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Pro Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

ORACLE Developer

Lincolnshire, IL

$59.50 - $74/hr

Pro Consulting service offerings include contingent Staff Augmentation of IT professionals ... ORACLE Developer Location : Lincolnshire, IL Type : Fulltime Permanent Work Status : US Citizen ...

Proficiency in Pro-E (Creo) and MS Excel required. Prefer also experience/proficiency using Pro ... Prefer experience with Teamcenter Engineering. Creativity, verbal and written communication skills ...

Controls Technician

Caledonia, IL · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Confer with mechanical and electrical engineering personnel to prepare software modifications as ... Pro Mach uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility of all new hires to work in the United ...

Showing results 21-40

Pro Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$57.7K

$108.2K

$196.7K

How much do pro engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for pro engineer in Illinois is $108,174.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $128,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a pro engineer?

Pro Engineers, often referred to as 'Professional Engineers' or 'Pro/E', are licensed engineers who have met the education, work experience, and exam requirements set by a professional engineering board. The title signifies a high standard of competence and ethical practice in engineering. In some contexts, 'Pro Engineer' may also refer to users of the PTC Creo (formerly Pro/ENGINEER) CAD software, who are skilled in 3D modeling and product design. Becoming a Professional Engineer can open doors to higher-level responsibilities and leadership roles within engineering projects.

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

To thrive as a Pro Engineer (Product Engineer), you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, proficiency in CAD software, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like PTC Creo (formerly Pro/ENGINEER), PLM systems, and industry-specific certifications such as PE licensure are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure efficient product development, technical accuracy, and effective collaboration across engineering and manufacturing teams.

What are some common challenges pro engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Pro Engineers often collaborate with professionals from various fields such as design, manufacturing, and quality assurance. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines with differing technical languages and priorities. Balancing project timelines, integrating feedback from multiple stakeholders, and managing version control of complex CAD models can also be demanding. However, these challenges offer valuable learning opportunities and help develop strong teamwork and problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Pro Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPro EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a professional engineering license and relevant certificationsOften requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure varies by region
Work EnvironmentDesign, CAD modeling, product development in engineering firms or manufacturingDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing in various industries
Industry UsageCommonly used in engineering design and CAD software contextsBroader industry application including design, analysis, and research

Pro Engineers focus on advanced CAD design and engineering projects, often requiring licensure, while Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope in design, analysis, and manufacturing. Both roles are integral in engineering fields but differ mainly in specialization and certification requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Pro Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Pro Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pro Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Pro Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Pro Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,174 per year, or $52 per hour.

Principal Structural Engineer

Valdes Architecture & Engineering

Lombard, IL • On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking an experienced Principal Structural Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex industrial, power, manufacturing, and process facility projects. This role is ideal for an accomplished structural engineering professional who enjoys solving challenging engineering problems, mentoring high-performing teams, and partnering directly with clients to deliver innovative, practical solutions.
As a Principal Structural Engineer, you'll play a key role in project execution, business development, technical excellence, and the continued growth of our Structural Engineering practice.
What You Will Do
Technical Leadership
  • Lead the structural engineering design of complex industrial, manufacturing, process, and power generation facilities.
  • Independently develop structural designs from concept through construction.
  • Design steel, reinforced concrete, masonry, and foundation systems for a wide variety of industrial applications.
  • Design shallow and deep foundations, underground concrete vaults, tunnels, pipe supports, pipe racks, equipment foundations, access platforms, support towers, stair systems, ladders, and structural framing systems.
  • Develop innovative structural solutions for complex field conditions and retrofit projects.
  • Perform structural evaluations and condition assessments of existing facilities.
Engineering & Analysis
  • Perform advanced structural analysis using industry-standard software including RISA-3D and STAAD.Pro.
  • Interpret and apply domestic and international structural design codes and standards.
  • Review structural calculations, construction documents, specifications, and design deliverables.
  • Review reinforcement detailing, structural steel fabrication drawings, and vendor submittals.
Project Leadership
  • Serve as the Structural Discipline Lead on multidisciplinary engineering projects.
  • Develop engineering budgets, schedules, staffing plans, and work-hour estimates.
  • Manage project resources while maintaining quality, schedule, and budget expectations.
  • Coordinate closely with civil, mechanical, electrical, piping, and process engineering teams.
Client & Business Development
  • Collaborate with clients during project planning, scope development, and proposal preparation.
  • Build and maintain trusted client relationships through technical excellence and responsive communication.
  • Support business development initiatives and strategic growth opportunities.
Mentorship
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers.
  • Foster a collaborative, high-performance engineering culture focused on continuous improvement and technical excellence.
Field Support
  • Perform site visits to verify existing conditions and support construction activities.
  • Assist with resolving field engineering challenges and constructability issues.
  • Travel for short- and long-term field assignments as project needs require.

What You'll Bring
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or Architecture (Master's preferred)
  • 15+ years of structural engineering experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, process, or power generation projects
  • Professional Engineer (PE) or Structural Engineer (SE) license required
  • Demonstrated experience leading structural engineering projects and multidisciplinary teams
  • Advanced knowledge of structural steel, reinforced concrete, foundations, and industrial structures
  • Strong proficiency with RISA-3D, STAAD.Pro, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office
  • Experience preparing structural assessment and evaluation reports
  • Strong understanding of engineering codes, standards, and industry best practices
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and client relationship skills
  • Exceptional organizational and project management abilities
  • Authorization to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship

Why Valdes?
At Valdes Architecture & Engineering, you'll join a multidisciplinary team that designs the infrastructure powering industries and communities across the country.
Our engineers work on challenging projects in:
  • Industrial Manufacturing
  • Power Generation & Energy
  • Chemical Processing
  • Oil & Gas
  • Life Sciences & Pharmaceuticals
  • Utilities
  • Infrastructure & Heavy Industrial Facilities

We believe great engineering starts with great people. Our collaborative culture empowers employees to innovate, lead, mentor, and continue growing throughout their careers.
Why You Will Love This Role
  • Lead technically challenging, high-impact structural engineering projects
  • Collaborate with nationally recognized multidisciplinary engineering teams
  • Mentor the next generation of structural engineers
  • Influence project strategy and business growth
  • Hybrid work environment
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
  • Opportunity to shape the future of Valdes' Structural Engineering practice

$125,000 - $200,000 a year
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.
Valdes Architecture & Engineering Company is looking for bright and talented people that want to take their career to the next level. We offer many rewarding career paths to challenge and engage our employees at all phases of their careers. Our office provides a team environment, and excellent working conditions, which allow individuals to maximize their potential. Valdes Architecture & Engineering offers an outstanding benefits package including Medical, Dental, 401K plan, Company paid Long Term and Short Term Disability Insurance, Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance, Pet Insurance, a discounted gym membership and tuition reimbursement.
EEO/AAE
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.