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Industrial Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Design Engineer

Itasca, IL · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

... engineers, Industrial Designers contribute to the development of high-quality products, ensuring a competitive advantage within the industry. Responsibilities: • Lead product design, improvements ...

Bachelor or Master Degree in product or industrial design * 1-4 years' relevant experience in one or more specific business domains and in one or more markets and cultures, with focus on industrial ...

Bachelor or Master Degree in product or industrial design * 1-4 years' relevant experience in one or more specific business domains and in one or more markets and cultures, with focus on industrial ...

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Industrial Design Engineer information

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$54.5K

$72.2K

$92K

How much do industrial design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for industrial design engineer in the United States is $72,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Industrial Design Engineer do?

An Industrial Design Engineer combines creativity and engineering principles to design and improve products, focusing on both aesthetics and functionality. They work on developing concepts, creating prototypes, and ensuring products are user-friendly, manufacturable, and cost-effective. Their role often involves collaborating with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to bring innovative products from idea to production. Industrial Design Engineers play a key role in industries such as automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and medical devices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Industrial Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Industrial Design Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, product design, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in industrial design or engineering. Proficiency in CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), prototyping tools, and familiarity with materials and production systems is essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and translating ideas into manufacturable products. These skills ensure innovative, functional, and cost-effective product solutions that meet both user needs and manufacturing requirements.

What Is Industrial Design Engineering?

Industrial design engineering is the development and design of products for everyday use, such as appliances, electronics, and toys. Industrial design engineers research how consumers may use a product, form designs on blueprints or through virtual models, and determines needed materials and manufacturing costs. Many different industries use industrial design engineering, including vehicle manufacturers, consumer electronics companies, and furniture fabricators. Depending on whether you want to focus more on design or engineering in this field, you should pursue an MFA in design or an MS in engineering.

What is the difference between Industrial Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectIndustrial Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Industrial Design, Engineering, or related field; often includes design certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field; engineering licenses may be preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, product development teams, client meetingsEngineering labs, manufacturing facilities, CAD design environments
Industry UsageConsumer products, furniture, electronics, brandingMachinery, automotive, aerospace, industrial equipment
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Industrial Design Engineers focus on the aesthetic, user experience, and ergonomic aspects of products, often working closely with clients and marketing teams. Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on the functionality, durability, and technical specifications of mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering knowledge, their primary focus areas and work environments differ, making them distinct career paths within product development.

What are some common challenges Industrial Design Engineers face when balancing aesthetics with functionality?

Industrial Design Engineers often encounter the challenge of creating products that are not only visually appealing but also practical and manufacturable. Balancing innovative design concepts with material constraints, cost limitations, and engineering requirements can be complex. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—such as marketing, manufacturing, and engineering—is key to ensuring that the final product meets both user needs and production capabilities. Strong communication and iterative prototyping help address these challenges effectively.
What cities are hiring for Industrial Design Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Industrial Design Engineer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Industrial Design Engineer jobs? The top employers for Industrial Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Industrial Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Industrial Design Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Industrial Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,166 per year, or $34.7 per hour.
Industrial Design Engineer

Industrial Design Engineer

American Plastics, LLC

Jefferson City, MO

Other

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Description

American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets. We are searching for an Industrial Design Engineer for our Jefferson City, Missouri Innovation Center. This position will report to the VP of Engineering.


This role will be responsible for the design, ideation, and optimization of plastic products and components, ensuring they meet customer expectations, aesthetic, manufacturability, and cost requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial design with a practical understanding of injection molding processes and tooling.


Responsibilities:

Conduct user research analyzing product usage and customer needs to develop initial design concepts and use cases.

Support the company's product roadmap creation and innovation funnel.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, sales, marketing, manufacturing, and quality to bring designs to life.

Develop concepts by creating sketches, renderings, and 3D models using CAD software to communicate and explore different design options.

Participate in story boarding and prototype development.

Conduct concept reviews and implement revisions based on feedback and testing outcomes.

Support customer design requirements, including translating sketches or concepts into manufacturable solutions.

Create and present design concepts internally and to customers, gathering feedback and iterating on designs based on their input and testing.

Maintain detailed documentation of design iterations, specifications, and engineering changes.


Requirements

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

3+ years of experience in industrial design engineering, preferably in injection molding or plastic product manufacturing.

Creativity and Innovation: Verse in developing unique and functional product designs.

CAD Proficiency: Expertise in 3D modeling software like SolidWorks, Rhino, or Autodesk Inventor.

Technical Knowledge: Understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and product development.

Communication Skills: Effectively able to present design ideas and collaborate with teams.

Problem-Solving: Ability to analyze design and use case challenges to find creative solutions.


Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working in consumer goods, automotive, or medical device industries.

Knowledge of ISO 9001/IATF 16949 or similar quality standards.

Familiarity with sustainability practices in product design.


If you are interested in joining the?American Plastics?team and want to work in a fast-paced, progressive environment, we want to hear from you. ?We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.