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Engineering Leadership Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

JMJ PHILLIP

Sr. Director of Engineering

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Position Responsibilities Engineering Leadership * Provide strategic direction and leadership to engineering teams and technical functions. * Establish engineering priorities, objectives, and ...

New

Hbk-Engineering,-LL

Graduate Engineer - Civil

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Work with project management and engineering leadership to manage project risk * Communicate complex engineering matters to internal project management, engineering leadership, and field resources

Saige Partners

Manager, Design Engineering

Huntley, IL · On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

Key Responsibilities Engineering Leadership Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Design Engineering team specializing in thermoformed medical packaging. Establish the strategic vision ...

Coates Group

Director, Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

This role provides technical leadership, builds capability across engineers and technical leads, ensures adherence to engineering standards, and removes blockers that impede delivery, while ...

Coates Group

Director, Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

This role provides technical leadership, builds capability across engineers and technical leads, ensures adherence to engineering standards, and removes blockers that impede delivery, while ...

Coates Group

Director, Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$190K - $210K/yr

This role provides technical leadership, builds capability across engineers and technical leads, ensures adherence to engineering standards, and removes blockers that impede delivery, while ...

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All JobsEngineering Leadership JobsEngineering Leadership Jobs in Illinois

Engineering Leadership information

See Illinois salary details

$45.1K

$142.3K

$168.6K

How much do engineering leadership jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering leadership in Illinois is $142,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,900.00 and $167,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is engineering leadership?

An Engineering Leadership job involves guiding and managing engineering teams to deliver technical projects effectively. Leaders in this role balance technical expertise with team management, ensuring productivity, innovation, and alignment with business goals. Responsibilities often include hiring, mentoring engineers, setting technical direction, and collaborating with other departments. Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in engineering leadership?

To thrive in Engineering Leadership, you need a robust background in engineering principles, project management, and team oversight, typically backed by an engineering degree and experience in technical roles. Familiarity with project management tools like Jira, agile methodologies, and certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma are valued. Strong communication, conflict resolution, and strategic thinking distinguish top performers in this position. These skills ensure effective guidance of engineering teams, successful project delivery, and alignment with organizational goals.

What are the common challenges faced in engineering leadership roles and how can they be addressed?

Engineering Leadership roles often involve balancing technical priorities, managing diverse teams, and aligning project goals with business objectives. Leaders may face challenges such as resolving resource constraints, integrating new technologies, and navigating stakeholder expectations. Success in this role requires proactive communication, continuous team development, and flexibility in problem-solving. By building strong relationships across departments and fostering a culture of innovation, engineering leaders can effectively guide their teams through complex projects and drive impactful results.

How to get into engineering leadership?

To enter engineering leadership, professionals typically need several years of technical experience, strong problem-solving skills, and leadership abilities. Gaining management experience, developing communication skills, and pursuing relevant certifications or advanced degrees can also support advancement into leadership roles.

What is the hierarchy of engineering leadership positions?

Engineering leadership positions typically follow a hierarchy starting from Engineering Manager or Lead Engineer, progressing to Director of Engineering, then Vice President of Engineering, and ultimately Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Each level involves increasing responsibility for strategic planning, team management, and technical decision-making. Advancement often requires strong technical skills, leadership ability, and experience managing larger teams or projects.

What are popular job titles related to Engineering Leadership jobs in Illinois?

For Engineering Leadership jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Engineering Leadership jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Engineering Leadership jobs in Illinois are:

Engineering Leadership jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Leadership job openings in Illinois as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,319 per year, or $68.4 per hour.

Sr. Director of Engineering

JMJ PHILLIP

Wood Dale, IL • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

We are seeking a Sr. Director of Engineering to provide strategic and technical leadership across engineering initiatives, drive innovation, and ensure engineering programs align with broader business objectives. This role will lead engineering teams, oversee complex projects, and foster a culture of technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Position Responsibilities Engineering Leadership
  • Provide strategic direction and leadership to engineering teams and technical functions.
  • Establish engineering priorities, objectives, and performance expectations.
  • Develop and mentor engineering leaders and technical professionals.
  • Build a culture focused on innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Engineering Strategy & Innovation
  • Develop and execute long-term engineering strategies aligned with business goals.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies, processes, and engineering solutions.
  • Identify opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturing capabilities, efficiency, and competitiveness.
  • Promote the adoption of engineering best practices and technical standards.
Program & Project Management
  • Oversee major engineering programs and complex technical projects from concept through completion.
  • Ensure projects meet established scope, schedule, budget, quality, and performance objectives.
  • Allocate engineering resources effectively across multiple priorities.
  • Monitor project progress, risks, and technical challenges and implement appropriate corrective actions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with operations, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, product development, and other business functions.
  • Translate business requirements into practical engineering strategies and solutions.
  • Support resolution of complex technical and operational issues.
  • Communicate engineering priorities, progress, and recommendations to senior leadership.
Operational Excellence
  • Drive continuous improvement across engineering processes and technical operations.
  • Establish and monitor engineering performance metrics.
  • Promote effective problem-solving, data-driven decision-making, and process optimization.
  • Ensure engineering activities follow applicable quality, safety, regulatory, and industry requirements.
Budget & Resource Management
  • Develop and manage engineering budgets and resource plans.
  • Evaluate capital investments, equipment, technology, and other engineering expenditures.
  • Balance technical requirements with financial and operational objectives.
Prerequisites
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Significant progressive engineering leadership experience in a manufacturing, industrial, technology, or related environment.
  • Demonstrated experience leading engineering teams and complex technical programs.
  • Strong understanding of engineering processes, product development, manufacturing, or technical operations.
  • Proven ability to develop and execute engineering strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Strong project management, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Excellent communication and executive leadership skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities.
  • Strong business and financial acumen, including experience managing budgets and resources.
Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
  • Six Sigma or Lean certification.
  • Other engineering, technical, or industry-specific certifications.
What the Role Offers
  • Competitive compensation with a salary of up to $225,000 annually.
  • Opportunity to provide strategic leadership across engineering and technical initiatives.
  • Ability to influence innovation, operational excellence, and long-term business performance.
  • Opportunity to lead and develop high-performing engineering teams.
  • Exposure to complex technical programs and cross-functional business initiatives.
  • Significant leadership visibility and opportunities for professional growth.
Why Dale?

Dale offers a professional environment with access to established industrial and business networks, skilled talent, and opportunities for collaboration across multiple industries. The area provides a strong setting for engineering leadership professionals seeking to make a meaningful impact through innovation, operational improvement, and technical excellence.

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