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Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Mechanical Engineer

Lemont, IL · On-site

$94K - $147K/yr

B.S. in mechanical, structural, or related engineering required. M.S. in engineering OR experience ... R&D. * Working proficiency with modern engineering analysis tools, including FEA (ANSYS, COMSOL ...

Mechanical Engineer

Lemont, IL · On-site

$94K - $147K/yr

B.S. in mechanical, structural, or related engineering required. M.S. in engineering OR experience ... R&D. * Working proficiency with modern engineering analysis tools, including FEA (ANSYS, COMSOL ...

Process Engineer R & D

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

Manage process development and capital projects from concept through implementation. Own end to end ... Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or ...

Process Engineer R & D

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $100K/yr

Manage process development and capital projects from concept through implementation. Own end to end ... Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering or ...

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$86K - $173K/yr

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$86K - $173K/yr

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

Bachelor's degree. * 3+ years of project management experience supporting product development, technical, engineering, software, or R&D programs. * Experience developing and managing project plans ...

Mechanical Engineer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Mechanical Engineer The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff ... Create and modify engineering documentation, 3-D models, drawings, and product structures using ...

Mechanical Engineer

Chillicothe, IL · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Create and modify engineering documentation, 3-D models, drawings, and product structures using ... Database Management. Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position. Salary Range: $70,000-$95 ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $142K/yr

Chicago, IL area or Washington D.C. area Employment Type: Direct Hire About the Role: We are ... Develop and manage project work plans, schedules, and engineering deliverables. * Perform and ...

Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure projects are completed on time ... Voluntary Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance available * Voluntary Critical Illness and Accident ...

Communicate effectively with team members and management to ensure projects are completed on time ... Voluntary Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance available * Voluntary Critical Illness and Accident ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Highland, IL · On-site

$96K - $113K/yr

Reports to: Mechanical Engineering Manager or Electrical Engineering Systems Design Manager ... Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Life, and AD&D insurance; a 401k plan; paid leaves for ...

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Manager R D Mechanical Engineer information

What does a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer do?

A Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer leads teams in designing, developing, and improving mechanical products or systems, often focused on innovation and new technology. They oversee research projects, manage engineering staff, and coordinate cross-functional collaboration to turn ideas into viable prototypes or products. Their responsibilities also include budget planning, project timelines, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role requires both technical expertise in mechanical engineering and strong leadership skills.

What are some of the main challenges faced by a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

As a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer, one of the primary challenges is balancing hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities, such as guiding multidisciplinary teams and managing project timelines. You will often need to foster innovation while ensuring projects adhere to budget constraints and regulatory standards. Additionally, staying updated on emerging technologies and integrating them into ongoing research can be demanding. Candidates can prepare by developing strong project management skills, cultivating effective communication strategies, and remaining adaptable to evolving technical environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer?

A Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer requires a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and project management tools, as well as certifications like PMP, are often essential. Strong leadership, effective communication, and strategic thinking distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for leading teams, driving innovation, and delivering successful product development projects in a competitive engineering environment.

What is the difference between Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectManager R&D Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; often requires experience in R&DBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads R&D projects, manages teams, collaborates with cross-functional departmentsDesigns, develops, tests mechanical systems, works under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in R&D departments across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesCommon in manufacturing, product design, and engineering firms

The main difference is that a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer oversees R&D projects and manages teams, while a Mechanical Engineer focuses on designing and developing mechanical systems. The manager role involves leadership and strategic planning, whereas the engineer role emphasizes technical execution.

Can Manager R&D Mechanical Engineers work in R&D?

Yes, Manager R&D Mechanical Engineers typically work in research and development environments, overseeing engineering projects, guiding teams, and applying technical skills such as CAD design and prototyping. Their role involves managing innovation processes and ensuring project goals are met within R&D departments.
What are the most commonly searched types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Frankfort, IL

$130K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Sr. Engineer
Location: Near Mokena, IL
Salary: $130,000 – $135,000

Overview:

A growing, employee-owned manufacturer in Mokena is seeking a high-level Engineering Manager to lead and oversee R&D-focused operations. This organization designs and produces specialized search and rescue equipment used worldwide. This role is part of a planned succession, as the current engineering leader is expected to retire within the next year, offering a unique opportunity for long-term growth and leadership impact.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and manage day-to-day engineering and R&D activities
  • Drive new product development and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Oversee design, testing, and validation of products
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, production, and leadership teams
  • Mentor and develop
  • engineering team members
  • Maintain a hands-on presence in both development and production environments
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical or related preferred)
  • 7+ years of engineering experience, with leadership or management responsibilities
  • Strong background in R&D and product development
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Proven ability to lead projects and teams effectively
  • Hands-on, solutions-oriented mindset
Why Join:

  • Employee-owned company with strong culture and stability
  • Clear path to senior leadership through succession planning
  • Opportunity to work on impactful, real-world products used globally
  • Competitive salary and benefits package