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Engineering Section Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Mechanical Team Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

Function as design lead or engineering project manager for key projects. * Implement, monitor, and support company policy * Works collaboratively with other team leads, Section Manager, operations ...

HDR

Mechanical Team Lead

Chicago, IL · On-site

Function as design lead or engineering project manager for key projects. * Implement, monitor, and support company policy * Works collaboratively with other team leads, Section Manager, operations ...

City of Chicago

ASST CHIEF ENGINEER

Chicago, IL · On-site

$137K - $155K/yr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES As the Department's senior technical authority in traffic operations and safety, this position leads the traffic engineering section, manages major infrastructure projects, handles ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsEngineering Section JobsEngineering Section Manager JobsEngineering Section Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Engineering Section Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.9K

$151.3K

$179.2K

How much do engineering section manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering section manager in Chicago, IL is $151,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $178,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineering section manager?

Engineering Section Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing a specific section or team within an engineering department. Their duties typically include managing staff, coordinating projects, ensuring compliance with engineering standards, and meeting organizational goals. They act as a bridge between upper management and engineers, providing leadership, mentorship, and resource allocation. Their role is crucial for successful project delivery and maintaining high performance within their section.

How does an engineering section manager typically balance hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities?

As an Engineering Section Manager, you'll often shift between overseeing technical project contributions and managing your team's performance, schedules, and development. While you may still engage in technical decision-making and reviews, much of your time will be spent on strategic planning, mentoring engineers, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration. Balancing these tasks requires strong delegation skills and the ability to set clear priorities, ensuring both your team's technical output and professional growth are supported. Open communication with project leads and upper management is key to maintaining this balance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineering section manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Section Manager, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management experience, and a relevant engineering degree, often supported by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project), CAD tools, and engineering standards is typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and conflict-resolution skills are crucial for managing teams and collaborating across departments. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient project delivery, team cohesion, and the achievement of organizational goals.

What is the difference between Engineering Section Manager vs Engineering Supervisor?

AspectEngineering Section ManagerEngineering Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple teams or sections, manages projects, strategic planningSupervises daily operations, directs team activities, ensures task completion
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, management experience often preferredEngineering degree or technical background, leadership skills
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, project sites, cross-department collaborationWorkshop, plant floor, or site supervision
Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, construction, and engineering firmsUsed across similar industries for team oversight

The Engineering Section Manager typically holds a higher-level role with strategic responsibilities, overseeing multiple teams and projects, while the Engineering Supervisor focuses on daily team supervision and task management. Both roles require engineering credentials and leadership skills, but the manager's scope is broader, often involving planning and coordination across departments.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Engineering Section Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Engineering Section Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Engineering Section Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,295 per year, or $72.7 per hour.

Section Manager Suspension & Axles - TRATON R&D US, LLC

Lisle, IL • On-site

International Motors, LLC
See more jobs at International Motors, LLCexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a team of engineers and specialists in suspension performance and axle requirements and integration across multiple sites

  • Ensure the capacity and capability of the section meet ongoing and future development program needs

  • Support the development process from concept through production and product follow-up

International Motors rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Overview
We currently have a great opportunity for a Section Manager - Suspension & Axles on our TRATON R&D Team.
TRATON Group R&D is the innovation and engineering backbone of the TRATON Group - driving research and development across the commercial vehicle industry, across our brands (International, MAN, Scania, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus). We are a global organization of around 9,000 employees working together to accelerate innovation, improve speed and deliver scalable solutions across the Group.
Position Details
We are looking for a dynamic and team-oriented candidate to be the Product Manager for the VCT - Integration & Test Planning. This VCT is responsible for complete vehicle test plans, test vehicle count optimization, test vehicle build coordination and test vehicle fleet management through close collaboration with the BID organizations. This role requires strong team building and management skills in order to meet the needs across all sites, Group VCTs (complete vehicle verification) and BIDs (complete vehicle validation).
As Section Manager for Suspension and Axles within Rolling Chassis, you will lead a cross-site team responsible for meeting legal and project requirements with optimized properties for TRATON's truck and bus chassis. You will drive the development and integration of new and existing technological solutions to meet customer requirements while collaborating closely with all TRATON brands.
  • Lead and develop a diverse team of engineers and specialists in suspension performance and axle requirements and integration across several sites
  • Responsibility for capacity and capability of the section to match the needs of ongoing and future development programs
  • Support the development process from concept through production and product follow up
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and cross-brand collaboration
  • Close collaboration is required with stakeholders in all areas of chassis and cab to ensure a modular approach and alignment for vehicle integration
  • Actively contribute in the Domain management team
  • Represent the section in cross-functional and cross-brand forums, ensuring alignment with TRATON's strategic goals

Desired Skills
  • Proven leadership experience in a global, matrixed R&D environment, preferably within automotive or commercial vehicles.
  • Strong technical background in suspensions, ride handling, axles and vehicle integration.
  • Experience managing engineering teams and complex projects across multiple brands or locations
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to navigate different cultural perspectives
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering field, or equivalent experience
  • Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus
  • Self-driven, structured, and result-oriented, with a collaborative and open-minded approach

What kind of position/job is this?
This is a full-time, permanent role within TRATON Group R&D.
Where is the job located?
This is a global role. The role is intended to be based in one our TRATON Group R&D's core hubs - Lisle, Illinois (USA), Munich/Nuremberg (Germany), São Paulo/Resende (Brazil) or Södertälje (Sweden).
Who will I be reporting to?
You will report functionally to Jernelle Buckley and legally to your local line manager depending on where you are based.
About us
At TRATON, you are an important part of something bigger. Joining TRATON Group R&D means gaining access to the ins and outs of the entire transportation industry - working with colleagues across brands and regions to shape future technologies and solutions. As part of a global team of industry experts, you get to think bigger, experience more and reach further. Together, we have the collective power to transform transportation.
Recruiting Process
Recruiting process if selected: 30 min Teams Technical Screening with TRATON Hiring Manager or their team member, Cross Brand Interview, Candidate selection, Offer Phase
Cross-Brand Recruiting
By applying to this position, please be aware that we may share your application (e.g., CV) with relevant stakeholders across TRATON Group and its brands to enable a group-wide recruitment process.
Resume & Interview
Application and interview language is English. No cover letter needed.
Contacts
Hiring Manager: Jernelle Buckley: Jernelle.Buckley@us.traton.com
Lead Recruiter: Tess Cochrane: Tess.Cochrane@international.com
Application Period
Applications will be accepted until: September 30, 2026
Screening will take place on an ongoing basis during the application period.
Transportation.
We look forward to your application!
Responsibilities
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Computer Science and at least 6 years of product design/development and/or computer science experience
  • At least 3 years of lead experience

OR
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Computer Science and at least 5 years of product design/development and/or computer science experience
  • At least 3 years of lead experience

OR
  • PhD in Engineering, Engineering Technology or Computer Science and at least 4 years of product design/development and/or computer science experience
  • At least 3 years of lead experience

Additional Requirements
  • Qualified candidates, excluding current employees, must be legally authorized on an unrestricted basis (US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee) to be employed in the United States. We do not anticipate providing employment related work sponsorship for this position (e.g., H-1B status)

Desired Skills
EEO Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to access the online application system or participate in the interview process due to your disability, please email HUB@International.com to request assistance. Kindly specify Job Requisition Number / Job Title and Location in response. Otherwise, your request may not be considered.

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