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Design Engineer Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Transportation Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$79K - $98K/yr

TRANSPORTATION DESIGN ENGINEER CKL is currently seeking enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about roadway design, construction, engineering, and entrepreneurship and who aspire to grow their ...

Be Seen First

DESIGN ENGINEER, Metals Itasca, IL (onsite) Direct Hire, Pay: $70-$95K Plus annual bonus Benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision, 401K, PTO Job Summary Seeking a Design Engineer with a strong metal ...

Transportation Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$79K - $98K/yr

TRANSPORTATION DESIGN ENGINEER CKL is currently seeking enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about roadway design, construction, engineering, and entrepreneurship and who aspire to grow their ...

Description We are seeking a motivated Civil Design Engineer I to join our team and contribute to the successful planning, design, and implementation of infrastructure projects. In this entry-level ...

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

Job Type Full-time Description We are seeking a motivated Civil Design Engineer I to join our team and contribute to the successful planning, design, and implementation of infrastructure projects. In ...

Design Engineer I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33 - $48/hr

We are seeking a motivated Civil Design Engineer I to join our team and contribute to the successful planning, design, and implementation of infrastructure projects. In this entry-level role, you ...

Design Engineer (PE)

Wheaton, IL · On-site +1

$100K - $125K/yr

Design Engineer (PE) - Electric Distribution Location: Remote/Wheaton, IL Hire Type: Direct Hire Salary: $100K-$125K/YR Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match ...

SR Design Engineer

Wheaton, IL · On-site +1

$135K - $160K/yr

Senior Design Engineer - Electric Distribution Location: Remote/Wheaton, IL Hire Type: Direct Hire Salary: $135K-$160K/YR Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match ...

Design Engineer II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38 - $51/hr

We are looking for an experienced Civil Design Engineer II to join our dynamic team and take a leading role in the design and delivery of infrastructure projects. As a mid-level engineer, you will ...

Design Engineer II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$38 - $51/hr

Job Type Full-time Description We are looking for an experienced Civil Design Engineer II to join our dynamic team and take a leading role in the design and delivery of infrastructure projects. As a ...

Description We are looking for an experienced Civil Design Engineer II to join our dynamic team and take a leading role in the design and delivery of infrastructure projects. As a mid-level engineer ...

We are looking for an experienced Electrical Design Engineer to support the design and development of circuit boards used in battery packs and power-related products. This role focuses on schematic ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Engineer information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$40K

$87.1K

$156.7K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 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 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.

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:

Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,137 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

$45 - $52/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Overview
We are seeking experienced Mechanical Design Engineers with strong expertise in Sheet Metal Design and Fixture Design for engineering projects across multiple manufacturing industries. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with industry-leading CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, or CATIA and a proven background in product design, development, and manufacturing support.
This role requires engineering professionals who can develop innovative mechanical solutions, create detailed engineering drawings, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality products.

Work Authorization: H-1B Transfer Case Only