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Design Engineer Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Luxus

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote) Company: Epstein Global (Represented by Luxus Group) Salary: $85,000 - $115,000 annually Experience ...

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 ...

FurstStaffing

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or 3 or more years of Machine Design Experience. Experience with sheet metal or automated machines. · Experience/Skills: FEA and SolidWorks a must;

Fermilab

Jr. ASIC Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

We are looking for a Junior ASIC Design Engineer to lead and contribute to research activities and engineering work focused on developing custom instrumentation for extreme radiation and/or cryogenic ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in DeKalb, IL

Design Engineer information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$39.8K

$86.5K

$155.6K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in DeKalb, IL is $86,518.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,700.00 and $96,700.00 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.
More about Design Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in DeKalb, IL?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in DeKalb, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in DeKalb, IL?

For Design Engineer jobs in DeKalb, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Design Engineer job openings:

Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,518 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge

Luxus

West Chicago, IL • On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote)
Company: Epstein Global (Represented by Luxus Group)
Salary: $85,000 - $115,000 annually
Experience Required: 7+ years
Specialization: Civil Engineering - Bridges & Transportation Structures
Position Overview
Our client, a long-established, employee-owned AEC firm headquartered in Chicago, is seeking a Senior Design Engineer specializing in bridge and transportation structures. This role supports Phase I and Phase II projects across Illinois, contributing to the design, evaluation, inspection, and rehabilitation of transportation structures. You'll work directly with multi-disciplinary teams, lead technical execution, mentor junior staff, and support client coordination throughout the project lifecycle.
This position is ideal for an experienced structural engineer who thrives on technical rigor, project ownership, and bringing clarity to complex transportation challenges.
Key Responsibilities
Structural Design & Analysis
  • Design transportation structures including highway bridges, retaining walls, and box culverts.
  • Prepare structural analysis and design calculations using applicable design codes and advanced computer modeling tools.
  • Develop technical reports, contract plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates.
  • Perform on-site structural inspections, condition assessments, and evaluations of existing structures.

Project Delivery
  • Assist with construction administration tasks including reviewing shop drawings and responding to RFIs.
  • Coordinate with clients, contractors, and internal design teams to ensure technical accuracy and project alignment.
  • Provide financial oversight on project schedules, budgets, and contract controls.
  • Successfully manage and support multiple concurrent projects.

Leadership & Mentorship
  • Mentor junior engineering staff on technical development, design principles, project execution, and quality standards.
  • Serve as a technical leader within the bridge group, promoting best practices and guiding design approaches.

Required Qualifications
  • Master's in Structural Engineering preferred; Bachelor's in Civil Engineering with structural emphasis required.
  • Structural Engineer (SE) license preferred, or active pursuit with anticipated completion within 2 years.
  • 7+ years of progressive structural engineering experience within a consulting environment.
  • Expertise in bridge design principles; bridge inspection experience strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience with financial project management (scheduling, budget management, contract control).
  • Proficiency with MicroStation, structural analysis and design software, and finite element tools.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with proven experience interfacing with clients, contractors, and vendors.
  • Thorough understanding of Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) design standards, procedures, and specifications preferred.

Benefits & Perks
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and accident insurance.
  • Flexible benefit programs, transportation benefits, employee assistance program, and parental leave.
  • 401k + Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
  • Paid holidays, half-day Fridays, and flexible scheduling.
  • Professional license reimbursement, industry association dues, leadership development programming, and educational assistance.

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