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Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Caterpillar Brazil

R & D Engineering Specialist

Peoria, IL · On-site

$128 - $193/hr

Caterpillar's Earthmoving Division is seeking a Machine Development Lead R & D Engineer to lead a ... Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to ...

Owens Corning

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 ...

Owens Corning

Process Engineer R & D

West Chicago, IL

$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 ...

Abbott

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 ...

Vesuvius

Be Seen First

Mechanical Engineering Manager

Champaign, IL · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

... VIE Engineer Dimensions of Position: * Manages, plans and delegates assignments, including ... Oversees product release from R & D which may include review of designs, development of options and ...

Abbott

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL

$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 ...

Abbott

R&D- Project Manager

Lake Forest, IL

$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 ...

Abbott

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 ...

Sterling Engineering

Mechanical Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

We're hiring a Mechanical Design Engineer in Wood Dale, IL. Sterling Engineering is partnering with ... engineering team, we'd love to connect.\ Location: Wood Dale,IL Schedule: Full-Time Hire Type:

New

Jimmy Jazz

Mechanical Engineer

Hoffman Estates, IL · On-site

$65 - $70/hr

Travel 10% * Manage Others No DescriptionWho we are. What we do. We are Bystronic - a global ... r a similar operations environment preferred. * Advanced 3D modeling capability required ; h ...

New

RFA Engineering

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 ...

RFA Engineering

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 ...

Productive Resources

Mechanical Engineer

Arthur, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

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 ...

Productive Resources LLC

Mechanical Engineer

Arthur, IL · On-site

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 ...

DLR Group

Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Responsibilities include management of Mechanical Designers and/or other team members. The successful candidate will * Collaborate with architects, other engineers, and clients as part of our ...

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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 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 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager 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:

Manager R D Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
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.

R & D Engineering Specialist

Caterpillar

East Peoria, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Caterpillar Inc. rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 489 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

273rd of 496 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

Career Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do - but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here - we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Caterpillar's Earthmoving Division is seeking a Machine Development Lead R & D Engineer to lead a team of multi-disciplinary test engineers developing and validating medium tractor products throughout NPI programs at the Peoria Proving Ground in Washington, IL.
Are you looking for an opportunity to leverage your engineering expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges? Do you enjoy hands-on work and getting out of the office to operate machines that move earth? If so, this is an excellent opportunity to join the PPG team.
In this highly visible role, you will ensure Caterpillar machines meet end-user quality expectations by providing technical leadership and guiding validation activities at the machine, system, and component levels. You will play a key role in advancing small and medium track-type tractor validation earlier in the NPI lifecycle through strong program planning and execution.
What You'll Do (Job Duties)
  • Build Relationships: Strengthen collaboration between Product Groups, Process Partners, and Validation teams while reinforcing Validation as a critical partner in product development and safety.
  • Technical Leadership: Provide technical direction and mentorship to a team of test engineers.
  • Process Ownership: Maintain and improve standard test procedures to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Strategy & Execution: Develop and maintain validation strategies and activity plans in partnership with system and global machine development teams.
  • Progress Monitoring: Track and communicate NPI program health, risks, and progress.
  • Hands-On Validation: Support the team through direct involvement in machine testing from a customer perspective.
  • Leadership: Lead process improvements and facility-related projects.

Why You'll Love Working Here
  • Impactful Work: Directly influence the next generation of machines and technology platforms.
  • Career Growth: Expand expertise in advanced systems and large-scale product development.
  • Team Culture: Collaborate with a highly skilled and supportive team.

What You Have (Core Skills)
  • Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
  • Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment.
  • Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors.
  • Technical Excellence: Knowledge of a given technology and various application methods; ability to develop and provide solutions to significant technical challenges.
  • Project Management: Knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
  • Product Testing: Knowledge of product testing approaches, techniques and tools; ability to design, plan and execute testing strategies and tactics to ensure product quality at all stages of manufacturing.
  • Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.

Top Candidates Will Also Have
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Agricultural Engineering from an accredited institution
  • Strong analytical thinking and decision-making skills
  • Experience using Microsoft tools for automation and data analysis
  • Understanding of Lean principles and continuous improvement
  • Experience with tools such as DeweSoft, TCE, DATK, SuperComm2, CAT ET, and machine troubleshooting
  • Background in product development, machine testing, mining, or electrical/electronic systems
  • Ability to work in varied indoor/outdoor conditions (hot, cold, dusty)
  • Ability to safely operate equipment after training

Additional Details
  • Work location: IL-Peoria-Proving Ground AA
  • Domestic relocation assistance IS NOT available for this role
  • Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this role.
  • Travel: ,10% domestic and international
  • This position requires 5 days per week in the office (M-F)

Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
  • Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
  • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
  • 401(k) savings plans*
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)*
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
  • Health Lifestyle Programs*
  • Employee Assistance Program*
  • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
  • Career Development*
  • Incentive bonus*
  • Disability benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Adoption benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
August 19, 2026 - September 2, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.

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