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Remote Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Downers Grove, IL ยท On-site +1

$72K - $95K/yr

Lovejoy, a company in the Timken family of brands, is hiring a Design Engineer. Position Summary ... Supports external customers with occasional on-site or remote real-time problem-solving. Essential ...

Design Engineer

Downers Grove, IL ยท On-site +1

$72K - $95K/yr

Lovejoy, a company in the Timken family of brands, is hiring a Design Engineer. Position Summary ... Supports external customers with occasional on-site or remote real-time problem-solving. Essential ...

Design Engineer

Downers Grove, IL ยท On-site +1

$72K - $95K/yr

Lovejoy, a company in the Timken family of brands, is hiring a Design Engineer. Position Summary ... Supports external customers with occasional on-site or remote real-time problem-solving. Essential ...

Design Engineer, Americas

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$122K - $220K/yr

Design Engineer at Ashby isn't just a Frontend Engineer with new branding, nor is it a Designer vibe coding prototypes. Combining excellence in both is where magic happens. I found that when I put my ...

Apply Early

Substation Design Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$100K - $128K/yr

Substation Design Engineer Location: Chicago, IL Type: Direct Hire Contractor Work Model ... Hybrid/Remote Substation Electrical Engineer - Grid Mid to Senior Level | Electrical Power ...

Automation Design Engineer

Naperville, IL ยท On-site +1

$80K - $105K/yr

Automation Design Engineer Location: Chicago, Crystal Lake, or Naperville, IL Why you should join our team! Why Concentric Integration? At Concentric Integration, both seasoned professionals and ...

HBK Engineering, LLC is a fully licensed, professional engineering design firm headquartered in ... Understanding of remote communication software * Ability to quickly come up to speed on in-process ...

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Showing results 1-20

Remote Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18

$52

$75

How much do remote design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote design engineer in Chicago, IL is $52.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.38 and $63.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Remote Design Engineer Do?

Remote design engineers work from home or a remote office, and depending on their specialty, may have a wide range of duties and responsibilities. For instance, as an electrical engineer, you use specialized tools and software to design and plan electrical systems, ranging from computer hardware to wide power grids. As an automotive design engineer, you translate ideas and consumer needs into usable products, or may even work on a team to design an entire vehicle line. As an industrial design engineer, you may assist in the development of consumer products, ranging from everything from kitchen gadgets to smartphones to modern furniture. In all cases, you work with a team of other designers and engineers, each contributing expertise to create a final product.

What is a Remote Design Engineer?

A Remote Design Engineer is a professional who creates and develops product designs, systems, or structures while working from a location outside of a traditional office, often from home. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software and collaborate with teams via digital communication tools. Remote Design Engineers can work in various fields such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, and are responsible for turning ideas into detailed technical plans. This role requires strong communication skills, technical expertise, and the ability to work independently. By working remotely, they can contribute to projects from virtually anywhere in the world.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as software engineers, data engineers, or specialized technical leads can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and stock options. High compensation is often found in technology companies, finance, or executive-level engineering positions that involve significant responsibility and expertise.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as software engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, and advanced certifications or degrees can contribute to higher salaries.

Can design engineers work remotely?

Design engineers can often work remotely, especially in roles that involve computer-aided design (CAD), simulation, and collaboration tools. Remote work depends on the company's policies, the nature of the projects, and the need for on-site testing or manufacturing oversight.

How can I make $100,000 a year working from home?

A remote design engineer can reach a $100,000 annual salary by gaining specialized skills in high-demand areas such as CAD software, user experience design, or product development, and building a strong portfolio. Earning certifications, gaining experience, and working for companies that offer competitive remote compensation are also key factors in achieving this income level.

How do Remote Design Engineers effectively collaborate with teams across different time zones?

Remote Design Engineers often work with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders from various locations, making clear communication and effective collaboration essential. They typically use digital tools like project management platforms, video conferencing, and shared design software to synchronize work and provide updates. To overcome time zone differences, teams may schedule regular check-ins during overlapping hours and establish clear documentation practices so everyone stays informed. Being proactive in communication and flexible with meeting times can greatly improve teamwork and project success.

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

To thrive as a Remote Design Engineer, you need strong expertise in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and collaborative project management platforms is typically required, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) where applicable. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and self-motivation are essential soft skills for remote collaboration and project delivery. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering accurate designs, meeting deadlines, and ensuring seamless teamwork in a remote environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Remote Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Remote Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 48% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 49% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,614 per year, or $52.2 per hour.
Design Engineer (PE)

Design Engineer (PE)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Wheaton, IL โ€ข On-site, Remote

$100K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

Title: Design Engineer (PE) โ€“ Electric Distribution
Location: Remote/Wheaton, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $100K-$125K/YR
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401(k) with company match, generous PTO, paid holidays, paid volunteer time off, continuing education reimbursement, and additional comprehensive benefits

Sterling Engineering is looking for a Design Engineer (PE) to join a growing engineering consulting firm supporting electric utility infrastructure projects. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced electrical engineer with electric distribution design experience who enjoys working on utility modernization, infrastructure improvements, and client-facing engineering projects in a collaborative consulting environment.

Job Summary:
The Design Engineer will support the design, analysis, and execution of electric distribution projects involving overhead and underground distribution systems. This role is responsible for performing engineering studies, preparing design deliverables, coordinating with clients and project teams, and ensuring projects meet utility standards and engineering best practices.

Job Duties:
  • Design overhead and underground electric distribution systems (4kVโ€“34kV).
  • Perform engineering studies including load flow, voltage drop, short circuit, and protection analysis.
  • Support electric distribution planning, capacity analysis, reliability improvements, and infrastructure upgrades.
  • Interpret and apply utility standards, engineering specifications, and design criteria.
  • Prepare, review, and quality check engineering drawings and project deliverables.
  • Coordinate with utility clients, municipalities, field personnel, and internal engineering teams.
  • Support continuous improvement of engineering standards, templates, and design processes.
  • Participate in project execution while ensuring quality, schedule, and technical requirements are met.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required (Illinois preferred).
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in electric utility, power delivery, or utility consulting.
  • Experience designing overhead and/or underground electric distribution systems.
  • Strong understanding of utility engineering standards, design documentation, and engineering practices.
  • Experience using power system analysis software such as CYME, Synergi, ETAP, or similar platforms.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work directly with clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Experience supporting investor-owned utilities is preferred.
  • Knowledge of distributed energy resources (DER), grid modernization initiatives, utility GIS systems, and work management systems is a plus.
Additional Information:
  • Primarily remote role with occasional travel to the Wheaton office and project sites as needed.
  • Opportunity to work on electric distribution modernization, reliability improvements, and infrastructure projects.
  • Collaborative consulting environment with strong opportunities for professional growth and continued technical development.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.