ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Design Engineer Location : Wood Dale, IL 60191 Hire Type : Direct Hire Salary : $75,000 - $90,000 annually Our client, a growing manufacturer of custom retail fixtures and display solutions, is ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

About Us HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental ...

Kosmos

Design Engineer

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

As a Design Engineer, you will work full-time on-site in Sheboygan, Wisconsin contributing to the development and implementation of innovative design solutions. This position offers a competitive ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

About Us HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental ...

Kosmos

Design Engineer

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$90K - $140K/yr

As a Design Engineer, you will work full-time on-site in Sheboygan, contributing to the development and implementation of innovative design solutions. This position offers a competitive salary range ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$68K - $80K/yr

This is an excellent opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer looking to kick off their career in a hands-on, design-focused role within a collaborative manufacturing environment. This position is ...

Whiting Corporation

Design Engineer

Crete, IL · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Design Engineer ID: 71420316 Department: Rail Maintenance Equipment Location: Crete, IL Description Design Engineer Performs duties related to the creation of CAD solid models, layout and detail ...

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Design Engineer

Monee, IL

$100K - $130K/yr

Design Engineer Location : Near Monee, IL Hire Type : Direct Hire Compensation : $100k/yr. - $130k/yr. Benefits : Insurance (Health, Medical, Dental), PTO, Paid Holidays, and more! Must have Skill ...

Quanta Services

Design Engineer

Oak Brook, IL

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in Chicago, IL with a staff approaching 700 individuals. HBK provides civil, environmental, structural ...

Ashby

Design Engineer, Americas

Chicago, IL · Remote

$122K - $220K/yr

Design Engineer at Ashby isn't just a Frontend Engineer with new branding, nor is it a Designer vibe coding prototypes. Combining excellence in both is where magic happens. I found that when I put my ...

Hydac International GmbH

DESIGN ENGINEER

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

We are seeking a detail oriented and motivated Cartridge Valve Design Engineer at our Schaumburg, IL facility. This full-time position offers a competitive salary and benefits including Medical ...

Ebco Inc

Design Engineer

Elgin, IL

... of dedicated engineers responsible for the review of customer drawings, as well as the creation, review and maintenance of Ebco's manufacturing drawings. In addition to the Design group, the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41.7K

$90.8K

$163.3K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Chicago, IL is $90,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $101,500.00 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,807 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Wood Dale, IL • On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Design Engineer
Location: Wood Dale, IL 60191
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $75,000 – $90,000 annually
Our client, a growing manufacturer of custom retail fixtures and display solutions, is seeking a Design Engineer to join their engineering team. This role will focus on the design and development of metal retail fixtures, working closely with sales, manufacturing, and production teams to create innovative, cost-effective solutions for customers. The ideal candidate will have experience designing metal products within a manufacturing environment and be proficient in either Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and develop custom retail fixtures and display systems primarily focused on metal products.
  • Create detailed manufacturing drawings, assembly drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
  • Collaborate with sales and customers to develop creative and functional design solutions.
  • Work closely with manufacturing and production teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and meet quality standards.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while ensuring on-time completion.
  • Support prototype development, testing, and product improvements.
  • Identify opportunities for cost savings and value-engineered solutions.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field preferred.
  • 3+ years of design engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
  • Experience designing metal products or retail fixtures strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency with Autodesk Inventor preferred; candidates with strong SolidWorks experience will also be considered.
  • Experience creating and maintaining BOMs and engineering documentation.
  • Understanding of metal fabrication, sheet metal, and manufacturing processes.
  • ERP system experience preferred.
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Benefits
Our client offers a competitive compensation package including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Bonus Opportunity
  • Paid Time Off and Holidays

Sterling Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.