Hardware Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Cary, IL

About OPTO

OPTO designs and manufactures retail fixtures for domestic and international markets. We are a design-led company driven by innovation, a passion for helping our clients succeed, and communication. Our team applies creative thinking across customer proposals, product development, and operations to deliver tailored retail solutions. The excitement, innovation, and passion from all of our team members allows us to curate the best solutions for any retail environment.

With in-house engineering and a responsive, collaborative culture, we adapt quickly to customer needs and provide industry-leading speed and reliability, earning long-term partnerships through performance and trust.

What We Are Looking For:

The Design Engineer will work within OPTO's component driven modular based store fixture system to expand and develop cost effective design solutions for standard and custom applications. Will work closely with members of the sales team to create unique design solutions for the client. The design then needs to be detailed and adapted to suit OPTO’s comprehensive in-house and sourced manufacturing processes. The Design Engineer will provide detailed CAD data to allow the manufacturing group to produce the items within their capabilities and the customer’s timeline and costs. The Design Engineer will also be responsible for carrying out the duties of the Engineering department, including design, research, prototyping, engineering documentation, estimating and process improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce fixture design & drawings as required for internal & customer review
• Incorporate engineered, efficient, best practice methods in the design/detail of drawings
• Manage your custom projects to assure on-time completion
• Find, source, develop information and details for efficient production resulting in excellent quality for product development
• Create assembly & installation drawings for production and client
• Interact regularly with production/manufacturing to assure design/production flow
• Create Bills of Materials for all manufactured wood/metal product
• Maintain/update all revisions to B.O.M.s
• Prioritize cost savings throughout all processes, offering value engineered solutions
• Intimately involved in the assembly of prototypes
• Follow any other instructions and perform any other duties as requested by manager

Essential Technical Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in design, engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience as an engineer in a wood or metal manufacturing environment, with a preference for the store fixture industry.
• Expertise in working with multi-materials such as wood, metal, plastics, and glass.
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing techniques in the wood and/or metal industries, including cabinetry, wood materials and joining techniques, laminating processes, and cabinet hardware.
• Familiarity with sheet metal, metal fabrication, aluminum machining, die casting, and extrusion is a plus.
• Proficiency in 3D solid modeling, preferably using Autodesk Inventor.
• Experience with Autodesk software, including AutoCAD and Vault, or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of ERP software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to express ideas professionally.
• Quick and effective problem-solving ability.
• Ability to perform under pressure, meeting deadlines and customer demands.
• Skilled in prioritizing and managing multiple small projects simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standards and meeting key dates.

Additional Skills:

• Ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and effectively across multiple departments.
• Confident in interacting with customers, peers, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Exceptional organizational skills, ensuring efficient task management and project completion.

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation and benefits package, including a 401(k) plan with employer match, medical, dental, and vision insurance, AD&D and life insurance, and paid time off (PTO)
• Bonus Incentive program
• Casual office environment
• A diverse work experience where you can see projects come to life. Starting with the inception of projects in marketing and business development, through the concept and development with our design and engineering teams, all the way to fabrication and final delivery to our customers

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

This position is based in an office environment. The role involves sitting and standing at a desk, frequent in-person and phone communication, and the regular use of standard office equipment, including phones and computers.

Accessibility Accommodation Statement:

OPTO is committed to providing qualified individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to perform the essential functions of their jobs. If you (or another applicant you know) require assistance accessing or reading this job posting or need accommodations during the application process, please contact the job poster. OPTO will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to the application process in accordance with applicable state and federal law.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

OPTO is an equal opportunity employer. OPTO prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person