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Inventor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Chief Engineer- Mi-Jack Products

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$125 - $175/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain full-machine vehicle architecture and customer requirements in Autodesk Inventor. * Lead new product introduction efforts to ensure engineering specifications, timing, and product quality ...

Chief Engineer- Mi-Jack Products

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain full-machine vehicle architecture and customer requirements in Autodesk Inventor. * Lead new product introduction efforts to ensure engineering specifications, timing, and product quality ...

New

Senior SDS Substation Designer 1 - Grid

Chicago, IL · On-site

$77K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Using Inventor, AutoCAD, P4A and SDS software. * Interpret and incorporate vendor information into design deliverables. * Conduct walkdowns at client substation facilities. Qualifications We do not ...

Chief Engineer- Mi-Jack Products

Hazel Crest, IL

$125K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain full-machine vehicle architecture and customer requirements in Autodesk Inventor. * Lead new product introduction efforts to ensure engineering specifications, timing, and product quality ...

Chief Engineer- Mi-Jack Products

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain full-machine vehicle architecture and customer requirements in Autodesk Inventor. * Lead new product introduction efforts to ensure engineering specifications, timing, and product quality ...

Chief Engineer- Mi-Jack Products

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintain full-machine vehicle architecture and customer requirements in Autodesk Inventor. * Lead new product introduction efforts to ensure engineering specifications, timing, and product quality ...

Senior SDS Substation Designer 1 - Grid

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$77K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Using Inventor, AutoCAD, P4A and SDS software. * Interpret and incorporate vendor information into design deliverables. * Conduct walkdowns at client substation facilities. Qualifications We do not ...

Senior Principal Research Scientist

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents and/or primary inventor of patents including contributions that advance AI/ML-enabled NAMs, predictive modeling and innovative ...

Microstation, AutoCAD Inventor, Bentley Substation and 3D Design Requirements: * Associate's or Bachelor's degree in drafting technology. * Minimum of 8 years previous drafting experience. * Related ...

Senior Principal Research Scientist

North Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Primary author of publications, presentations, regulatory documents and/or primary inventor of patents including contributions that advance AI/ML-enabled NAMs, predictive modeling and innovative ...

Showing results 21-40

Inventor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52.5K

$94K

$128.8K

How much do inventor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for inventor in Chicago, IL is $94,035.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,400.00 and $102,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inventor, 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 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. Their work often involves collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving to bring ideas to life.

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 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 jobs do inventors have?

Inventors typically work in research and development roles, creating new products, technologies, or processes. They often collaborate with engineers, designers, and manufacturers, and may work in industries such as technology, healthcare, or consumer goods. Successful inventors may also pursue licensing or patenting their inventions to generate income.

What are the most commonly searched types of Inventor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Inventor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Inventor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $94,035 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer - Food Processing

Cozzini LLC

Elk Grove Village, IL • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
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
Salary Description
$75,000 - $95,000 + bonus