1

Executive Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Construction Project Executive - Design-Build Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Company: Epstein ... Engineering, and Construction firm with more than 100 years of proven success. Headquartered in ...

Construction Project Executive - Design-Build Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Company: Epstein ... Engineering, and Construction firm with more than 100 years of proven success. Headquartered in ...

Construction Project Executive - Design-Build Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid) Company: Epstein ... Engineering, and Construction firm with more than 100 years of proven success. Headquartered in ...

Select standard bridge engineering/design procedures, and develop structural details using ... Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Select standard bridge engineering/design procedures, and develop structural details using ... Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Prepare presentation materials and assist with presenting design topics to executive leadership ... Experience with the entire project lifecycle, from programming through post occupancy * Knowledge ...

Prepare presentation materials and assist with presenting design topics to executive leadership ... Experience with the entire project lifecycle, from programming through post occupancy * Knowledge ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Executive Design Engineer information

What is an executive design engineer?

Executive Design Engineers are senior professionals responsible for leading the design and development of new products, systems, or components within an organization. They oversee technical teams, manage complex engineering projects, and ensure that designs meet both client requirements and regulatory standards. In addition to hands-on engineering work, they often contribute to strategic decision-making, budgeting, and collaboration with other departments. Their expertise helps drive innovation and maintain high-quality standards throughout the design process.

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

To thrive as an Executive Design Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, product design, and project management, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and substantial industry experience. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications like Six Sigma is commonly required. Outstanding problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help in managing teams and driving innovative solutions. These competencies are vital for delivering high-quality, market-ready designs that align with business objectives and client requirements.

How does an executive design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

Executive Design Engineers play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between design, engineering, and management teams. They regularly facilitate communication between departments such as R&D, manufacturing, and marketing to ensure that technical specifications align with business objectives. This collaboration often involves leading design reviews, integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders, and resolving technical challenges to keep projects on schedule. Effective teamwork and leadership skills are essential, as these engineers frequently mentor junior staff and champion best practices throughout the product lifecycle.

What is the difference between Executive Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectExecutive Design EngineerDesign Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads projects, oversees teams, interacts with managementDesigns products, collaborates with teams, focuses on technical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive sectors with leadership rolesCommon across engineering firms, product development, R&D

The Executive Design Engineer typically holds a leadership role, overseeing design projects and teams, requiring additional experience and often managerial skills. In contrast, a Design Engineer primarily focuses on technical design tasks. Both roles require strong engineering credentials, but the Executive Design Engineer combines technical expertise with project management and strategic responsibilities.

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

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

New Product Design Engineer Rotation Associate

Steel Partners

Springfield, IL โ€ข On-site

$127K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

New Product Design Engineer Rotational Associate - MTI
Steel Partners Holdings L.P.
A diversified global holding company with operations and significant interests in diversified industrial products, energy, defense, supply chain management and logistics, banking, and youth sports.
We work with our operating companies to increase long term corporate value for all our stakeholders and shareholders utilizing Steel Partners Operational Excellence Programs, the Steel Partners Purchasing Council, Steel Partners Corporate Services, balance sheet improvements, capital allocation policies and growth initiatives.
Steel Partners Operational Excellence Programs include Lean Manufacturing, Design for Six Sigma, Six Sigma and Strategy Deployment to reduce and eliminate waste.
Please check our www.steelpartners.com to learn more about us!
Location
Participants will complete three rotations at MTI (Pleasant Prairie, WI) and one six-month rotation at MTE (Menomonee Falls, WI).
Position Type
Full-Time
24-Month Rotational Program
About the Program
The New Product Design Engineer Rotational Program is a two-year development program designed to build future engineering leaders across our diversified portfolio of operating companies.
This full-time program provides early-career mechanical engineering professionals with immersive, hands-on experience in product design, testing, and sales engineering.
Through four structured six-month rotations, participants gain broad exposure to new product development, testing, voice of customer, manufacturing processes, and cross-functional collaboration.
This associate will contribute to real business outcomes while developing the technical and leadership capabilities needed for long-term career growth within our organization.
Rotations Overview
  1. Testing, Validation & Component Understanding
  • Reporting to Test Engineering or Quality Leadership
  • Conduct product testing, inspections, and validation activities to understand component functionality and system performance.
  • Build, test, and evaluate mechanical and electromechanical systems to ensure reliability, performance, and compliance to specifications.
  • Perform failure analysis and support root cause investigations to deepen product and component knowledge.
  1. Design Development Engineering
  • Reporting to Engineering Leadership
  • Support new product development activities including concept design, modeling, and engineering documentation.
  • Assist in translating test data and component learnings into improved product designs and engineering solutions.
  • Contribute to design iterations, product layouts, and engineering change initiatives to enhance performance and manufacturability.
  1. Manufacturing Test Engineering (MTE - Electrical Engineering Focus in Menomonee Falls, WI)
  • Reporting to Manufacturing or Electrical Engineering Leadership
  • Support development and implementation of test systems, instrumentation, and validation processes from an electrical engineering perspective.
  • Assist with troubleshooting electrical components, test setups, and production-related issues.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between design, testing, and manufacturing requirements.
  1. Sales Engineering & Process Engineering Exposure
  • Reporting to Commercial or Operations Leadership
  • Gain exposure to customer-facing engineering and application support, leveraging technical product knowledge to support sales initiatives.
  • Assist in translating engineering capabilities into customer solutions, proposals, and presentations.
  • Support process engineering efforts including workflow optimization, production efficiency improvements, and alignment between customer requirements and manufacturing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities
  • Support engineering projects involving new product development, testing, manufacturing support, and process improvements.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, operations, quality, supply chain, and production teams.
  • Assist with product layouts, engineering documentation, and continuous improvement projects.
  • Audit bills of materials and work instructions to ensure alignment with engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Participate in product testing, inspections, troubleshooting, and failure analysis activities.
  • Support project management efforts for both existing and new product development programs.
  • Analyze engineering and manufacturing data to identify opportunities for quality, efficiency, and cost improvements.
  • Present project findings and recommendations to engineering and business leadership.

What We Offer
  • Deep, hands-on learning across multiple engineering disciplines and operating companies
  • Mentorship from engineering and business executives
  • Competitive pay, benefits, and relocation support
  • Exposure to innovative technologies, products, and manufacturing environments
  • Post-program placement into high-impact engineering roles across our portfolio

Steel Partners Core Values
  • Teamwork
  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Commitment

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Who We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 0-2 years of experience (internships, co-ops, or early career engineering experience preferred).
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to quickly learn new concepts, systems, and technologies.
  • Familiarity with CAD software, manufacturing processes, and engineering documentation is a plus.
  • Demonstrated interest in product development, manufacturing, testing, or continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Willingness to travel and relocate for rotation assignments.