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Engineer Director Jobs in DeKalb, IL (NOW HIRING)

AGI

Project Director

Millington, IL

Danmare provides end-to-end engineering and project management services to the food and pet ... The Director Project must be familiar with and follow Engineering best practices, Project ...

Hyve Solutions

Sr. Hardware Engineering Manager

Oregon, IL · On-site

$162K - $220K/yr

Where the Hardware Engineering Director sets organizational strategy across the US design organization, this role owns the engineering team and program delivery within it: building the bench, running ...

FurstStaffing

Executive Director

Rockford, IL · On-site

$70K/yr

Oversee the development and implementation of student and community outreach programming projects ... Please apply directly to the Executive Director role or contact Keri Benhoff at keri.benhoff ...

Blachford

Be Seen First

Sales Engineer

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Sales Engineer is a customer-facing technical role that supports the Director of Sales and customers in developing and implementing custom-engineered solutions. This position serves as a key ...

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Engineer Director information

See DeKalb, IL salary details

$71.6K

$191.1K

$249.3K

How much do engineer director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer director in DeKalb, IL is $191,106.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $138,900.00 and $248,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineer director?

Engineer Directors are senior leaders in engineering organizations who oversee multiple teams or departments, set technical strategy, and ensure alignment with business goals. They manage engineering managers and lead initiatives related to product development, process improvement, and team growth. Engineer Directors play a critical role in hiring, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration, serving as a bridge between executive leadership and engineering teams. Their responsibilities often include defining long-term technical vision, fostering innovation, and maintaining high standards for quality and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineer director?

To thrive as an Engineering Director, you need strong leadership abilities, deep technical expertise in engineering disciplines, and a track record of managing complex projects, typically supported by an engineering degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with project management tools, engineering software platforms, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are often valuable. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and team-building skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and innovation. These competencies enable Engineering Directors to align technical teams with business goals, deliver high-quality solutions, and foster organizational growth.

What are some common challenges faced by an engineer director when leading cross-functional teams?

An Engineer Director often navigates challenges such as aligning diverse technical teams toward shared business goals, managing communication across departments, and balancing resource allocation for multiple projects. Ensuring effective collaboration between engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders requires strong leadership and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, keeping teams motivated while adapting to shifting priorities or tight deadlines is crucial for the success of engineering initiatives.

What is the difference between Engineer Director vs Senior Engineer?

AspectEngineer DirectorSenior Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, technical expertise
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles overseeing teams and projectsHands-on technical work, project execution
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large organizations, tech, manufacturingWidespread across industries, technical focus

The Engineer Director typically holds a leadership position, managing teams and strategic initiatives, while the Senior Engineer focuses on technical expertise and project execution. Both roles require strong engineering credentials, but the Director emphasizes management and oversight.

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

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

What cities near DeKalb, IL are hiring for Engineer Director jobs?

Cities near DeKalb, IL with the most Engineer Director job openings:

Engineer Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineer Director job openings in DeKalb, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $191,106 per year, or $91.9 per hour.

Director of Engineering

Aurora, IL • On-site

Peerless Industries
See more jobs at Peerless Industriesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Peerless-AV® is a leading designer and manufacturer of award-winning audio solutions for over 75 years. Our AV solutions range from interactive kiosks, outdoor displays, video wall mounts and more. You may not know Peerless-AV® by name, but you have likely seen our products in malls, amusement parks, hotels, sport stadiums and/or different restaurant drive-thru.
  • We are leading the industry by providing our customers with standard-setting product quality, service and value.
  • We strive to create a fun work environment throughout the year, not just during the holiday seasons. Employees look forward to our company parties with raffles, contests, lunch and laughs.

Job Description
Peerless-AV, a leading global designer and manufacturer of audiovisual solutions, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Director of Engineering to lead our Design Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Technical Illustration, and Engineering Regulatory Affairs teams.
This is a unique opportunity to oversee a highly cross-functional engineering organization developing products across three complementary industries:
  • AV Mounting Solutions
  • Kiosks
  • Outdoor Displays

The Director of Engineering will provide strategic leadership and technical direction for all engineering initiatives, ensuring projects are executed efficiently, innovatively, and in alignment with company objectives. This highly visible role requires both long-term strategic thinking and the ability to personally engage in solving complex technical challenges.
The ideal candidate is a resourceful and driven engineering leader who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about product development, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage Design Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Technical Illustration, and Regulatory Affairs functions.
  • Direct engineering projects from concept through production, ensuring alignment with company goals, timelines, quality standards, and cost objectives.
  • Develop and improve engineering processes, procedures, and cross-functional workflows.
  • Collaborate closely with Product Management, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and external suppliers throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Provide strategic insight into market trends, emerging technologies, and competitive positioning.
  • Support manufacturing readiness through DFMA principles, process optimization, and production support.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and certification requirements, including UL, FCC, and CE standards.
  • Recruit, mentor, develop, and lead high-performing engineering teams.
  • Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
  • Support and maintain Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) initiatives and objectives.

Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; advanced degree preferred.
  • 10+ years of hands-on product development engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • 8+ years of engineering leadership and team management experience.
  • Proven experience leading cross-functional teams through full product development cycles from concept to production.
  • Strong knowledge of:
    • DFMA (Design for Manufacturing and Assembly)
    • FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis)
    • Engineering validation and testing methods
    • Regulatory compliance and certification processes
  • Broad technical understanding of:
    • Heat transfer and thermodynamics
    • Statics and strength of materials
    • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
    • Electrical systems, electronics, software, and firmware
  • Experience with manufacturing processes including:
    • Sheet metal fabrication
    • Welding
    • Extrusion
    • Casting
    • Injection molding
    • Painting and assembly operations
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software; SolidWorks experience strongly preferred.
  • Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Strong project management, troubleshooting, and resource planning skills.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Experience with ISO-based quality systems and process development strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrate Leadership & Commitment with respect to QMS & EMS processes & take accountability for effectiveness of these Systems.
  • Establish, Communicate & maintain Quality & Environmental Policies & Objectives that are compatible with Strategic direction & Organizational Context. Promote Continual Improvement
  • Communicating importance of effective QMS & EMS ensuring these systems achieve intended Goals.
  • Assure regular QMS & EMS Planning: (Org. Context, Interested Parties' needs & expectations, SWOT Analysis, ID Risks & Opportunities, EMS Aspects & Impacts, understand Compliance Obligations).
  • Assure integration of QMS & EMS requirements into daily business Processes & availability of needed Resources to assure effective systems & their Continual Improvement.
  • Other duties as assigned

Working Conditions
  • Prolonged periods of desk and computer-based work.
  • Occasional work within plant and warehouse environments where temperature, humidity, and dust levels may vary.
  • Occasional bending, lifting, or moving materials weighing up to 30 lbs.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.

Additional Information
We offer stability, competitive pay, plus outstanding benefits, including Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO health plan with eye and dental care, 401(k) with company match, paid vacation and a friendly, progressive work environment.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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