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Product Design Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Providing design support to manufacturing and manufacturing engineering to ensure manufacturing. * Acting as the product design focal point for customer design changes or application assistance.

Design Engineer

Cary, IL ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Providing design support to manufacturing and manufacturing engineering to ensure manufacturing. * Acting as the product design focal point for customer design changes or application assistance.

Sr Engineer Design

Northfield, IL ยท On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Lead product design efforts by developing CAD models, prototypes, and technical documentation that meet design inputs and regulatory requirements. * Utilize engineering tools such as SolidWorks and ...

Sr. Design Manager, Product

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$130 - $144/hr

Engage with designers and developers to ensure alignment with development requirements and systems documentation. Work with UX design research team to identify user pain points, assess products, and ...

Senior Design Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

This person should have a strong design background paired with real frontend engineering ability, and be deeply interested in what exceptional product design looks like in an AI-native, developer ...

Mechanical Engineer

Wood Dale, IL ยท On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

If you're passionate about product design, enjoy creating solutions in SolidWorks, and want to build your career with an experienced engineering team, we'd love to connect.\ Location: Wood Dale,IL ...

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Showing results 21-40

Product Design Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$62.9K

$135.6K

$161.3K

How much do product design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for product design engineering in Chicago, IL is $135,648.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,000.00 and $159,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is product design engineering?

Product Design Engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles of engineering, design, and manufacturing to create new products or improve existing ones. Professionals in this field are responsible for conceptualizing, designing, prototyping, and testing products to ensure they are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and manufacturable. They often work closely with teams from marketing, manufacturing, and user experience to bring innovative ideas to market. Product Design Engineers use tools such as CAD software and rapid prototyping to bring their concepts to life. Their work spans industries like consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and more.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a product design engineer?

To thrive as a Product Design Engineer, a strong background in engineering principles, 3D modeling, and materials science is essential, typically supported by a degree in mechanical or product design engineering. Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and familiarity with prototyping tools and manufacturing processes, are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help engineers collaborate effectively and translate ideas into practical designs. These skills ensure innovative, manufacturable products that meet user needs and business goals.

How do product design engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

Product Design Engineers work closely with cross-functional teams, including industrial designers, mechanical engineers, marketing specialists, and manufacturing personnel. They are often responsible for translating user requirements and design concepts into functional, manufacturable products by facilitating communication between departments. Regular meetings, design reviews, and prototype testing sessions are typical, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned and potential issues are addressed early. This collaborative environment enables Product Design Engineers to balance aesthetic, functional, and cost considerations effectively.

What is the difference between Product Design Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectProduct Design EngineeringMechanical Engineering
FocusDesigning and developing new products, emphasizing user experience and aestheticsAnalyzing and creating mechanical systems, focusing on functionality and structural integrity
SkillsCAD, prototyping, user-centered design, materials selectionStatics, dynamics, thermodynamics, manufacturing processes
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, R&D labs, cross-disciplinary teamsManufacturing plants, engineering firms, research labs
CertificationsOften requires industrial design or product development certificationsProfessional engineering licenses (PE), mechanical engineering certifications

Product Design Engineering and Mechanical Engineering share overlapping skills in CAD and prototyping but differ mainly in their focus. Product Design Engineers prioritize user experience and aesthetics, while Mechanical Engineers concentrate on mechanical systems and structural analysis. Both roles are vital in product development but serve different aspects of the engineering process.

Do product design engineers make good money?

Product design engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. According to industry data, the median annual salary ranges from $70,000 to $110,000, with higher earnings possible for those with advanced skills in CAD software, prototyping, and project management. Many also receive benefits such as bonuses and health insurance, making it a financially rewarding career for qualified professionals.

How much does a product design engineer earn?

A product design engineer's average salary varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in industries like consumer electronics or automotive design.

What can you do with a product design engineering degree?

A product design engineering degree prepares individuals to develop, prototype, and improve consumer and industrial products. Graduates can work as product designers, development engineers, or CAD specialists, often using tools like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. The role involves collaboration across teams and may require knowledge of manufacturing processes and user-centered design principles.

What does a product design engineer do?

A product design engineer develops and improves products by combining engineering principles with design skills. They create prototypes, use CAD software, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure functionality, safety, and user appeal throughout the development process.
Infographic showing various Product Design Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,648 per year, or $65.2 per hour.

Design Engineer

Durex Industries

Cary, IL โ€ข On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Design Engineer
Composed of Chromalox, Durex Industries, Vulcanic, and Thermocoax businesses, Electrical Thermal Solutions (ETS), part of Spirax Group, creates electrical process heating and temperature management solutions, including industrial heaters and systems, heat tracing, and a range of component technologies.
Durex Industries has over 40 years' expertise in the thermal control business. A trusted custom thermal solutions supplier and engineering design partner for customers across a range of industry sectors, it also offers engineering, manufacturing, testing and laboratory and quality assurance services.
Durex serves businesses in sectors including process industries, life sciences, plastics processing, food and packaging, aerospace, defense, and security. Its innovative bespoke solutions - such as retrofitting heating elements to prevent outdoor beverage dispensers from failing in low temperatures and custom-made circulation heaters to heat fuel in large ship engines.
Join us as we continue to provide solutions to our customers and the world!
The Role:
As the Product Design Engineer, you will provide product design support for assigned product group(s), Product Manager or sales staff through product design, creation, design, validation, confirmation of specifications and validation of manufacture-ability within existing technologies.
Your Responsibilities:
  • Creating design concepts for new and existing customers that conform to application specifications, specifications, performance requirements and applicable agency approvals.
  • Ensuring designs for manufacturing perform to and meet all customer application parameters.
  • Providing design support to manufacturing and manufacturing engineering to ensure manufacturing.
  • Acting as the product design focal point for customer design changes or application assistance.
  • Acting as the product design focal point for all tooling requirements related to specific designs for manufacturing.
  • Acting as the product design focal point for quality assurance performance parameters as related to specific product designs.
  • Completing assigned projects on-time and manage data reporting for completeness and accuracy.

Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
  • 5+ years of design experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Expertise in the use of SolidWorks preferred
  • Proficient with the Microsoft Office Program
  • Safety/quality minded
  • Good work ethic
  • Organized and detail oriented
  • Ability to effectively communicate to employees, supervisors and management
  • Self-starter
  • Takes responsibilities for own actions including the impact of own decisions on others.

Pay Range: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
At Durex Industries, we are not only an employer, but also an advocate for equal opportunity and inclusivity. We are dedicated to fostering a work environment that conforms to the highest standards of hiring and is free from discrimination and harassment.
Durex Industries is an equal opportunity employer; Our commitment extends to all aspects of employment, ensuring that no individual is mistreated or discriminated against on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as defined by federal, state, or local laws.