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Project Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Aria Group Architects Inc

SENIOR DESIGNER

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

The Senior Designer at Aria Group plays a crucial role within the project team, assisting in the development and execution of cohesive design packages. They effectively communicate design concepts ...

Aria Group Architects Inc

SENIOR DESIGNER

Oak Park, IL · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

The Senior Designer at Aria Group plays a crucial role within the project team, assisting in the development and execution of cohesive design packages. They effectively communicate design concepts ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProject Designer JobsProject Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Project Designer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$79K

$124.7K

How much do project designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for project designer in Chicago, IL is $79,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,400.00 and $93,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a project designer?

To become a project designer, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in design, architecture, or a related field, along with strong skills in design software such as AutoCAD or Adobe Creative Suite. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and developing project management and communication skills are also important steps in the career path.

How does a project designer typically collaborate with other team members throughout a project's lifecycle?

As a Project Designer, collaboration is central to your daily responsibilities. You'll work closely with architects, engineers, and clients to develop initial concepts, refine designs, and ensure that all project requirements are met. Regular meetings and design reviews help align the team's vision, and you may also coordinate with contractors and consultants to address technical challenges and integrate feedback. This collaborative approach ensures that designs are both creative and feasible, supporting the successful delivery of each project.

What is the difference between Project Designer vs Interior Designer?

AspectProject DesignerInterior Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in design or architecture; certifications varyRequires a degree in interior design; certifications like NCIDQ are common
Work EnvironmentWorks on overall project planning, coordination, and design developmentFocuses on interior spaces, aesthetics, and furnishings
Industry UsageUsed in architecture, construction, and large-scale design projectsPrimarily in residential, commercial, and hospitality interior spaces

While both roles involve design skills, a Project Designer oversees the entire project scope, including coordination and planning, whereas an Interior Designer specializes in creating functional and aesthetic interior spaces. The roles often overlap but differ in focus and responsibilities.

What is a project designer?

Project Designers are professionals who develop and plan the visual and functional aspects of a project, typically in fields like architecture, interior design, engineering, or construction. They are responsible for conceptualizing designs, preparing drawings, and coordinating with clients and other team members to ensure that the project vision is accurately realized. Project Designers play a key role in translating client needs into practical and creative solutions while adhering to project requirements and regulations.

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

To thrive as a Project Designer, you need strong skills in design principles, spatial planning, and project management, often backed by a degree in architecture, interior design, or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with LEED or similar certifications, is typically required. Excellent communication, creativity, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure that design solutions are both innovative and feasible, meeting client expectations while adhering to project constraints.
What are popular job titles related to Project Designer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Project Designer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Designer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Project Designer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Project Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Designer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,040 per year, or $38 per hour.

Mechanical Project Designer - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

$94K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Sargent & Lundy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

  • Under the direction of the Mechanical Project Lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing mechanical physical layout drawings in a 3-D model
  • Challenging assignments that include the design of mechanical systems, and investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical design issues
  • Utilize 3D modeling software tools to generate mechanical design schematics
  • Act as the Mechanical design team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated mechanical design model
  • Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design
  • Independently plan and execute design deliverables, such as general arrangements, piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings, and equipment location drawings
  • There may be the opportunity to conduct field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities
  • Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced drafters and designers. 

This position allows for a hybrid work schedule.


We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

Essential skills and experience:

  • An Associate's Degree in drafting, or a high school diploma and one or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience
  • 15+ years of detailed physical design experience in the development of mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and supports
  • Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
  • Experience in the review of mechanical equipment, including outlines and interface points, and coordinating and developing the associated deliverables
  • Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the power plant design process
  • Experience with SmartPlant 3D software


Valued but not required experience:

  • Proficiency with MicroStation

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

$94,247 - $143,989
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.

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About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

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