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

Sr. Design Engineer (25905)

Naperville, IL · On-site

$125K - $135K/yr

This position is accountable to plan, design, develop and implement major plant engineering projects in order to create and maintain efficient and safe utilization of plant facilities to affect the ...

Sr Engineer Design

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

The Senior Design Engineer provides technical expertise, mentors junior engineers, and drives design excellence throughout the product development lifecycle, contributing to successful product ...

Sr. Design Engineer (25905)

Naperville, IL · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

This position is accountable to plan, design, develop and implement major plant engineering projects in order to create and maintain efficient and safe utilization of plant facilities to affect the ...

Sr Engineer Design

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

The Senior Design Engineer provides technical expertise, mentors junior engineers, and drives design excellence throughout the product development lifecycle, contributing to successful product ...

Job Summary The Senior Design Engineer researches, designs, develops, and supports complex medical devices with a focus on electrical and system design. This role provides technical leadership and ...

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Design Engineer researches, designs, develops, and supports complex medical devices with a focus on electrical and system design. This role provides technical leadership and ...

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Design Engineer researches, designs, develops, and supports complex medical devices with a focus on electrical and system design. This role provides technical leadership and ...

Sr Engineer Design Electrical

Northfield, IL · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Job Summary The Senior Design Engineer researches, designs, develops, and supports complex medical devices with a focus on electrical and system design. This role provides technical leadership and ...

Senior Highway Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our ...

Senior Highway Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our ...

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our ...

Senior Highway Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

GFT is seeking a Senior Highway Design Engineer to join our Transportation Team in Downtown Chicago or Schaumburg, IL ! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our ...

Senior Design Coordinator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110 - $115/hr

The Role We Want You For LJC is seeking an experienced Senior Design Coordinator to lead ... Lead overall project coordination across multiple engineering and design disciplines. * Serve as ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$65K

$125.2K

$197.4K

How much do senior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior design engineer in Chicago, IL is $125,226.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,900.00 and $142,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Senior Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Senior Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Senior Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,226 per year, or $60.2 per hour.

Sr. Civil Design Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Westmont, IL

$130K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Title: Sr. Civil Design Engineer
Location: Westmont, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: $130,000-$140,000
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k, PTO

Overview:
The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for the structural design, analysis, and management of precast and prestressed concrete projects. This role leads engineering design, calculations, and quality reviews while supporting production and construction. The position also provides technical guidance to junior engineers and works closely with internal teams to deliver safe, code-compliant, and constructible designs. 

Job Duties: 

  • Design and analyze precast and prestressed concrete systems and components.
  • Manage projects from design through production and construction.
  • Prepare, review, and seal structural calculations and shop drawings.
  • Ensure compliance with ACI, PCI, IBC, and applicable codes.
  • Design reinforcement, connections, lifting, handling, transport, erection, and camber requirements.
  • Lead design reviews, QA/QC, and technical problem resolution.
  • Support estimating, proposals, and value engineering.
  • Collaborate with project managers, architects, contractors, drafters, and production teams.
  • Mentor junior engineers and improve engineering processes and tools.
  • Provide plant and field engineering support as needed.

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering.
  • 10+ years of structural engineering experience, including precast/prestressed concrete.
  • Active PE license; ability to obtain additional state licenses.
  • Strong knowledge of PCI standards and precast fabrication.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD and RISA-3D, CONCISE, or similar software.
  • FEA experience preferred.
  • Experience leading projects and mentoring engineers.
  • Strong technical, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Willingness to travel as needed.


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.