Entry Level Design Engineer Solidworks Jobs in Illinois

Mechanical Design Engineer (Entry Level)

Location: Chesterfield, VA
Schedule: 9/80 schedule (every other Friday off)
Job Type: Direct Hire
Starting Salary: $80,000/year (Higher salary available based on experience)
Travel: Approximately 10%

Position Overview

Seeking a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineerto design, improve, and support specialized heavy equipment and mechanical systems. This role covers the full product lifecycle—from concept and engineering through manufacturing, field deployment, testing, and ongoing improvement.

The ideal candidate enjoys solving complex mechanical problems and working directly with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, vendors, and customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Development Design new crane systems, heavy equipment, and mechanical components and modify existing equipment.
• Turn concepts and field requirements into practical mechanical designs.
• Perform reverse engineering and redesign of existing components.
• Validate designs using engineering calculations, FEA, CAD modeling, prototyping, and field testing.
• Improve equipment performance, manufacturability, serviceability, reliability, and cost.
• Maintain and improve standard equipment designs while meeting engineering, safety, and customer requirements.

• Project & Manufacturing Support Manage engineering projects from concept through manufacturing, testing, implementation, and lifecycle support.
• Lead crane rebuild and refurbishment activities, including inspections, repair planning, upgrades, testing, and final delivery.
• Work with Manufacturing, Operations, vendors, and suppliers to support production schedules and product releases.
• Provide technical assistance through troubleshooting, field inspections, on-site support, and emergency response.
• Ensure equipment meets applicable specifications, engineering standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Engineering Support Apply sound engineering judgment to resolve technical challenges.
• Maintain accurate engineering drawings, calculations, bills of materials (BOMs), and design records.
• Support quality assurance, product standardization, and continuous improvement.
• Communicate technical information effectively with customers, vendors, manufacturing personnel, and cross-functional teams.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities, including changing requirements and emergency response needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a similar discipline.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent parametric CAD software.
• Working knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and ability to validate results using engineering calculations.
• Understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to workplace safety and engineering quality.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% for inspections, customer support, and field activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) certification.
• CSWA or CSWP SolidWorks certification.
• Experience designing heavy equipment, cranes, mobile equipment, or industrial machinery.
• Experience with hydraulic and electrical systems.
• Experience supporting products through manufacturing and field deployment.
• Familiarity with OSHA, ASME, AWS, AAR, or other applicable engineering standards.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.
• Primary work location in Chesterfield, VA, with occasional work at other facilities, customer sites, vendor locations, and field operations.
• Engineers may occasionally support emergency operations outside normal business hours.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate throughout the workday.
• Ability to climb on equipment during inspections, testing, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work extended hours when required.
• Comfortable working safely in both office and industrial environments.