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Phd In Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Product Design Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering field * Siemens NX experience * Design experience with high-speed, high-density connectors, cable assemblies, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Phd In Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.1K

$93.2K

$137.5K

How much do phd in design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd in design in Chicago, IL is $93,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,200.00 and $106,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a PhD in Design?

A PhD in Design is a terminal academic degree focused on original research, critical analysis, and the advancement of knowledge in the field of design. This program typically involves in-depth study of design theory, methodologies, and practical applications, often culminating in a dissertation that contributes new insights to the discipline. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, research, or leadership roles in the design industry, where they can influence the future of design practices and education.

What career paths are available after completing a PhD in Design, and how do they differ from those with a master's degree?

Graduates with a PhD in Design often pursue careers in academia, such as becoming university professors or researchers, where they can lead original research projects and influence the direction of design education. Beyond academia, PhD holders may move into high-level roles in research and development within industries like technology, urban planning, or product innovation, often focusing on strategy, policy, or design leadership. Compared to those with a master's degree, PhD graduates are more likely to secure positions that require advanced research skills, thought leadership, and the ability to drive interdisciplinary collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD in Design, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD in Design, you need advanced research skills, expertise in design theory and methodology, and a relevant master's degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, CAD), academic publishing platforms, and research management tools is typically required. Strong communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills distinguish standout candidates in both academic and industry settings. These competencies enable impactful research, effective knowledge dissemination, and meaningful contributions to innovation in the design field.

What is the difference between Phd In Design vs Graphic Designer?

AspectPhd In DesignGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsDoctorate degree in Design or related fieldBachelor's or Associate's degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentAcademic, research, or high-level consultancy settingsCreative studios, advertising agencies, corporate marketing departments
Industry UsageResearch, academia, specialized design consultingVisual communication, branding, advertising

The main difference between a Phd In Design and a Graphic Designer lies in their focus and career paths. A Phd In Design emphasizes research, theory, and academic contributions, often working in universities or research institutions. In contrast, a Graphic Designer applies creative skills to produce visual content for clients or brands. While both roles require a background in design, the Phd is more research-oriented, whereas the Graphic Designer is more practice-focused.

What can I do with a PhD in design?

A PhD in design prepares individuals for advanced roles in academia, research, and industry, including university teaching, design research, and leadership positions in creative organizations. Graduates often work as design consultants, user experience researchers, or in innovation departments, utilizing skills in research methods, visual communication, and design tools. The degree also enables specialization in areas like interaction design, sustainable design, or digital media.

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Phd In Design jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Phd In Design job openings:

Sr. Product Design Engineer

Koch Industries

Lisle, IL • On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Your Job
Molex brings together innovation and technology to deliver electronic solutions to customers worldwide. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex offers a full suite of solutions and services for many markets, including data communications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, commercial vehicle and medical.
Molex is seeking an experienced Sr. Product Design Engineer to join our Copper Solutions I/O team responsible for the design of our industry leading high-speed connector and cable systems for exponentially growing data storage systems, telecommunication and hyperscale customers. This is a dynamic group of highly skilled professionals that will provide an opportunity for constant learning and innovation. This role will be leading projects from ideas to high volume production. These creative, high-tech leading-edge components are critical for the data superhighways existence we use every day changing the world. The successful applicant will have the ability to appropriately plan and see assignments through to completion with minimal direction, provide leadership to other team members; develop timing, meet project schedules, manage risks, accurately quote design, and systematically solve problems of a complex scope.
The primary location for this position is the Lisle Design Center in Chicago area.
What You Will Do
  • Be a team member in a global organization designing and developing leading edge new products and components for the high-speed cable and connector industry.
  • Design and develop new interconnect products, including high speed connectors, connector cable assemblies, and miscellaneous related mechanical hardware for datacom and telecom applications such as hubs, servers, switches, routers, HBA servers, and RAIDS.
  • Interface with cross functional team members in our signal integrity team, manufacturing integration team, program management, sales organization, state of the art test laboratories, high tech R&D model shop, manufacturing and senior leadership teams.
  • Collaborate to develop cost competitive and creative designs with signal integrity, and manufacturing team that are efficient at manufacture while meeting our high-performance market requirements.
  • Develop product and application specifications documents for testing that meet our customer requirements.
  • Present concepts and detailed requirements internally and to customers to obtain support for development of major new products.
  • Support Manufacturing and Quality Assurance during product launches and have travel opportunities to visit our manufacturing sites and meet the global team.
  • Create relationships with senior leadership, cross functional team members and peers through team building activities and growth opportunities operating as One Molex Team
  • Help lead the organization in identification, evaluation, and implementation of new technologies and methodologies to enable next generation products, improve costs, quality and New Product Development (NPD) processes.
  • Provide leadership, support, and guide less experienced team members on multiple NPD projects.
  • Responsible for follow-up, documentation, publishing, and expediting all action items of a new product program.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical product design and development with proven technical leadership
  • Experience creating prototypes and simulations
  • Expert use of Tolerance Analyses
  • Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Design experience with products manufactured using some of the following processes: progressive die stamping, injection molding, die casting and insert molding
  • Experience with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
  • Experience with advanced parametric 3D CAD systems

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering field
  • Siemens NX experience
  • Design experience with high-speed, high-density connectors, cable assemblies, and interconnect products
  • Design experience with products manufactured utilizing electroplating and automated assembly
  • Good understanding and practical knowledge of Six Sigma quality development tools and principles (DOE, FMEA, etc.)
  • Understanding and application of sound project management techniques managing projects to timelines, due dates and deadlines
  • Design experience with products manufactured using some of the following processes: progressive die stamping, injection molding, die casting and insert molding
  • Knowledge of regulatory agency testing requirements (e.g., UL/CSA, EIA, Telcordia requirements).

For this role, we anticipate paying $100,000 - $130,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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