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Senior Design Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL (NOW HIRING)

Kraft Heinz Company

Sr Project Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Project Engineer will report to Engineering Manager and is responsible for leading the ... Drive project execution from approved design through installation, commissioning, startup, and ...

GDR Defense

Senior Electrical Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Title: Senior Electrical Engineer Location: Champaign, IL Employment Type: Full-Time | ... Lead electrical engineering efforts for projects, including client coordination, pre-design ...

System Soft Technologies

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Mechanical Engineer Location: Champaign, IL or remote will be considered. Employment Type ... This role involves leading mechanical and plumbing system design from concept through construction ...

Mannik Smith Group

Senior Project Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$110 - $140/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Project Engineer Department: Civil/Municipal Employment Type: Full Time Location: Champaign ... Lead and coordinate project design efforts. * Apply engineering principles and judgment. * Review ...

Trilon Group

Senior Project Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Project Engineer Department: Civil/Municipal Employment Type: Full Time Location: Champaign ... You'll also: » Lead and coordinate project design efforts. » Apply engineering principles and ...

Trilon

Senior Project Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Senior Project Engineer - Municipal Do you thrive on leading others and tackling projects? Fehr ... Lead and coordinate project design efforts. Apply engineering principles and judgment. Review and ...

Farnsworth Group

Sr. Civil Engineer

Champaign, IL · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Farnsworth Group is seeking a Sr. Civil Engineer in one of the posting locations below. In this ... Plan, design, and manage a variety of owner-driven civil engineering projects * Organize and ...

Farnsworth Group

Sr. Civil Engineer

Champaign, IL

$110K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Farnsworth Group is seeking a Sr. Civil Engineer in one of the posting locations below. In this ... Plan, design, and manage a variety of owner-driven civil engineering projects * Organize and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsDesign Engineer JobsSenior Design Engineer JobsSenior Design Engineer Jobs in Champaign, IL

Senior Design Engineer information

See Champaign, IL salary details

$63.1K

$121.6K

$191.8K

How much do senior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior design engineer in Champaign, IL is $121,643.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $138,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do senior design engineers earn?

Senior design engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have specialized skills in CAD software and engineering principles, which can influence salary levels.

How does a senior design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product development cycle?

Senior Design Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from manufacturing, quality assurance, project management, and marketing to ensure the successful development and launch of products. They lead design reviews, gather input from other departments, and address technical challenges collaboratively. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance design intent with practical constraints such as cost, manufacturability, and regulatory requirements. Regular meetings and iterative feedback loops are a standard part of the process, making teamwork and adaptability essential for success.

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

To thrive as a Senior Design Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of innovative, reliable designs while leading teams and projects to successful outcomes.

What is the difference between Senior Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience in design, possibly professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, design experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, project management, cross-disciplinary collaborationDesign and development of mechanical components, CAD work, prototype testing
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing, product design, machinery development

The main difference is that a Senior Design Engineer typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and may oversee projects, while a Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on creating and testing mechanical components. Both roles require similar technical skills and work in related environments, but the senior position involves more oversight and strategic input.

What does a senior design engineer do?

A Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design and development of products, systems, or components, often within engineering or manufacturing industries. They create detailed technical drawings and specifications, oversee project timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Additionally, they mentor junior engineers, troubleshoot design challenges, and may interact with clients or stakeholders to clarify requirements and present solutions. Their role combines technical expertise, project management, and leadership skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL? For Senior Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Design Engineer jobs in Champaign, IL are:
What cities near Champaign, IL are hiring for Senior Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Champaign, IL with the most Senior Design Engineer job openings:
Senior Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Design Engineer job openings in Champaign, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,643 per year, or $58.5 per hour.

Sr Project Engineer

Kraft Heinz Company

Champaign, IL • On-site

$89K - $112K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 438 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

The Senior Project Engineer will report to Engineering Manager and is responsible for leading the execution of approved capital projects at the Champaign, IL site. This role manages multiple complex projects simultaneously and is accountable for delivering assets safely, on time, within budget, and in alignment with technical, operational, and quality requirements. The role partners closely with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to drive projects from planning and design through installation, commissioning, startup, and closeout.Job Description
Key Responsibilities
Project Leadership and Execution
  • Lead multiple approved capital projects simultaneously, including large and complex manufacturing projects
  • Develop and manage project scope, schedules, budgets, milestones, and execution plans
  • Drive project execution from approved design through installation, commissioning, startup, and final handoff
  • Monitor project performance and resolve barriers that impact safety, quality, cost, or timing
  • Ensure project deliverables are completed with strong execution discipline and clear accountability

Engineering and Technical Delivery
  • Lead preliminary and final design engineering activities for capital projects
  • Oversee technical specifications, equipment selection, contractor coordination, and installation planning
  • Provide on-site engineering support during construction, installation, testing, and startup
  • Ensure assets are implemented in accordance with engineering, safety, quality, and operational standards
  • Support troubleshooting and technical problem-solving during project execution

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with operations, maintenance, quality, safety, finance, procurement, and plant leadership to support project success
  • Lead cross-functional communication, stakeholder alignment, and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle
  • Establish and maintain project governance routines, status reporting, and escalation processes
  • Coordinate project dependencies to ensure efficient implementation and readiness for startup

Risk, Controls, and Reporting
  • Develop and maintain project estimates, forecasts, schedules, and status reporting
  • Identify project risks and lead mitigation planning to protect project delivery
  • Track project costs, timelines, and implementation progress against approved plans
  • Ensure project documentation, reporting, and closeout activities are complete and accurate

Startup and Handoff
  • Support trial runs, commissioning, startup readiness, and early operational stabilization
  • Ensure action items and final action items are completed prior to project closeout
  • Partner with plant teams to transition assets into operation successfully
  • Capture lessons learned and applied them to future project execution

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering required
  • 3+ years of engineering and capital project experience in manufacturing, industrial, or consumer packaged goods environments
  • Demonstrated experience leading multiple capital projects simultaneously
  • Experience in project planning, design engineering, construction support, installation, commissioning, and startup
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong problem-solving, organizational, and project leadership skills
  • Ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams in a plant environment

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in food and beverage or consumer packaged goods manufacturing
  • Experience supporting large-scale capital projects in an operating plant environment
  • Experience with project governance, risk management, and reporting routines
  • PMP or similar project management certification preferred

Key Competencies
  • Capital project execution
  • Engineering leadership
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Project planning and controls
  • Risk management
  • Communication and stakeholder management
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Startup and commissioning discipline

Working Conditions
  • Role is based on site in Holland, Michigan
  • Frequent plant-floor presence required during active project phases
  • Travel may be required on a limited basis to support project execution, vendors, or related site activity
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Success Measures
Success in this role will be measured by:
  • Safe and effective delivery of approved capital projects
  • Achievement of project scope, schedule, and budget commitments
  • Strong startup readiness and asset handoff execution
  • Effective cross-functional leadership and stakeholder alignment
  • Consistent project reporting, governance, and execution discipline

#INDMFGS
Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz' strategy and values.
New Hire Base Salary Range:
$89,800.00 - $112,200.00
Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.
The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors
Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.
Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.
You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:
  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
  • Financial - 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)
Champaign Plant
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com for assistance.

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