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Director Prototype Design Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

YO AI Labs

Design Expert - Remote

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$30 - $70/hr

Flexible / Self-Directed Job Overview We are seeking senior Product Design and AI-Assisted Development Experts to create evaluation tasks for AI systems working across rapid prototyping, product ...

blueStone

Experience Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are seeking an engaging, design-tested leader to become our Experience Design Director. You'll ... Ability to comfortably dive into designing visual screens and/or prototyping with various tools ...

blueStone

Experience Design Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

We are seeking an engaging, design-tested leader to become our Experience Design Director. You'll ... Ability to comfortably dive into designing visual screens and/or prototyping with various tools ...

Saige Partners

Design Engineer

Huntley, IL · On-site

This is a Direct Hire role Design Engineer - Medical Packaging The Design Engineer is responsible ... Utilize 3D scanning and additive manufacturing technologies to support rapid prototyping, design ...

Saige Partners

Design Engineer

Dekalb, IL · On-site

This is a Direct Hire role Design Engineer - Medical Packaging The Design Engineer is responsible ... Utilize 3D scanning and additive manufacturing technologies to support rapid prototyping, design ...

Cccis

Vice President, Product Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

$159K - $196K/yr

Integrate AI into design workflows, prototyping, and experimentation; apply experience designing and shipping AI-enabled products; help define how AI accelerates experience development. * Product ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

... growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization ... Support prototype, pilot, and production builds while working closely with manufacturing and ...

Saige Partners

Manager, Design Engineering

Huntley, IL

$140K - $160K/yr

Director of Design Engineering - Medical Thermoformed Packaging Position Summary Reporting to the ... prototyping. Ensure packaging designs comply with customer specifications, sterilization ...

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All JobsPrototype Design JobsDirector Prototype Design JobsDirector Prototype Design Jobs in Illinois

Director Prototype Design information

What does a director prototype design do?

A Director of Prototype Design oversees the creation and development of prototypes for new products or systems within an organization. They lead design teams, collaborate with engineers and product managers, and ensure prototypes meet both functional and aesthetic requirements. Their responsibilities include project management, resource allocation, and maintaining quality standards throughout the design process. By guiding the prototyping phase, they help transform concepts into tangible models that can be tested, refined, and eventually brought to market.

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

To thrive as a Director of Prototype Design, you need extensive experience in product design, engineering principles, and project management, often backed by a degree in industrial design, engineering, or a related field. Mastery of CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and familiarity with design validation processes are typically required. Exceptional leadership, creative problem-solving, and strong communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills ensure innovative prototypes are developed efficiently and collaboratively, aligning with business goals and market needs.

What are some common challenges faced by a director prototype design when balancing innovation with practical constraints?

A Director of Prototype Design often navigates the challenge of fostering creativity and innovation while ensuring prototypes are feasible within budgetary, technical, and time constraints. Balancing the desire for cutting-edge solutions with the realities of manufacturability and client requirements requires strong communication and prioritization skills. Additionally, this role must align cross-functional teams, including engineering, marketing, and production, to ensure prototypes meet both visionary goals and practical needs. Effective Directors excel at managing stakeholder expectations and iterating quickly based on feedback from both internal teams and clients.

What is the difference between Director Prototype Design vs Product Designer?

AspectDirector Prototype DesignProduct Designer
CredentialsTypically requires extensive experience in design and prototyping, often with leadership skillsRequires design education, portfolio, and proficiency in design tools
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, oversees prototype development, collaborates with cross-functional teamsFocuses on designing user interfaces, user experience, and prototypes
Industry UsageUsed in tech, manufacturing, and product development companies for leadership rolesCommon in tech, digital agencies, and startups for hands-on design work

While both roles involve prototyping, the Director Prototype Design typically leads teams and oversees the entire prototype process, whereas the Product Designer focuses on creating and refining user-centered designs and prototypes. The director role emphasizes leadership and strategic oversight, while the product designer is more hands-on with design execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of Prototype Design jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Prototype Design jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Prototype Design jobs in Illinois?

For Director Prototype Design jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Prototype Design jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Prototype Design jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Director Prototype Design jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Director Prototype Design job openings:

Director Prototype Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Prototype Design job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Truck Equipment Design Engineer

Bonnell Industries Inc

Dixon, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The Truck Equipment Design Engineer is responsible for the design, coordination, and execution of truck equipment application projects. This role ensures equipment compatibility, installation efficiency, and technical accuracy from concept through installation, while driving continuous improvement in design and build processes.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design, direct, and manage truck equipment application projects, including chassis layout, weight distribution analysis, equipment customization, dimensional verification, and development of electrical and hydraulic schematics.
  • Lead technical review during order handoff from Sales to Installation to ensure complete compatibility between chassis and specified equipment.
  • Develop, maintain, and optimize Drive Works configurators to improve accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in equipment specification and quoting.
  • Promote modular design strategies and standardized solutions to improve installation efficiency and reduce complexity.
  • Identify and implement process improvements in specifying, quoting, and installation workflows with a continuous improvement mindset.
  • Manage custom and prototype design projects within the Applications Department, ensuring feasibility, compliance, and performance standards are met.
  • Support installation teams by providing detailed drawings, work instructions, and technical guidance to ensure proper equipment integration.
  • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements related to truck equipment and chassis systems.

Full Time Benefits
• 401K with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• Dental, Vision, Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account with Company Match
• Company Provided Life Insurance
• Company Provided Short Term Disability
• Company Provided Long Term Disability
• Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Training
• Paid Holidays
• Opportunities for Advancement
• Apparel Allowance
• Safety Boot Allowance
• Prescription Safety Glass Allowance
Requirements
Competencies
  • Technical Capacity.
  • Problem Solving/Analysis.
  • Customer/Client Focus.
  • Communication Proficiency.
  • Teamwork Orientation.
  • Thoroughness.

Core Values
  • Quality.
  • Customer Relations.
  • Loyal.
  • Teamwork.
  • Positive.

Supervisory Responsibility
None.
Work Environment
This job is operated in a professional office environment with frequent visits to the production floor. This role routinely involves standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Knowledgeable use of common measuring devices such as tape measures, squares, protractors will be used routinely.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to grip, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift to 40 pounds.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
Travel
Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out of the area and overnight travel may be expected. All travel must be approved in advance by management. Please refer to the employee handbook for all applicable policies.
Required Education and Experience
  • 3+ years of experience in equipment design, truck body integration, mobile equipment, or related applications engineering role.
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
  • Extensive knowledge of metal fabrication processes, including material selection, welding, fixturing, finishing and assembly.
  • Working knowledge of hydraulic and electrical systems, including the ability to interpret and develop schematics.
  • Experience creating or modifying technical drawings and installation documentation.
  • Strong cross-functional communication skills with the ability to collaborate between Sales, Engineering, and Production teams.
  • Demonstrated problem-solving ability in custom or prototype design environments.
  • Understanding of manufacturing and installation processes in a production setting.

Preferred Education and Experience
  • 5+ years of experience in truck equipment, upfitting, vocational vehicles, or heavy equipment industries.
  • Knowledge of truck chassis specifications (Ford, GM, RAM, Isuzu, etc.) and body builder guidelines.
  • Familiarity with DOT regulations, FMVSS requirements, or industry compliance standards.
  • Background in continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma, process optimization)
  • Experience managing prototype or low-volume custom builds.
  • Exposure to ERP systems or quoting/configuration workflows.

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