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Digital Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

This role merges traditional environmental engineering with cutting-edge digital technologies, including data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart infrastructure solutions. The Digital ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mechatronics, or a related technical field; Master's or MBA strongly preferred. * Minimum 7+ years' experience in manufacturing operations ...

Sr. Streaming Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

The Specialist, Application Developer will be a team player and work well with business, technical and non-technical professionals in a project environment. Responsibilities * Support the application ...

Operations Coordinator II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33K - $83K/yr

Experience the power of transforming digital engineering for Fortune 500 clients * Master your craft with leading training programs and hands-on experience Experience a community of change makers!

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Digital Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$78K

$135.1K

$176.8K

How much do digital engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for digital engineering in Illinois is $135,051.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,800.00 and $131,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is digital engineering?

Digital engineering is the integration of digital methods, tools, and processes into the engineering lifecycle to improve product development, analysis, and management. It uses technologies like modeling, simulation, and data analytics to create digital models and digital twins of systems, enabling better decision-making, collaboration, and efficiency. This approach allows engineers to test and optimize designs virtually before building physical prototypes, reducing costs and speeding up innovation. Digital engineering is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing.

How does a digital engineering professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project lifecycle?

Digital Engineering professionals play a vital role in bridging gaps between design, development, and operations teams. They frequently participate in interdisciplinary meetings to align project objectives, share technical insights, and solve integration challenges. Collaboration usually involves using digital tools for real-time modeling, simulation, and feedback, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and able to contribute to project success. This teamwork fosters innovative solutions and helps deliver high-quality digital products on schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a digital engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Digital Engineer, you need a strong background in software development, systems integration, and digital modeling, often supported by a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field. Proficiency with tools such as CAD software, simulation platforms, programming languages, and familiarity with cloud technologies or digital twin systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and adaptability are essential soft skills to excel in collaborative and rapidly evolving environments. These skills ensure the effective design, implementation, and optimization of digital solutions that drive innovation and operational efficiency.

What is the difference between Digital Engineering vs Software Engineer?

AspectDigital EngineeringSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, certifications in digital toolsBachelor's in computer science or related field, coding certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning digital systems, simulations, and integrated engineering solutionsDeveloping, testing, and maintaining software applications
Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, civil engineeringIT, tech companies, software development firms

Digital Engineering focuses on integrating digital tools and systems into engineering processes, often involving simulations and digital twins. Software Engineers primarily develop and maintain software applications. While both roles require technical skills, Digital Engineers work more on digital system integration within engineering contexts, whereas Software Engineers focus on software development across various industries.

How much money do digital engineers make?

Digital engineers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with specialized skills in software development, systems integration, or cloud technologies may earn higher salaries, especially with certifications or advanced degrees.

Is digital engineering a good career?

Digital engineering is a growing field that involves designing and implementing digital systems, often requiring skills in software development, systems integration, and data analysis. It offers opportunities across industries such as technology, manufacturing, and aerospace, with a demand for professionals who can work with tools like CAD software and programming languages. The career typically provides competitive salaries and advancement potential for those with relevant technical expertise and certifications.

What does a digital engineer do?

A digital engineer designs, develops, and implements digital systems and solutions, often working with software, hardware, and data integration. They utilize tools like CAD software, programming languages, and digital modeling to optimize processes and products in industries such as manufacturing, technology, and engineering. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of digital technologies are essential for this role.
Infographic showing various Digital Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,051 per year, or $64.9 per hour.

Director, Engineering, Digital Engineering Services

Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

Irvine, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Define and execute the enterprise Digital Engineering strategy to align with R&D, product development, manufacturing, and business objectives.

  • Lead and oversee global Digital Engineering Services, including CAD design, Model-Based Definition (MBD), GD&T, and tolerance analysis.

  • Plan, direct, and manage engineering initiatives related to digital engineering capabilities, standards, and best practices.


Edwards Lifesciences rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

86th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Innovation starts from the heart. Our Advanced Innovation & Technology (AI&T) teams harness the imagination, courage, and resourcefulness to think beyond what's currently possible, and create solutions for patients many years into the future. If you're an early-stage innovator, then Edwards AI&T team is the place for you to take the next steps in your career. We'll give you the tools and resources you need to create groundbreaking innovations that shape the future of structural heart technology. As part of our engineering leadership team, your work will contribute to technologies that advance treatment and improve outcomes for patients around the world.

How you'll make an impact:

The Director, Engineering will provide strategic and functional leadership for Digital Engineering Services, driving enterprise-wide capabilities in CAD, Model-Based Definition (MBD), Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), tolerance analysis, and digital engineering best practices. This leader will help establish the vision and direction for Digital Engineering Services, lead a high-performing team, and advance capabilities that enable product development excellence across Edwards' global R&D organization. Working closely with R&D, IT, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain partners, the Director will champion digital transformation initiatives that strengthen product development efficiency, design quality, and manufacturing readiness.

  • Define and execute the enterprise Digital Engineering strategy, ensuring alignment with R&D, product development, manufacturing, and business objectives.

  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight of global Digital Engineering Services, including CAD design, Model-Based Definition (MBD), GD&T, tolerance analysis, and related digital engineering capabilities.

  • Lead and develop a team of engineering leaders and technical experts, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

  • Plan and direct complex engineering initiatives with significant business impact, ensuring successful achievement of project objectives related to scope, schedule, quality, and organizational priorities.

  • Establish and govern enterprise standards, methodologies, and best practices for CAD, MBD, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and digital product definition.

  • Serve as the enterprise technical authority for digital engineering, providing leadership on standards, methodologies, governance, and best practices that enable high-quality product development and drive consistency across the global R&D organization.

  • Drive adoption of digital engineering technologies, processes, and tools that improve design quality, productivity, collaboration, and product lifecycle management.

  • Partner cross-functionally with R&D, IT, Manufacturing, GSCQ, Regulatory Affairs, and other stakeholders to embed digital engineering capabilities across the product development lifecycle, from concept through manufacturing transfer.

  • Develop and manage enterprise training, onboarding, and capability-building programs related to CAD, MBD, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and digital engineering methodologies.

  • Lead organizational change management initiatives to support enterprise digital transformation and adoption of digital engineering best practices.

  • Develop and track key performance indicators and organizational metrics that demonstrate the business value and impact of Digital Engineering Services.

  • Identify organizational risks, develop mitigation strategies, resolve complex technical and operational issues, and guide decision-making across multiple programs and functions.

  • Influence senior leadership on digital engineering investments, priorities, roadmaps, and organizational strategies.

  • Manage departmental budgets, resource planning, and investment decisions to support strategic objectives and business growth.

  • Promote consistency, scalability, and sharing of engineering best practices across business units and engineering functions.

What you'll need (Required):

  • Bachelor's Degree in related field related experience in engineering and skill levels exceeding the requirements of the previous level

  • Demonstrated experience leading technical or engineering organizations, including management of managers and technical subject matter experts.

  • Experience leading enterprise-wide engineering, product development, or digital transformation initiatives.

  • Expert knowledge of CAD tools and methodologies, including parametric modeling, surfacing, assembly design, and CAD data management.

  • Expert knowledge of Model-Based Definition (MBD), semantic PMI, digital thread concepts, and applicable industry standards such as ASME Y14.41 and ISO 16792.

  • Relocation is not provided for this role. Only candidates within a 50-mile radius of Irvine, California will be considered.

What else we look for (Preferred):

  • Proven track record of developing and executing organizational strategies that drive business results.

  • Proficiency in relevant engineering software, systems, and digital technologies.

  • Strong knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems, preferably PTC Windchill, including configuration management, change control, and product structure management.

  • Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

  • Excellent interpersonal, relationship management, negotiation, and influencing skills.

  • Experience working in a regulated medical device, healthcare, or similarly regulated industry.

  • Experience supporting global engineering organizations and cross-functional product development teams.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale organizational initiatives and influence executive stakeholders.

  • Strong business and financial acumen, including budget management, resource planning, and investment prioritization.

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and strategic thinking skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to build and develop high-performing teams, including succession planning and talent development.

  • Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across functions, business units, and organizational levels.

  • Experience developing governance frameworks that drive enterprise consistency and operational excellence.

  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Ability to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities and competing business needs.

  • Strict attention to detail and commitment to quality.

  • Adhere to all company policies and requirements, including Environmental Health & Safety standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.
For California (CA), the base pay range for this position is $159,000 to $226,000 (highly experienced).
The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website.


Edwards is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.


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About Edwards Lifesciences

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Edwards Lifesciences is the global leader in patient-focused medical innovations for structural heart disease, as well as critical care and surgical monitoring. Driven by a passion to help patients, the company collaborates with the world's leading clinicians and researchers to address unmet healthcare needs, working to improve patient outcomes and enhance lives. Headquartered in Irvine, California, Edwards Lifesciences has extensive operations in North America, Europe, Japan, Latin America and Asia and currently employs over 15,000 individuals worldwide. For us, helping patients is not a slogan - it's our life's work. From developing devices that replace or repair a diseased heart valve to creating new technologies that monitor vital signs in the critical care setting, we focus on helping patients regain and improve the quality of their life.

Industry

Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Irvine, CA, US

Year founded

1958