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Inventor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Parkson Corp.

3D CAD Automation Engineer

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking an Autodesk Inventor Software Engineer to design, develop, and implement 3D CAD automation solutions using Autodesk Inventor. This role is responsible for creating ...

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Sterling Engineering Inc.

Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The ideal candidate will have experience designing metal products within a manufacturing environment and be proficient in either Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks . Key Responsibilities * Design and ...

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Wesco

Drafter

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

Designs in Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk AutoCAD to support project sales revenue generated by engineering services. * Reads and interprets customer drawings and professional engineer (PE ...

Parkson Corp.

Product Manager

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$129K - $132K/yr

Technical Skills: ERP systems, integration of controls, FEA, AutoCAD, AutoDesk Inventor; MSOffice, (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook); spiral, In-channel, internal and external rotary screens ...

WESCO International

Drafter

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

Designs in Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk AutoCAD to support project sales revenue generated by engineering services. * Reads and interprets customer drawings and professional engineer (PE ...

Aegis Worldwide

CAD Drafter Designer

Elk Grove Village, IL · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Convert legacy 2D CAD drawings into 3D models using Autodesk Inventor * Maintain and update Bills of Materials (BOMs) and engineering documentation * Manage Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) with ...

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All JobsInventor JobsInventor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Inventor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52.6K

$94.1K

$128.9K

How much do inventor jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for inventor in Chicago, IL is $94,109.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,500.00 and $102,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much is an Inventor for a year?

An inventor's annual income varies widely depending on factors such as experience, success of inventions, and whether they work independently or for a company. On average, inventors may earn from $50,000 to over $100,000 per year, with successful patent holders potentially earning more through licensing or royalties. Many inventors also supplement income through consulting, product development, or related activities.

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

To thrive as an Inventor, you need a strong foundation in creative problem-solving, engineering or scientific knowledge, and a solid grasp of research and development processes. Familiarity with CAD software, prototyping tools, and intellectual property regulations—such as experience filing patents—are commonly required. Persistence, curiosity, and effective collaboration are key soft skills for turning ideas into viable products or solutions. These skills and qualities are crucial for navigating complex challenges and bringing innovative concepts to market.

What job is an Inventor?

An inventor is a professional who creates new devices, processes, or products through innovation and technical skills. They often work in research and development environments, utilizing tools like CAD software and prototypes, and may seek patents for their inventions.

What can you do with Inventor?

An Inventor is a professional who designs, develops, and tests new inventions or products. They use skills in engineering, prototyping, and CAD software like Autodesk Inventor to create detailed models and technical drawings, often working in research, development, or manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges inventors face, and how can they overcome them?

Inventors often face challenges such as securing funding for prototypes, protecting intellectual property, and navigating the process of bringing a new idea to market. Collaborating with legal experts, business advisors, and product development teams can help address these obstacles by ensuring proper patent filings and solid business strategies. It’s also important to continuously refine and test prototypes to improve functionality and appeal to potential investors or partners. With persistence and a strong support network, inventors can transform innovative concepts into successful products.

What job invents things?

An inventor is a person who creates new devices, processes, or products through innovation and problem-solving. Inventors often work in research and development environments, use tools like CAD software, and may seek patents to protect their inventions.

What does an Inventor do?

An Inventor creates new devices, processes, or products by developing innovative ideas and turning them into tangible solutions. They often conduct research, design prototypes, and test their concepts to improve functionality. Inventors work in various fields, including technology, medicine, and engineering, and may seek patents to protect their creations. Many work independently, while others collaborate with companies or research organizations. Their goal is to solve problems and contribute to advancements in their industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Inventor jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Inventor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Inventor jobs in Chicago, IL? For Inventor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Inventor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Inventor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Inventor jobs near you
Mechanical Designer (Inventor)

Mechanical Designer (Inventor)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Bartlett, IL

$38 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Title: Mechanical Designer
Location: Office-based (with occasional visits to shop floors, customer sites, or wastewater treatment plants)
Hire Type: Full-time, Exempt
Shift: Monday – Thursday, 6:30 AM – 5:15 PM (with additional hours as required)
Compensation: $38.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
Must have Skill Set: Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Vault (PLM), ERP systems, sheet metal design, DFM principles, and GD&T

Overview
The Mechanical Designer is responsible for creating and managing all essential manufacturing information for Lakeside’s equipment. This role involves collaborating with engineering, production, purchasing, and quality assurance teams to ensure high-quality design, accurate drafting, and the timely delivery of production documentation. Working primarily in an office setting with occasional shop and field exposure, the Mechanical Designer supports both new product development and existing product revisions while adhering to strict internal and customer specifications.
Job Duties
  • Prepare detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using Autodesk Inventor and other CAD software.
  • Design equipment based on specifications from sales proposals, engineering drawings, and the Guide to Engineering.
  • Compile and submit "check sets" including equipment specifications, EP sheets, BOMs, and control panel layouts.
  • Generate, update, and manage accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) to support production and purchasing.
  • Maintain strict version control, revision tracking, and organized records for all design documents.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing to resolve production issues, optimize design for manufacturability (DFM), and conduct design reviews.
  • Provide technical support to internal teams, including production, quality assurance, and field service.
  • Identify areas for process improvement and help refine company design standards.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical design.
  • Proficiency with Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Vault (PLM), and ERP systems.
  • Strong understanding of sheet metal design, DFM principles, and GD&T.
  • Ability to work with both parametric and non-parametric design tools.
  • Proven experience generating manufacturing drawings and design documentation.
  • Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to sit for extended periods, lift up to 25 lbs occasionally, and possess the visual acuity required for CAD software.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to customer sites, job sites, or tradeshows.
Preferred:
  • Experience in wastewater treatment equipment design.
  • Familiarity with control panel design and associated documentation.
  • Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements for water treatment equipment.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.