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Design Engineer Jobs in Peoria, IL (NOW HIRING)

Caterpillar

Design Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

This Design Engineer will lead the design, development, and validation of cooling components and systems for Caterpillar machinery. This role partners closely with cross-functional engineering teams ...

Caterpillar

Design Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$113K - $131K/yr

Caterpillar Inc. seeks Design Engineer at its facility located at 2427 E Engine Drive, Chillicothe, Illinois 61523. Support the development of controls systems for Power Conversion Systems ...

Trilon

Design Engineer

East Peoria, IL · On-site

What you'll do We are seeking a Design Engineer to join our firm. This position plays a key role in supporting engineering teams on transportation, municipal infrastructure, and water resource ...

Fehr Graham

Design Engineer

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

What you'll do We are seeking a Design Engineer to join our firm. This position plays a key role in supporting engineering teams on transportation, municipal infrastructure, and water resource ...

Philippi-Hagenbuch

Senior Design Engineer

Peoria, IL

Senior Design Engineer Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc. | Peoria, IL Design the equipment that moves the world. At Philippi-Hagenbuch (PHIL), we don't build ordinary equipment-we engineer custom solutions ...

Cintal

Design Engineer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$75K - $93K/yr

Design to meet regulation compliance and to meet internal design standards * Will start with modeling and drawings then providing design concepts EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: * Engineering or Technical ...

Philippi-Hagenbuch Inc.

Senior Design Engineer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Senior Design Engineer Philippi-Hagenbuch, Inc. | Peoria, IL Design the equipment that moves the world. At Philippi-Hagenbuch (PHIL), we don't build ordinary equipment-we engineer custom solutions ...

Philippi-Hagenbuch Inc.

Senior Design Engineer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

We're looking for an experienced Senior Design Engineer who thrives on innovation, enjoys solving complex engineering problems, and wants to see their ideas become reality. If you're passionate about ...

Caterpillar

Senior Design Engineer

East Peoria, IL · On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

Design, develop, validate, and implement components and systems for transmissions, axles, and driveline systems * Own engineering decisions across the full product lifecycle * Collaborate with ...

Caterpillar

Senior Design Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

About the role: Caterpillar's Large Power Systems Division is seeking a Senior Design Engineer who will provides technical leadership and product knowledge for legacy fuel system components ...

Collabera

Casting Design Engineer

Mossville, IL

CASTING DESIGN EXPERIENCE is a must. Ability to interpret FEA results is also preferred. Prefer experience with Teamcenter Engineering. Creativity, verbal and written communication skills, analytical ...

Cintal

Mechanical Design Engineer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$75K - $93K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering * Master's degree is overqualified * 5+ years of industry experience REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS: * Must have design experience with Creo * Hands on ...

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Design Engineer information

See Peoria, IL salary details

$39.7K

$86.5K

$155.5K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Peoria, IL is $86,496.00, 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 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 Peoria, IL? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Peoria, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Peoria, IL? For Design Engineer jobs in Peoria, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Peoria, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Peoria, IL are:
What cities near Peoria, IL are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Peoria, IL with the most Design Engineer job openings:
Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Peoria, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,491 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

Design Engineer

Caterpillar

Mossville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 478 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Job Summary:
We currently have an opening for a cooling component Design Engineer within the Machine and Electrification Thermal Systems team. This Design Engineer will lead the design, development, and validation of cooling components and systems for Caterpillar machinery. This role partners closely with cross-functional engineering teams throughout concept, prototype, and production phases to ensure robust system performance and quality. The engineer will drive innovation through NTI cooling component development, resolve technical issues for both NPI and CPI programs, and guide teams through FMEA, durability testing, and the creation of strong validation criteria. Success in this position requires strong analytical thinking, technical excellence, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. Experience with cooling systems, component design, Creo modeling, and Caterpillar NPI/APQP processes is highly beneficial.
What you will do:
  • Will be accountable for leading design of cooling components and systems for Caterpillar machine or stationary electrification applications.
  • Engage with other component and system design teams through design concept/ prototype and production phases to ensure robust validation plans are created and implemented.
  • Lead new cooling component NTI (TRL0 -TRL4) and stay abreast of innovative technology in cooling space.
  • Lead and support technical resolution of issues related to Cooling components and systems (NPI and CPI)
  • Lead component and System FMEA in collaboration with design engineers and system leads
  • Investigate and develop accelerated component durability test methods.
  • Demonstrate effective leadership through:
    • Providing technical guidance to component teams and resolving NPI and CPI issues with urgency.
    • Clearly communicating technical risks and mitigation tasks with management.
    • Updating robust validation procedures in design guides.
    • Creating validation Pass / Fail criteria for machine cooling product components and systems

Education and Experience Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in an accredited Engineering or Materials Science curriculum.
  • Relevant professional experience within design, development, and/or validation.

Skills you will have:
  • Analytical Thinking: Extensive knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
  • Effective Communications: Working knowledge and understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
  • Managing Multiple Priorities: Working knowledge of effective self-management practices; ability to manage multiple concurrent objectives, projects, groups, or activities, making effective judgments as to prioritizing and time allocation.
  • Technical Excellence: Working knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
  • Computer-Aided Design & Engineering: Extensive knowledge of tools and techniques of specialized graphics programs; ability to produce, analyze, simulate and test product design drafts.
  • Product Design - MFG: Extensive knowledge of processes, approaches, tools and techniques of product design; ability to convert customer and market requirements into product design.
  • Product Design and Development: Working knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.

Top Candidates Will Have:
  • Extensive component design and modeling experience.
  • Prior experience with diesel machine cooling components, system design focused is preferred.
  • Prior experience with design and development of machine mounted cooling components.
  • Experience reviewing and interpreting simulation/VPD results.
  • Ability to Research new materials and competitive products. Organizing, coordinating, and executing the building, testing, and analysis of prototypes.
  • Prior experience assisting supply specialists and buyers with supplier development and supplier performance.
  • Experience overseeing the efforts of drafting and testing specialists.
  • Experience developing and documenting functional requirements and translating into detail design documents, participating in buy-build analysis for product components, and participating in and supporting proposal preparation, cost estimates, and technical reports.
  • Extensive experience with Creo modeling, light fabrication design, print development and releasing procedures.
  • Strong knowledge of Caterpillar NPI program requirements and APQP project execution.

Additional Information:
  • This position is located in Mossville, IL.
  • This position may require 10-15% travel.
  • Domestic relocation assistance is available for this position.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Summary Pay Range:
$97,530.00 - $146,290.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
July 24, 2026 - August 7, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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