ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Jacuzzi Group

Mechanical Engineer

Roselle, IL · On-site

$87K/yr

We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to join our growing engineering team in Roselle, IL ... Positive company culture, supportive team/management

rwedesignbuild

Mechanical Engineer

Downers Grove, IL

$90K - $100K/yr

Manage multiple projects across various design phases Requirements * 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience (HVAC-focused) * Bachelors Degree in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering

ITW IDS

Mechanical Engineer

Carol Stream, IL

POSITION SUMMARY: The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for complex projects and challenging ... managers, and product managers * Provides guidance and training to other engineers and technical ...

Siemens Mobility

Mechanical Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$62K - $106K/yr

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will: * Design and develop mechanical hardware and devices including ... Use engineering and other software for project management, engineering, development (3D modelling ...

Siemens

Mechanical Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$62K - $106K/yr

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will: * Design and develop mechanical hardware and devices including ... Use engineering and other software for project management, engineering, development (3D modelling ...

Primera Engineers

Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL

$85K - $100K/yr

S. in Mechanical Engineering * Having your FE is required. Professional Engineer (PE) license or ... You have ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines * You have strong communication ...

RWE Design Build

Mechanical Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Manage multiple projects across various design phases Requirements * 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience (HVAC-focused) * Bachelors Degree in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsR&D Mechanical Engineer JobsManager R&D Mechanical Engineer JobsManager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Manager R D Mechanical Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$46.9K

$106K

$171.5K

How much do manager r&d mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager r&d mechanical engineer in Chicago, IL is $105,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $130,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $105,979 per year, or $51 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Lombard, IL • On-site

Valdes Architecture & Engineering
Engineering Professional Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Valdes Architecture & Engineeringexternal

$145K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead complex mechanical engineering projects from planning through construction and commissioning.

  • Provide technical leadership, establish design criteria, and resolve non-routine engineering problems.

  • Review and approve engineering calculations, specifications, drawings, and reports to ensure project requirements and standards are met.

Job description

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking an accomplished Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide senior technical leadership across municipal infrastructure, water and wastewater, building systems, industrial process facilities, utility and power infrastructure, and life sciences markets.

The Principal Mechanical Engineer is one of the most senior technical positions within the Mechanical Engineering Department and serves as a technical authority, mentor, and trusted advisor to clients and project teams. This individual leads complex mechanical engineering assignments, establishes technical direction, resolves difficult or non-routine engineering problems, provides senior-level quality review, and develops the technical capabilities of other engineers.

The position requires independent engineering judgment and technical leadership from planning and conceptual design through construction and commissioning.

Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

  • Serve as a technical authority for complex mechanical engineering projects and design challenges
  • Establish design criteria and technical direction for mechanical systems and equipment
  • Apply advanced engineering judgment to resolve complex, unusual, or non-routine engineering problems
  • Evaluate alternative systems and equipment based on performance, reliability, constructability, maintainability, lifecycle cost, and client requirements
  • Identify technical risks and develop practical, defensible engineering solutions
  • Provide technical consultation to clients and multidisciplinary project teams
  • Serve as Engineer of Record or responsible mechanical engineer when appropriate

 

Provide technical leadership in one or more areas including:

  • HVAC, plumbing, and building utility systems
  • Process and utility piping
  • Pumping systems
  • Steam, condensate, heating, and cooling water systems
  • Compressed air, gas, and fuel systems
  • Pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels, and packaged equipment
  • Piping layouts, stress analysis, supports, and equipment interfaces

 

Project Leadership & Delivery

  • Serve as Mechanical Lead on large, technically complex, and multidisciplinary projects
  • Lead mechanical engineering from planning and conceptual design through construction and commissioning
  • Develop and review project scopes, design criteria, engineering estimates, schedules, and budgets
  • Provide technical direction to engineers and designers and coordinate mechanical interfaces with other disciplines
  • Review and approve calculations, specifications, drawings, equipment selections, data sheets, reports, and construction documents
  • Identify technical, scope, schedule, and budget risks and work with Project Management to resolve them
  • Ensure deliverables meet project requirements, applicable codes, client standards, and Valdes quality expectations

 

Field & Construction Support

  • Lead field investigations and assessments of existing mechanical systems
  • Provide senior-level engineering judgment in resolving field conditions, construction issues, and equipment problems
  • Review RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, and proposed field modifications
  • Participate in equipment inspections, factory testing, startup, and commissioning
  • Ensure designs consider constructability, maintainability, accessibility, operations, and personnel safety

Engineering Standards, Quality & Mentorship

  • Provide senior-level QA/QC review of mechanical engineering deliverables, including the underlying design basis and technical approach
  • Help develop and improve department standards, specifications, procedures, calculation methods, and design practices
  • Promote consistent application of sound engineering practices and lessons learned
  • Mentor engineers and designers and help develop future technical leaders
  • Provide technical guidance while allowing developing engineers appropriate ownership of their work
  • Share technical knowledge and provide clear, constructive technical feedback

 

Client Engagement & Business Development

  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients
  • Participate in client meetings, planning sessions, presentations, and technical discussions
  • Support proposals, project pursuits, scope development, technical approaches, and fee development
  • Identify opportunities where Valdes' mechanical engineering capabilities can address client needs
  • Develop and maintain strong technical relationships with clients

 

Technical Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals and significant technical depth in one or more mechanical engineering areas.

Experience may include:

  • Municipal infrastructure and water/wastewater
  • Building mechanical systems
  • Power generation and energy
  • Industrial and central utility systems
  • Industrial and process facilities
  • Mechanical equipment and piping systems
  • Pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities

The candidate shall demonstrate:

  • Advanced ability to develop and review mechanical calculations, specifications, data sheets, equipment selections, reports, and construction documents
  • Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards including ASME, ASHRAE, AWWA, NFPA, API, IMC, IPC, IBC, and applicable state and local requirements
  • Ability to direct and review work using applicable engineering analysis and design software
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit sufficient to direct and review design work
  • Ability to communicate complex engineering issues clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • 12+ years of progressively responsible mechanical engineering experience
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex mechanical engineering assignments and multidisciplinary projects
  • Demonstrated ability to establish technical direction and independently resolve complex engineering problems
  • Demonstrated ability to review and approve mechanical engineering calculations, specifications, drawings, equipment selections, and technical deliverables
  • Experience mentoring and providing technical direction to engineers and designers
  • Strong client-facing communication skills
  • Ability and willingness to travel to client and project sites as required
  • Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

 

Preferred

  • Experience serving as Engineer of Record or responsible Mechanical Engineer
  • Experience across multiple mechanical engineering markets or system types
  • Experience with rehabilitation and modernization of existing facilities
  • Experience developing engineering standards and QA/QC practices
  • Experience supporting proposals, project pursuits, and client development
What Success Looks Like

A successful Principal Mechanical Engineer is recognized as a trusted technical authority who can lead the department's most challenging mechanical engineering assignments while improving the capabilities of the engineers around them.

The Principal Engineer provides sound technical direction when solutions are not obvious, identifies and manages engineering risk, develops practical and defensible solutions, and strengthens the department through technical leadership, mentorship, quality, and client confidence.

Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.