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Food Design Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Dekalb, IL ยท On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

... food, beverage, medical and consumer goods industries. We offer products like transparent high ... The Design Engineer will lead the design and development of thermoformed packaging products ...

Design Engineer

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Design Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... food and packaging, aerospace, defense, and security. Its innovative bespoke solutions - such as ...

Design Engineer

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Design Engineer Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses ... food and packaging, aerospace, defense, and security. Its innovative bespoke solutions - such as ...

Design Engineer

Huntley, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... food, beverage, medical and consumer goods industries. We offer products like transparent high ... Design thermoformed sterile packaging products from concept through production using CAD software ...

Design Engineer

Huntley, IL ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... food, beverage, medical and consumer goods industries. We offer products like transparent high ... Design thermoformed sterile packaging products from concept through production using CAD software ...

Design Director

Aurora, IL ยท On-site +1

This crew is a tight knit team working on Food, Bev, and Snacks CPG. The work is lively and the ... Design, Direct and develop trust with clients. This role may be remote, but the ability to come ...

Design Engineer

Harwood Heights, IL ยท On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Job Summary The Design Engineer designs, integrates, supports, and improves new product development ... food and pharma, photonics and life sciences. At Enpro, we believe that diversity drives innovation ...

Design Engineer

Harwood Heights, IL ยท On-site

$87K - $131K/yr

Job Summary The Design Engineer designs, integrates, supports, and improves new product development ... food and pharma, photonics and life sciences. At Enpro, we believe that diversity drives innovation ...

Design & Project Coordinator

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$72K - $78K/yr

The portfolio includes Flight Club, AceBounce, and Hijingo--category-leading brands in the US and UK that combine immersive design, innovative gameplay, and elevated food & beverage programs to ...

Manager, Design Engineering

Huntley, IL ยท On-site

$140 - $160/hr

## Manager, Design EngineeringApplyremote type: Onsitelocations: Huntley, IL, USAtime type: Full ... food, beverage, medical and consumer goods industries. We offer products like transparent high ...

Manager, Design Engineering

Huntley, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... food, beverage, medical and consumer goods industries. We offer products like transparent high ... The position integrates engineering design resources into a cohesive, high-performing team focused ...

Manager, Design Engineering

Huntley, IL ยท On-site

$140K - $160K/yr

... food, beverage, medical and consumer goods industries. We offer products like transparent high ... The position integrates engineering design resources into a cohesive, high-performing team focused ...

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Showing results 1-20

Food Design information

What is a food design?

A Food Design job involves the creative and strategic development of food products, dining experiences, and food-related concepts. Food designers work at the intersection of culinary arts, science, and design to innovate flavors, packaging, presentation, and sustainability practices. They collaborate with chefs, food scientists, marketers, and manufacturers to enhance the sensory and aesthetic appeal of food while considering practicality and consumer trends.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a food designer?

As a Food Designer, your daily responsibilities often include brainstorming and sketching food concepts, developing prototypes, and testing recipes for taste, texture, appearance, and safety. You may collaborate closely with culinary teams, food scientists, and marketing professionals to refine ideas and ensure feasibility for large-scale production. In addition, documenting each step, gathering feedback from sensory panels, and adjusting recipes are key parts of the process. This hands-on, creative workflow ensures new food products are both innovative and market-ready.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the food design position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Food Design, you need a solid background in culinary arts, food science, and creative concept development, often supported by a relevant degree or culinary training. Proficiency with food prototyping equipment, sensory analysis tools, and food safety or HACCP certifications is valuable. Strong communication, collaboration, and adaptability help you work effectively with chefs, marketers, and production teams. These skills are essential for creating innovative, appealing, and safe food products that meet consumer needs and market demands.

How much do food designers make?

Food designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but they typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually. Senior or specialized food designers with strong portfolios and skills in food styling, presentation, and culinary arts can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets or with advanced certifications.

How to get into food design?

To pursue a career in food design, develop skills in culinary arts, graphic design, or food science, and build a portfolio showcasing innovative food concepts. Gaining experience through internships or working with food companies can also help, along with knowledge of food safety standards and design tools like Adobe Creative Suite. A background in culinary arts or related fields is often beneficial.

What does a food design do?

A food designer creates visually appealing and innovative food presentations, often combining culinary skills with artistic concepts. They may work on menu development, food styling, and presentation techniques, using tools like food photography and design software to enhance the visual appeal of dishes. This role often requires knowledge of food safety, creativity, and attention to detail.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Food Design jobs in Illinois?

For Food Design jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Design jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Design jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Food Design job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Mechanical Design Engineer - Food Processing

Elk Grove Village, IL โ€ข On-site

Cozzini LLC
Machinery Manufacturingย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

$75K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description:

We are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented Design Engineer to support the design, development, and execution of our food processing equipment projects. In this role, you will bridge the gap between initial concept and final production—coordinating design activities while ensuring all projects meet strict technical, manufacturing, and customer requirements. If you have a strong background in machine design, excellent CAD capabilities, and love seeing your designs come to life on the shop floor, we want to hear from you.


Key Responsibilities
  • Utilize CAD and drafting software to create, refine, and maintain detailed engineering drawings and machine designs. 
  • Create rough layouts and calculate critical specifications (dimensions, angles, surface areas, tolerances, and clearances).
  • Provide direct engineering support to our fabrication and assembly departments. 
  • Measure machines and components during production to ensure 100% compliance with engineering drawings.
  • Manage engineering activities related to project scheduling, design reviews, testing, and problem resolution. 
  • Monitor project-related expenditures to stay within budget guidelines.
  • Analyze engineering sketches, specifications, and technical data to determine design requirements. 
  • Evaluate and approve design changes, drawing revisions, and specification updates.
  • Prepare comprehensive project status updates, interim reports, and final project documentation.
  • Partner closely with internal departments, customers, and vendors throughout the project lifecycle. 
  • Travel periodically to customer and vendor locations to support project coordination and implementation.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications & Skills
  • Proven experience in machine design, mechanical design, or a closely related engineering role (experience with food processing or sanitary equipment is a major plus).
  • Strong CAD proficiency (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, or AutoCAD) and a deep understanding of manufacturing tolerances, layouts, and component arrangement.
  • Ability to analyze complex technical data and resolve engineering challenges on the fly.
  • Exceptional collaboration skills to work effectively with shop floor fabricators, cross-functional internal teams, vendors, and clients.
  • Thrives in a fast-paced environment and is comfortable splitting time between the desk and the manufacturing floor.
  • Willingness to travel periodically as required by project needs.
What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
  • A dynamic, team-oriented work environment.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and hands-on project ownership.

Cozzini, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EOE/M/F/Vets/Disabled) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants.
Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contribution
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) with employer contribution
  • Company-Paid Life Insurance
  • Company-Paid Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • 401(k) Plan

Principals only, please no third parties  

Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related technical field
  • 3–5 years of experience in machine design engineering or related engineering roles
  • Experience working with sheet metal, machined parts, cast components, welding, and dimensional/geometric tolerancing
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor
  • Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and manufacturing processes

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience with FEA software and engineering analysis tools
  • Experience within food processing equipment or capital equipment manufacturing environments

NO RELOCATION PROVIDED