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Sound Engineer Jobs in Plainfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

Koch Industries

Innovation Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Influence technical decisions through data-driven recommendations and sound engineering judgment. Who You Are (Basic Qualifications) * Knowledge and expertise in Materials Science, Materials ...

Val-Matic Valve & MFG. Corp

Sr. Engineer I

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$92K - $108K/yr

This role applies sound engineering judgment to design, analysis, and problem-solving activities while collaborating closely with cross-functional partners. Responsibilities Technical Execution ...

Socket.dev

Machine Learning Engineer

Oakbrook Terrace, IL · On-site

$110 - $145/hr

This role is intentionally scoped for a mid-level engineer: someone with enough experience to work independently and make sound engineering decisions, but who is still hands-on, execution-focused ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSound Engineer JobsSound Engineer Jobs in Plainfield, IL

Sound Engineer information

See Plainfield, IL salary details

$28.8K

$82.3K

$167.2K

How much do sound engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for sound engineer in Plainfield, IL is $82,319.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,700.00 and $110,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a sound engineer do?

A Sound Engineer is responsible for capturing, mixing, and manipulating audio to achieve the desired sound quality for various projects such as music recordings, live events, films, or television. Their tasks can include setting up microphones, operating mixing consoles, editing audio tracks, and ensuring optimal acoustics. Sound Engineers work closely with producers, musicians, and other technical staff to create a polished final product. They play a crucial role in both the technical and creative aspects of audio production.

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

To thrive as a Sound Engineer, you need a solid understanding of audio theory, acoustics, and recording techniques, often supported by a degree or certification in audio engineering or a related field. Familiarity with digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Pro Tools or Logic Pro, as well as expertise in mixing consoles and microphones, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills set outstanding sound engineers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality audio experiences and collaborating effectively with artists and production teams.

What are some common challenges sound engineers face when working on live events, and how can they prepare for them?

Sound Engineers working on live events often encounter challenges such as unexpected technical issues, fluctuating acoustics, and last-minute changes from performers or event organizers. To prepare, it's important to conduct thorough sound checks, have backup equipment readily available, and maintain clear communication with the production team. Flexibility and quick problem-solving skills are essential, as live environments can be unpredictable. Building strong relationships with performers and colleagues also helps ensure smooth coordination during high-pressure situations.

What is the difference between Sound Engineer vs Audio Technician?

AspectSound EngineerAudio Technician
CredentialsRelevant audio engineering certifications, technical trainingTechnical training, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentRecording studios, live events, film setsBroadcast stations, live events, production facilities
Industry UsageMusic, film, TV, live soundBroadcast, event production, AV support
Job FocusDesigning, mixing, and producing soundSetting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting audio equipment

While both roles involve working with audio equipment, a Sound Engineer primarily focuses on designing, mixing, and producing sound for various media, whereas an Audio Technician handles the setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of audio systems. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and responsibilities within the audio production process.

Are sound engineers in high demand?

Sound engineers are in moderate demand, especially in the entertainment, live events, and recording industries. Employment opportunities can vary based on location, industry growth, and the level of technical skills and certifications possessed by the individual.

What jobs can a sound engineer do?

A sound engineer can work in various roles such as live sound technician, recording engineer, mixing engineer, broadcast engineer, or audio post-production specialist. They operate and maintain audio equipment, set up sound systems, and ensure high-quality sound for concerts, recordings, films, and broadcasts, often requiring knowledge of digital audio workstations and certifications in audio technology.
More about Sound Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Sound Engineer jobs in Plainfield, IL?

For Sound Engineer jobs in Plainfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Plainfield, IL are hiring for Sound Engineer jobs?

Cities near Plainfield, IL with the most Sound Engineer job openings:

Sound Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sound Engineer job openings in Plainfield, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,319 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Principal Mechanical Engineer

Valdes Architecture & Engineering

Lombard, IL • On-site

$145K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead complex mechanical engineering projects from planning through construction and commissioning.

  • Provide technical leadership, establish design criteria, and resolve non-routine engineering problems.

  • Review and approve engineering calculations, specifications, drawings, and reports to ensure project requirements and standards are met.

Job description

Valdes Architecture & Engineering is seeking an accomplished Principal Mechanical Engineer to provide senior technical leadership across municipal infrastructure, water and wastewater, building systems, industrial process facilities, utility and power infrastructure, and life sciences markets.

The Principal Mechanical Engineer is one of the most senior technical positions within the Mechanical Engineering Department and serves as a technical authority, mentor, and trusted advisor to clients and project teams. This individual leads complex mechanical engineering assignments, establishes technical direction, resolves difficult or non-routine engineering problems, provides senior-level quality review, and develops the technical capabilities of other engineers.

The position requires independent engineering judgment and technical leadership from planning and conceptual design through construction and commissioning.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

  • Serve as a technical authority for complex mechanical engineering projects and design challenges
  • Establish design criteria and technical direction for mechanical systems and equipment
  • Apply advanced engineering judgment to resolve complex, unusual, or non-routine engineering problems
  • Evaluate alternative systems and equipment based on performance, reliability, constructability, maintainability, lifecycle cost, and client requirements
  • Identify technical risks and develop practical, defensible engineering solutions
  • Provide technical consultation to clients and multidisciplinary project teams
  • Serve as Engineer of Record or responsible mechanical engineer when appropriate

 

Provide technical leadership in one or more areas including:

  • HVAC, plumbing, and building utility systems
  • Process and utility piping
  • Pumping systems
  • Steam, condensate, heating, and cooling water systems
  • Compressed air, gas, and fuel systems
  • Pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, tanks, vessels, and packaged equipment
  • Piping layouts, stress analysis, supports, and equipment interfaces

 

Project Leadership & Delivery

  • Serve as Mechanical Lead on large, technically complex, and multidisciplinary projects
  • Lead mechanical engineering from planning and conceptual design through construction and commissioning
  • Develop and review project scopes, design criteria, engineering estimates, schedules, and budgets
  • Provide technical direction to engineers and designers and coordinate mechanical interfaces with other disciplines
  • Review and approve calculations, specifications, drawings, equipment selections, data sheets, reports, and construction documents
  • Identify technical, scope, schedule, and budget risks and work with Project Management to resolve them
  • Ensure deliverables meet project requirements, applicable codes, client standards, and Valdes quality expectations

 

Field & Construction Support

  • Lead field investigations and assessments of existing mechanical systems
  • Provide senior-level engineering judgment in resolving field conditions, construction issues, and equipment problems
  • Review RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, and proposed field modifications
  • Participate in equipment inspections, factory testing, startup, and commissioning
  • Ensure designs consider constructability, maintainability, accessibility, operations, and personnel safety

Engineering Standards, Quality & Mentorship

  • Provide senior-level QA/QC review of mechanical engineering deliverables, including the underlying design basis and technical approach
  • Help develop and improve department standards, specifications, procedures, calculation methods, and design practices
  • Promote consistent application of sound engineering practices and lessons learned
  • Mentor engineers and designers and help develop future technical leaders
  • Provide technical guidance while allowing developing engineers appropriate ownership of their work
  • Share technical knowledge and provide clear, constructive technical feedback

 

Client Engagement & Business Development

  • Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients
  • Participate in client meetings, planning sessions, presentations, and technical discussions
  • Support proposals, project pursuits, scope development, technical approaches, and fee development
  • Identify opportunities where Valdes' mechanical engineering capabilities can address client needs
  • Develop and maintain strong technical relationships with clients

 

Technical Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate advanced knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals and significant technical depth in one or more mechanical engineering areas.

Experience may include:

  • Municipal infrastructure and water/wastewater
  • Building mechanical systems
  • Power generation and energy
  • Industrial and central utility systems
  • Industrial and process facilities
  • Mechanical equipment and piping systems
  • Pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities

The candidate shall demonstrate:

  • Advanced ability to develop and review mechanical calculations, specifications, data sheets, equipment selections, reports, and construction documents
  • Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards including ASME, ASHRAE, AWWA, NFPA, API, IMC, IPC, IBC, and applicable state and local requirements
  • Ability to direct and review work using applicable engineering analysis and design software
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit sufficient to direct and review design work
  • Ability to communicate complex engineering issues clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
Qualifications

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • 12+ years of progressively responsible mechanical engineering experience
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex mechanical engineering assignments and multidisciplinary projects
  • Demonstrated ability to establish technical direction and independently resolve complex engineering problems
  • Demonstrated ability to review and approve mechanical engineering calculations, specifications, drawings, equipment selections, and technical deliverables
  • Experience mentoring and providing technical direction to engineers and designers
  • Strong client-facing communication skills
  • Ability and willingness to travel to client and project sites as required
  • Must possess exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Must be able to work in the US without sponsorship now or in the future

 

Preferred

  • Experience serving as Engineer of Record or responsible Mechanical Engineer
  • Experience across multiple mechanical engineering markets or system types
  • Experience with rehabilitation and modernization of existing facilities
  • Experience developing engineering standards and QA/QC practices
  • Experience supporting proposals, project pursuits, and client development
What Success Looks Like

A successful Principal Mechanical Engineer is recognized as a trusted technical authority who can lead the department's most challenging mechanical engineering assignments while improving the capabilities of the engineers around them.

The Principal Engineer provides sound technical direction when solutions are not obvious, identifies and manages engineering risk, develops practical and defensible solutions, and strengthens the department through technical leadership, mentorship, quality, and client confidence.

Salaries for all positions are based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, total years of experience in the industry, education, skills, and qualifications. Compensation may vary depending on the candidate's individual background and expertise. Salaries are subject to fluctuation outside of the given range. The indicated range is not a commitment and meant as a guideline. All compensation, exempt or non-exempt status, and benefits will be discussed during the interview process.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.