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Paper Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Plumbing Engineer

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people ...

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

Create prototypes, samples, engineering drawings, and specifications for customer review and ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$78K - $86K/yr

Create prototypes, samples, engineering drawings, and specifications for customer review and ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

Process Engineer

Alsip, IL ยท On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

As a leader in recycled paper production, the company values safety, collaboration, and continuous ... The Process Engineer at the Alsip Mini Mill will be responsible for optimizing production processes ...

Sr. Process Engineer

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people ...

As a leader in recycled paper production, the company values safety, collaboration, and continuous ... The Process Engineer at the Alsip Mini Mill will be responsible for optimizing production processes ...

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$57K - $76K/yr

Create prototypes, samples, engineering drawings, and specifications for customer review and ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$75K - $101K/yr

Display Engineering & Prototyping: Develop structural designs for a variety of merchandising ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

Structural Designer

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$78K - $86K/yr

Create prototypes, samples, engineering drawings, and specifications for customer review and ... International Paper offers a benefits package that includes health, welfare and retirement plans ...

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Showing results 1-20

Paper Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$20.5K

$82.8K

$167.3K

How much do paper engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for paper engineer in Chicago, IL is $82,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,030.00 and $112,906.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Paper Engineer might face when collaborating with designers and manufacturers?

Paper Engineers often work closely with graphic designers and manufacturers to turn creative concepts into functional paper structures, such as pop-up books or packaging. A common challenge is bridging the gap between artistic vision and the technical limitations of paper, such as weight, foldability, and durability. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to ensure that designs are both visually compelling and structurally sound, all while staying within budget and production timelines. Collaboration also frequently involves adapting to changes or troubleshooting prototypes, making flexibility and attention to detail important assets in this role.

What are paper engineers?

Paper engineers are professionals who design and create structures, mechanisms, and products using paper and cardboard. They are best known for developing pop-up books, greeting cards, packaging, and other intricate paper-based items that require engineering skills to ensure functionality and durability. Paper engineers combine creativity with technical knowledge of materials, folds, and mechanisms to turn flat sheets of paper into three-dimensional, interactive works.

What is the difference between Paper Engineer vs Graphic Designer?

AspectPaper EngineerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsDesign or engineering degree, specialized knowledge in paper and packagingDesign degree, portfolio, proficiency in design software
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, packaging companies, manufacturing settingsAdvertising agencies, media companies, freelance or corporate offices
Industry UsagePackaging, product design, paper artsAdvertising, branding, digital media

While both Paper Engineers and Graphic Designers work creatively, Paper Engineers focus on designing innovative paper-based structures and packaging, often requiring engineering knowledge. Graphic Designers primarily create visual content for branding and marketing. The roles overlap in creative problem-solving but differ in technical focus and industry applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Paper Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Paper Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or chemical engineering, material science, and papermaking processes, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, paper testing equipment, and manufacturing process control systems is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for designing innovative paper products and optimizing production. These skills ensure efficient production, high-quality products, and the ability to meet evolving industry demands.
What are the most commonly searched types of Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Paper Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Paper Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,772 per year, or $39.8 per hour.
Senior Plumbing Engineer

Senior Plumbing Engineer

Paper Converting Machine

Oak Brook, IL โ€ข On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

About Us:

BW Design Group is a fully integrated architecture, engineering, construction, system integration, and consulting firm committed to helping our clients realize their most critical goals from Strategy to Commercialization. As the only firm born from a manufacturing technology company to become an independent and fully integrated firm, we combine deep domain expertise in the manufacturing environment with an approach that is built to serve the dynamic needs of our clients. Rooted in our distinct culture of Truly Human Leadership, we cultivate the leaders who will define tomorrow and partner with our clients in the food & beverage, life sciences, industrial, and advanced technology industries to build the future of manufacturing and technology.


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Barry-Wehmiller is a diversified global supplier of engineering consulting and manufacturing technology for the packaging, corrugating, sheeting and paper-converting industries. By blending people-centric leadership with disciplined operational strategies and purpose-driven growth, Barry-Wehmiller has become a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.


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Job Description:

Sr.Plumbing Design Engineer

Who You'll Work With

You will join one of our 45 offices in the US, be part of a committed team of over 1500 professionals, and work in teams and directly with our clients doing work that is shaping the world around us. You will be welcomed into a rapidly growing business and team and empowered to make an impact. You will be valued, cared for, and challenged on your path to becoming a world-class professional consultant and surrounded by leaders who are committed to creating an environment that enables you to realize your own success and fulfillment.

When you join Design Group as a Senior Plumbing Design Engineer, you are joining a team that will challenge you and position you for growth. In this role, you will work with a team of industry experts to help the world's leading companies solve their most difficult problems. You will join our Architecture/Engineering Process Practice and partner with seasoned leaders, technical specialists, and subject matter experts to deliver the highest quality solutions to our clients with consistency and accuracy.

What You'll Do

We are seeking a talented Senior Plumbing Design Engineer who values strong mentorship and leadership and who thrives in designing full plumbing systems, including determining design criteria, drawing sequence, system design presentation, sizing of system components, equipment selection and system layouts for domestic water, sanitary and vent, storm water, compressed air, industrial gases, vacuum, and fire protection systems, for large, complex manufacturing facility buildings in the food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, life science, and advanced technology sectors.

You'll be joining a firm that meticulously evaluates each project before engagement, ensuring we have the right capacity, skillsets, and licenses. Our environment is crafted to avoid throwing new engineers into the deep end, with a focus on nurturing through strong mentorship. The ideal candidate should have a good understanding of plumbing systems, codes, US national and international standards and experience in preparing engineering calculations, including heat and cooling loads, ventilation, and energy calculations.

As a pivotal member of our team, you'll be instrumental in creating and implementing state-of-the-art mechanical design solutions, elevating the standards of manufacturing plant efficiency and safety for our manufacturing clients in the semiconductor, data center, cleanrooms, other high-tech industrial facilities, food, beverage, consumer packaged goods and life science sectors. We offer multiple career tracks for advancement, including a technical track, ensuring that your career growth is aligned with your strengths and preferences.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Mechanical Engineering Leadership: Lead mechanical engineering projects with a focus on plumbing design, ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards and efficient integration in complex industrial facilities.
  • Plumbing Code Expertise: Leverage experience with US model plumbing codes. Apply extensive knowledge of the Uniform Plumbing Code and/or International Plumbing Code to create designs that meet the highest safety and quality standards. Familiarity with relevant FDA sanitary and hygienic guideline design and construction practices for GMP and cGMP facilities preferred.
  • Industrial Plumbing System Design: Expertly design and implement plumbing systems for food, beverage, consumer packaged goods and life sciences sectors. Familiarity with semiconductor, data center, cleanrooms, other high-tech industrial facilities will be beneficial.
  • On-site Construction and Installation Supervision: Oversee the construction and installation of industrial plumbing systems, ensuring adherence to common trade practices.
  • Problem Solving and Analysis: Utilize strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address complex engineering challenges and develop innovative solutions.
  • Collaborative Design Approach: Work in multi-disciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive mechanical engineering solutions.
  • Software Proficiency: Demonstrate expertise in Revit and AutoCAD software for effective design and project management.
  • Mentorship and Team Leadership: Guide and mentor junior team members, promoting professional growth and skill development.

What You'll Bring

  • ASPE Certified in Plumbing Design (CPD) active certification required, Professional Engineer (PE) License preferred: A testament to your expertise and commitment to plumbing engineering excellence.
  • 10+ Years of Mechanical Engineering Experience: Proven track record in mechanical engineering, with a specialization in plumbing design for industrial facilities.
  • Plumbing Code Mastery: Deep understanding of Uniform and International Plumbing Codes.
  • On-site Experience: Extensive field experience in the construction and installation of industrial plumbing systems.
  • Design and Problem-Solving Skills: Proficiency in designing complex systems and solving challenging engineering problems.
  • Experience in Industrial Facilities: Demonstrated project design in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods and life science sectors. Project design in semiconductor, data center, cleanrooms, or other high-tech industrial facilities are preferred. Having design and construction experience in GMP and cGMP facilities will be a plus.
  • Software Skills: Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD and experience with Navisworks. Proficiency in MS Office productivity software is a baseline requirement.
  • Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Willingness to Travel: Availability to travel 10-20% for project needs.
  • Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an ABET accredited institution.
  • Innovative and Eager to Learn: Forward-thinking attitude with a keen interest in learning and applying best practices.

Our culture and commitment to our people is what sets us apart. We foster an environment of mutual respect, integrity, and unconditional interest in the individual and collective success of our professionals. Our model and entrepreneurial mindset offer a rewarding, challenging, and highly flexible path. As a Senior Plumbing Design Engineer, you will build a meaningful and fulfilling career with the support of professional development resources and mentorships including our First Year Experience program, Individual Development Plans, and Career Path resources and tools. You will be surrounded by exceptional talent who will support your development as both a world-class engineer and a highly effective leader.

Feel like you're on the path to becoming a Senior Plumbing Design Engineer but you're not quite there yet? We'd love to connect with you to see if we can take you from where you are today and grow you into a Design Group Engineering Consultant.

The approximate pay range for this position is $120K - $160K. Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to background, knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as geographic location of the position.

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At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.


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Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.


Company:

Design Group