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Design Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Project Engineer

Champaign, IL ยท On-site

$99K - $149K/yr

This role blends advanced design capability with project leadership, client coordination, and ... Prepare, review, and approve engineering calculations, equipment selections, drawing packages, and ...

Electrical Project Engineer

Champaign, IL ยท Hybrid

$99K - $149K/yr

This role blends advanced design capability with project leadership, client coordination, and ... Prepare, review, and approve engineering calculations, equipment selections, drawing packages, 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 ...

Bridge inspection and design will be your playground, where you can showcase your skills and ... Structural Engineering - Fehr Graham What you'll do As the Lead Structural Engineer, we promote a ...

Showing results 41-60

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 18, 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.

Process-Mechanical Engineer

Donohue & Associates, Inc.

Champaign, IL โ€ข On-site

$73K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Our Process-Mechanical Engineer position offers an exciting opportunity for the selected candidate to be part of Donohue & Associates, a firm with national water/wastewater expertise in a small company environment. We are seeking an experienced engineer who can work with clients to provide project leadership, planning, design, construction, and operational services for wastewater and/or water systems. You will collaborate closely with clients and Donohue project team members throughout each of these project phases.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience in planning and designing water and wastewater systems, including pumping, process and mechanical piping, and related valves and process equipment.
  • Positive team- and client-focused attitude directed towards delivering quality work on time and within budget.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Active participation in related professional associations a plus.

Requirements:

  • B.S. in Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical, or related engineering degree
  • PE registration
  • 10+ years of relevant technical experience,

An employee-owned engineering consulting firm since 1997, Donohue & Associates has multiple offices across the upper Midwest. We work in multi-discipline teams to provide municipal and industrial clients with client-focused services for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. Engineering News-Record ranks Donohue among the Top 25 Wastewater Treatment Plant Design Firms, and our innovative design teams consistently receive awards for engineering excellence.

Donohue offers a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Robust 401(k) plan with company contribution
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Flexible work schedules around core hours
  • Short- and long-term disability/life insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
  • Professional organization support
  • Discretionary annual bonuses
  • Industry-unique monthly profit-sharing plan

At Donohue, youll find a collaborative environment where your contributions directly influence our successand yours.

Donohue is an Equal Opportunity Employer.