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Design Engineer Jobs in Wheeling, IL (NOW HIRING)

Filtran is seeking a Design / Project Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced filtration systems for automotive powertrain applications. In this role, you will bring automotive ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Design Engineer I to join our growing team Design Engineering team. This position may be filled out of our Lowell or Boston, MA offices. We value in-person collaboration ...

Design Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

Lovejoy, a company in the Timken family of brands, is hiring a Design Engineer. Position Summary: Prepare engineering designs for products and components to support customer orders and internal ...

Design Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$72K - $95K/yr

Lovejoy, a company in the Timken family of brands, is hiring a Design Engineer. Position Summary: Prepare engineering designs for products and components to support customer orders and internal ...

Design Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$72K - $95K/yr

Lovejoy, a company in the Timken family of brands, is hiring a Design Engineer. Position Summary: Prepare engineering designs for products and components to support customer orders and internal ...

Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Seeking to hire a Design Engineer for a client in Chicago, IL 60646. Our client is a leading manufacturer of power burners. Position Summary: Designs new products and makes improvements to the ...

Design Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site +1

$72K - $95K/yr

Lovejoy, a company in the Timken family of brands, is hiring a Design Engineer. Position Summary: Prepare engineering designs for products and components to support customer orders and internal ...

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Design Engineer I to join our growing team Design Engineering team. This position may be filled out of our Lowell or Boston, MA offices. We value in-person collaboration ...

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 ...

Transportation Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing products as well as developing new products from concept through production. They will support existing ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Engineer information

See Wheeling, IL salary details

$41.9K

$91.3K

$164.1K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Wheeling, IL is $91,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $102,000.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Wheeling, IL?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Wheeling, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Wheeling, IL?

For Design Engineer jobs in Wheeling, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Wheeling, IL are hiring for Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Wheeling, IL with the most Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Wheeling, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,268 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

$85K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Filtration Group rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Filtran is seeking a Design / Project Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced filtration systems for automotive powertrain applications. 

In this role, you will bring automotive filtration systems to life, from initial concept through production launch. 

You will be responsible for all phases of product development, be the primary technical liaison to the customer, and perform technical project management duties. 

You will create CAD models and engineering drawings and ensure that the design meets Filtran quality and manufacturing standards. 

In this role, you will gain a broad view of the automotive industry, working closely with cross-functional teams including the test lab, quality, manufacturing, sales, and sourcing departments.


Design & Development

  • Design innovative filtration products using Creo, adhering to Filtran standards and modeling best practices.
  • Generate 3D CAD models, drawings, and APQP documentation.
  • Ensure manufacturability, performance, and cost-optimization through DFMA and FEA/CFD simulations and test results.
  • Apply strong understanding of powertrain filtration systems gained through hands-on experience, training, and collaboration.

Project & Technical Leadership

  • Lead technical discussions in weekly customer meetings.
  • Organize and facilitate cross-functional meetings to track technical open items.
  • Collaborate with program managers and internal stakeholders to meet project milestones and deliverables.

Product Testing & Validation

  • Develop validation plans and submit testing requests to the Filtran internal test lab.
  • Coordinate test fixture design and validation activities based on customer and internal standards.
  • Utilize knowledge of industry-specific testing standards and validation procedures.

Engineering Support

  • Create and maintain engineering documentation including engineering drawings, bills of materials, failure mode and effects analyses, and engineering change orders.
  • Support design changes, cost-reduction efforts, and technical reviews.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement

  • Contribute to new product innovation and existing product enhancements.
  • Participate in IP generation, competitive benchmarking, and R&D initiatives.

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
  • Previous product design experience (professional and/or internship).
  • Proficient in Creo with knowledge of modeling best practices, and experience optimizing designs based on simulation and/or test results. Advanced surfacing knowledge is a plus
  • Ability to understand and interpret detailed engineering and testing specifications.
  • Familiarity with automotive quality standards and processes.
  • Hands-on experience working with cross-functional teams, group facilitation, and problem-solving.
  • Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Fluent in English, including excellent communication skills (listening, written, verbal, and presentation).

 

Preferred

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or automotive engineering.
  • 2-3 years of project engineering and/or R&D experience with automotive OEMs or Tier 1 suppliers, preferably with hydraulic or filtration products.
  • Direct customer interaction experience.
  • Experience modelling production-ready injection molded parts.
  • Proficient conducting and/or utilizing FEA and CFD in the design process.
  • Good understanding of fluid dynamics and simulation/analysis software (SolidWorks Simulation, SolidWorks Flow Simulation, Creo Simulate, etc.).
  • Experience with high volume production (100,000 to 1,000,000 units/year), preferably injection molding of engineered resins, steel stampings, and/or filtration components.
  • Proficient with MS Project and/or similar project tracking tools.
  • Active member of engineering societies (SAE, ASTM, ISO, etc.)
  • Experience as a US patent inventor or in novel product development.
  • Ability to converse in additional languages (German, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, etc.)

Compensation / Benefits

  • Salary Range - $85,000 - $96,000 (DOE).
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance Programs.
  • 401K with company matching.
  • Generous paid time off.
  • Employee wellness program.
  • Inclusive culture.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

  • Primarily office-based and requires the ability to travel independently (less than 10%) to customer or supplier locations as project needs arise.
  • Requires the ability to sit at a computer workstation for extended periods to complete engineering and documentation tasks.
  • Occasionally it is necessary to walk through the production facility to observe machinery, equipment, and manufacturing operations.

Why Join Filtran?

Filtran is a global leader in filtration technology for the automotive industry. We are committed to quality, innovation, and delivering outstanding engineered solutions. At Filtran, you’ll work with talented engineers across the globe and contribute to the next generation of filtration systems that keep vehicles performing at their best.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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