Engineer

Champaign, IL ยท On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

Prairie Engineers is the place to be for Engineers looking to grow and excel! Join a collaborative ... Plan, design, and construction administration of interior and exterior lighting for military and ...

Civil Engineer

Champaign, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Plan, design, complete, and manage a variety of municipal, and some private owner, civil engineering projects from inception to completion, with oversight from senior engineers * Prepare and develop ...

Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 17, 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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 jobs can a design engineer do?

A design engineer creates and develops new products, systems, or structures across industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. They use CAD software, perform simulations, and collaborate with teams to ensure functionality and safety. Design engineers often work in research and development, product design, or process improvement roles.

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:

Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,278 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Electrical Project Engineer

Affiliated Engineers, Inc.

Champaign, IL โ€ข On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Overview
Join a Team Where Engineering Excellence Drives Opportunity
At Affiliated Engineers, Inc. (AEI), we bring together expertise and innovation to solve the most complex challenges. Since 1978, we've supported mission-driven organizations in designing systems and environments that advance society and improve lives. Today, with more than 900 professionals across 22 offices, we help shape the future of healthcare, science and technology, energy, education, and other vital sectors.
From elevating patient care in Mayo Clinic's world-class hospitals to enabling discovery in high-containment laboratories for U.S. agencies and driving environmental progress with Microsoft's renowned Thermal Energy Center, our work enriches the human experience, safeguards the environment, and pushes the boundaries of possibility.
AEI consistently earns national recognition from leading industry publications, including Building Design+Construction, Engineering News-Record, and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, with distinctions such as being named the #1 Laboratory Engineering Firm in the nation and receiving multiple Best of the Best Project awards, underscoring the las
ting legacy of our work.
At AEI, you'll join a collaborative community where your expertise fuels innovation, your ideas drive progress, and your work helps shape a brighter future.
As an Electrical Project Engineer in our Champaign office, you will help us empower our clients to achieve energy-efficient building solutions, save global environments, and create a better, greener future for all.
Why We Need You:
In this position, you will be responsible for engineering design process on assigned projects within a particular discipline. You will also develop innovative and unique engineering solutions to align with project, client and project partner's needs, and leads the discipline team in implementing the solutions.
Expertise of our most successful Electrical Project Engineer:
  • BSEE/BSAE (or another engineering discipline) from an ABET accredited program.
  • 10+ years of experience designing power distribution and lighting building systems in technically sophisticated facilities.
  • Professional engineering registration preferred.
  • Proficiency in computer operation for engineering design programs (i.e. Revit MEP, AutoCAD, Navisworks) preferred.

Effective skills to help you flourish:
  • Strong spoken and written communications skills.
  • Excellent organization and time management skills.
  • Quick technical comprehension and motivation focused on client outcomes.
  • Able to effectively prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Effective working individually and within team environments.

When you work here, you can expect:
  • A flexible, collaborative environment where your well-being matters-because your best work happens when you're supported.
  • Real opportunities to grow-through mentorship, professional development programs, and exposure to high-impact projects across disciplines.
  • To collaborate with inspiring teammates who challenge the status quo, foster innovation, and pave the way for future leaders.
  • A benefits package that offers health, dental, vision, and retirement, a performance-based year-end bonus, and thoughtful perks tailored to your needs-whether that's a flexible work environment, wellness resources, or community-focused initiatives, we'll continue to invest in.

Estimated Starting Salary Range: $90,000 - $140,000.
If this dynamic environment and the chance to contribute to transformative projects resonate with your ambitions, we would love to connect with you. Join us and make an impact!
Apply online at https://aeieng.com/about/careers/
If you know someone who would thrive in this role, please share this posting with them directly via email or through your LinkedIn network.
AEI is proud to be an EEO/AA Employer/Vet/Disabled.