Design Engineer Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Product Design Engineer with expertise in commercial refrigeration systems to lead the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of refrigerated foodservice equipment. This role is responsible for creating innovative, reliable, and cost-effective products while ensuring compliance with industry regulations and delivering exceptional performance for customers.

The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical design skills with refrigeration system expertise and has experience taking products from concept through production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop commercial refrigeration equipment and refrigeration systems from concept through production.
• Create 3D CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and product documentation.
• Design refrigeration circuits including compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device, refrigerant piping, and controls.
• Evaluate and select refrigeration components to optimize performance, energy efficiency, reliability, and cost.
• Perform engineering calculations related to heat transfer, airflow, refrigeration capacity, pressure drop, and thermal performance.
• Develop prototypes and oversee product testing, validation, and qualification.
• Troubleshoot design, manufacturing, and field performance issues and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, Product Management, and Service teams to ensure successful product launches.
• Drive value engineering initiatives to reduce product cost while maintaining quality and performance.
• Ensure products comply with applicable safety and regulatory standards including UL, NSF, DOE, EPA, ENERGY STAR®, and applicable refrigerant regulations.
• Participate in Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (DFMEA), design reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with suppliers on component development, qualification, and cost reduction opportunities.
• Support technical documentation including installation manuals, service manuals, and engineering change orders (ECOs).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of product design experience with commercial refrigeration systems.
• Strong understanding of refrigeration cycles, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and HVAC/R principles.
• Experience designing products utilizing low-GWP refrigerants such as R-290, R-600a, or CO₂ systems is highly desirable.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Experience with PDM/PLM systems and Engineering Change Management processes.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including sheet metal fabrication, welding, insulation, assembly, and production design.
• Working knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements and product certifications.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis skills.
• Excellent project management and cross-functional communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in commercial foodservice equipment manufacturing.
• Knowledge of refrigeration controls, electronic controllers, and IoT-connected equipment.
• Experience with laboratory testing, data acquisition, and product validation.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or Design for Manufacturability (DFM) experience.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a plus.

Key Competencies

• Product Innovation
• Mechanical Design
• Refrigeration System Design
• Problem Solving
• Project Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Customer Focus
• Continuous Improvement
• Cost Reduction
• Attention to Detail

Success Measures

• Deliver innovative products that meet performance, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Improve product reliability and energy efficiency.
• Reduce warranty claims through robust engineering design.
• Successfully launch new products on time and within budget.
• Drive continuous product improvements based on Voice of Customer feedback and field performance.

CFS Brands:

Headquarters located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, CFS BRANDS is a market-leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of commercial foodservice, healthcare, and industrial hygiene products.

CFS BRANDS has maintained its industry-leading position and consistent growth with a strong focus on customer support and satisfaction, product variety and availability, and a unique ability to be a “one-stop shop” solution for a wide range of organizations. CFS BRANDS enjoys this competitive market advantage through its extensive network of brands and global manufacturing and distribution facilities. 

CFS BRANDS’s core products include dinnerware, drinkware, professional cookware, industrial hygiene products brushes and cleaning tools, dispensing systems, and healthcare meal service equipment. These products are provided through major distributors customers across the country.

CFS BRANDS became a portfolio company of The Jordan Company (“TJC”), a private equity firm, in 2018. More information on CFS BRANDS can be found at www.cfsbrands.com. 

CFS Brands is committed to creating an inclusive work environment with a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. This employer participates in E-Verify. The employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s I-9 to confirm work authorization.