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Design Manager Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Design Engineer

Byron, IL · On-site

$89K - $154K/yr

The Electrical Design Engineer position is based out of our Byron Clean Energy facility in Byron ... Perform other job assignments and duties as directed by management or pursuant to company policy ...

Visual Design Coordinator

Rockford, IL · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Asset management: Organize and maintain design files and assets within the company's digital asset management system. * Scalable design system: Create templates and toolkits for internal use and ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Manager information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$41.2K

$112.4K

$197.8K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in DeKalb, IL is $112,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,000.00 and $141,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design manager?

Design Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design process within a project or organization. They coordinate and lead design teams, ensure design objectives align with business goals, and manage timelines, budgets, and resources. Design Managers often act as a bridge between creative teams and other departments, facilitating communication and ensuring that the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. Their role can span across industries such as architecture, graphic design, product design, and digital media.

What does a design manager do?

A design manager oversees a design team during a project and typically works in the construction and architecture industries. As a design manager, you may work for specialty companies that contract out to construction firms on a per-project basis. Or, you may spend your career working as an in-house design manager for a construction company or architect firm. Regardless of the location of your job as a design manager, your duties revolve around supervising the design of a building project and include adhering to legislation and codes, eliminating safety and financial risks, and advising clients during development.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design manager?

To thrive as a Design Manager, you need a strong background in design principles, project management, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field and several years of design experience. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools like Asana or Trello is essential. Exceptional communication, team leadership, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively leading creative teams, delivering high-quality design outcomes, and meeting client or organizational goals.

How does a design manager typically balance creative vision with project deadlines and client expectations?

A Design Manager is responsible for guiding their team's creative direction while ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. This often means carefully prioritizing tasks, setting clear milestones, and communicating regularly with clients and stakeholders to manage expectations. They serve as a bridge between creative teams and project managers, helping to resolve conflicts and maintain a productive workflow. By fostering open collaboration and providing constructive feedback, Design Managers help ensure both the creative vision and practical project requirements are met.

What is the difference between Design Manager vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign ManagerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, management experienceBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, oversees projectsCreates visual content, works independently or in teams
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, agency, and studio settingsCommon in advertising, publishing, branding

The main difference between a Design Manager and a Graphic Designer lies in their responsibilities and scope. Design Managers oversee design teams and strategic project planning, while Graphic Designers focus on creating visual content. Both roles require relevant design credentials, but Design Managers also need leadership experience. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What degree do you need to be a design manager?

A design manager typically holds a bachelor's degree in design, graphic design, industrial design, or a related field. Many also pursue a master's degree or additional certifications to enhance their skills and qualifications for leadership roles in design teams.

What does a design manager earn?

A design manager's salary varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often oversee design teams, coordinate projects, and use tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software, with higher salaries generally associated with larger companies or senior roles.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design, executive roles such as Creative Director or Design Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially in large corporations or agencies. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, product design, and design consulting can also offer high compensation, particularly with extensive experience and advanced skills in tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch.

What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in DeKalb, IL?

For Design Manager jobs in DeKalb, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in DeKalb, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in DeKalb, IL are:

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,372 per year, or $54 per hour.

Mechanical Architect - Rack, System and Enclosure Design

Hyve Solutions

Oregon, IL • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Hyve Solutions rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

@HYVE Solutions, missions to help customers, business partners, and employees achieve success through shared goals, strategies, resources and technology solutions.

Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mechanical Architect to lead the design and development of innovative rack, system, and enclosure solutions. This role will be crucial in defining mechanical architectures for complex IT infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, thermal management, and manufacturability for TD SYNNEX Corporation's product portfolio.
Job Responsibilities:

Lead the architectural definition, conceptualization, and detailed design of mechanical systems for racks, servers, storage, and networking enclosures.
Develop robust mechanical designs that meet performance, cost, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.
Perform advanced thermal analysis, structural analysis, and simulations using CAE tools (e.g., SolidWorks, ANSYS, COMSOL) to optimize designs.
Collaborate closely with electrical engineers, industrial designers, and product management to integrate mechanical designs seamlessly with other system components.
Define and review mechanical specifications, test plans, and validation procedures for prototypes and production units.
Manage and mentor junior mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance and design reviews.
Evaluate and select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for various mechanical components.
Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitor offerings in mechanical design for data centers and IT infrastructure.
Drive continuous improvement in design processes, tools, and methodologies.
Participate in supplier selection and qualification, ensuring the quality and cost-effectiveness of manufactured parts.
Job Qualifications:
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
10+ years of experience in mechanical design and architecture, with a significant focus on rack, server, or enclosure systems for enterprise or data center environments.
Demonstrated expertise in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor) and strong proficiency in creating complex assemblies and detailed drawings.
Extensive experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) for thermal and structural analysis.
In-depth knowledge of various manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, injection molding, die casting, and machining.
Strong understanding of industry standards related to rack dimensions (e.g., EIA-310), thermal management, and safety.
Proven ability to lead technical projects, manage multiple priorities, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Experience with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.
Experience with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems is a plus.

Compensation: $130K to $160K DOE

@ HYVE Solutions, we believe employees are our greatest asset and we empower them to make a difference in our business. Diversity and inclusion make us all better. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.  


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