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Design Engineer Jobs in Rockford, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Design Engineer

Darien, WI · On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

Design Engineer Location: Darien, WI 53114 Hire Type: Direct Hire Compensation: $65,000-$78,000 Benefits: Full benefits package offered (medical, dental, vision, PTO, holidays, retirement plan, etc ...

Hennig

Design Engineer

Machesney Park, IL · On-site

Maintain engineering lead times. * Ensure that design input, approval drawings and engineering packages are reviewed and accurate. * Provide customer support, shop support and sales support, as ...

HENNIG INC

Design Engineer

Machesney Park, IL

Maintain engineering lead times. * Ensure that design input, approval drawings and engineering packages are reviewed and accurate. * Provide customer support, shop support and sales support, as ...

Hennig Inc

Design Engineer

Machesney Park, IL · On-site

Maintain engineering lead times. * Ensure that design input, approval drawings and engineering packages are reviewed and accurate. * Provide customer support, shop support and sales support, as ...

Toppan

Design Engineer

Dekalb, IL

$115K - $125K/yr

The Design Engineer will lead the design and development of thermoformed packaging products, transforming customer requirements into manufacturable, high-performance packaging solutions. This role ...

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 · 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 ...

Helm Group

Design Engineer

Freeport, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

As a Design Engineer, you will be responsible for providing engineering consulting, technical oversight, and project coordination for building mechanical systems from conceptual planning through ...

Toppan

Design Engineer

Huntley, IL

$80K - $100K/yr

Collaborate closely with Tool Design Engineering and production teams to ensure designs are practical, efficient, and manufacturable. * Work with quality and regulatory teams to ensure compliance ...

Toppan

Design Engineer

Huntley, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Collaborate closely with Tool Design Engineering and production teams to ensure designs are practical, efficient, and manufacturable. * Work with quality and regulatory teams to ensure compliance ...

Arnold Magnetic Technologies

Design Engineer

Woodstock, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Job purpose Individual will be responsible for management of existing Design Engineering duties listed in the . Duties and responsibilities * Possess skill required to design and draw CAD drawings ...

Markent Personnel

Design Engineer

Brodhead, WI

Our client is a 198-year-old manufacturer of agricultural equipment, and they are looking for a Design Engineer who will focus their activities on designing and redesigning pieces of large Ag ...

Actalent

Project Design Engineer

Janesville, WI · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Design Engineer We are seeking a Design Engineer focused on Research & Development (R&D) and New Product Development (NPD) initiatives. This role involves working closely with the Advanced Programs ...

Aqua Aerobic

Controls Design Engineer

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$37.78 - $48/hr

Electrical Design Engineer Department: Engineering - Electrical Reports to: Electrical Engineering Manager FLSA Status: Hourly, Non-Exempt Posted Salary Range: $37.78-48.00/hour Prepared Date: 09 ...

FurstStaffing

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockford, IL

$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;

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Rockford, IL

Design Engineer information

See Rockford, IL salary details

$40.5K

$88.2K

$158.6K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Rockford, IL is $88,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $98,600.00 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.
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Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Rockford, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,222 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Design Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Darien, WI • On-site

$65K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Title: Design Engineer
Location: Darien, WI 53114
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $65,000–$78,000
Benefits: Full benefits package offered (medical, dental, vision, PTO, holidays, retirement plan, etc.)

The Mechanical Design Engineer will support new product development and continuous improvement initiatives. Working under the Mechanical Engineering Manager and Lead Project Engineers, this person will perform complex technical assignments, contribute to engineering project planning, and play a key role in bringing new or improved designs into production.

Job Duties:
  • Perform complex engineering assignments requiring strong technical expertise, including planning, organizing, and executing technical design projects.
  • Lead the design and development of new products, equipment, and processes, including the selection of concepts and approaches for improved performance and manufacturability.
  • Conduct and present design reviews for major projects, providing clear technical input to the engineering team.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior engineers, designers, and technicians.
  • Create and release 3D models, 2D drawings, and Bills of Materials using the established release process.
    .
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, product development, and manufacturing processes.
  • Experience creating and modifying 3D/2D models and technical documentation.
  • Familiarity with safety standards and plant operations.
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite, especially Excel.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
  • Preferred: Professional certification or ability to obtain within one year (GSP, ASP, CSP).
  • Project management skills are a plus.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.