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Design Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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

$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

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

$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 ...

Quanta Services

Design Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

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 ...

Granite

Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

General Summary This position is responsible for leading engineering design efforts by independently producing engineering design calculations, plans, drawings, and related deliverables with limited ...

Saige Partners

Design Engineer

Huntley, IL · On-site

This is a Direct Hire role Design Engineer - Medical Packaging The Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design and development of thermoformed medical packaging solutions that meet customer ...

Saige Partners

Design Engineer

Dekalb, IL

This is a Direct Hire role Design Engineer - Medical Packaging The Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design and development of thermoformed medical packaging solutions that meet customer ...

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 ...

Alliance Fleet

Design Engineer

Batavia, IL · On-site

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Design Engineer to join our team. This role is responsible for Collaborating with senior management to transform conceptual ideas into functional ...

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 · On-site

... 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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL

Design Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$40K

$87.1K

$156.7K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Elgin, IL is $87,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $97,400.00 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 develops and modifies product designs, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software, to meet project specifications and safety standards. They analyze requirements, create prototypes, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure functional and efficient products.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers in leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or executive positions.

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 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.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Design engineers can start their careers at any age, including 40 or later, as the profession values skills, experience, and continuous learning. Many engineers successfully transition into the field through relevant education, certifications, and practical experience, making age less of a barrier than skill development and adaptability.
More about Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL? For Design Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,137 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Wood Dale, IL

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 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.