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Toy Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

CNC Machinist

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

A print free shop with all machine operators programming in CAM and all mold makers being trained in CAD, our shop has transformed into a machinist's toy land. Full 5-axis machining centers, robotic ...

... design, and how to translate trading concepts into efficient technical solutions ... This internship is designed to accelerate your growth as a software engineer while you help develop ...

Our primary objective is to ensure the solutions we design and implement meet or exceed the needs ... Toy Drives, and other charitable activities. The base pay offered will be determined on factors ...

The Developer/Analyst will design functional and technical approaches to create and customize ... Toy Drives, and other charitable activities. * The base pay offered will be determined on factors ...

Java Developer - Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75 - $160/hr

The Developer/Analyst will design functional and technical approaches to create and customize ... Toy Drives, and other charitable activities. * The base pay offered will be determined on factors ...

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Showing results 1-20

Toy Design Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$39.2K

$85.4K

$153.6K

How much do toy design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for toy design engineer in Illinois is $85,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,900.00 and $95,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a toy design engineer do?

A Toy Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new toys, combining creativity with technical knowledge to ensure toys are fun, safe, and manufacturable. They work on concept development, prototyping, material selection, and testing to meet safety standards and market trends. Toy Design Engineers often collaborate with marketing, manufacturing, and child development experts to design products that appeal to children and meet regulatory requirements. Their work involves sketching ideas, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, and overseeing prototype construction and testing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a toy design engineer?

To thrive as a Toy Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, industrial design, and materials science, often supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), prototyping tools, and safety standards certifications is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for developing innovative and safe toys and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the creation of engaging, safe, and manufacturable toys that meet both regulatory requirements and market demands.

What are the most common challenges faced by toy design engineers when bringing a new product to market?

Toy Design Engineers often face challenges balancing creativity with strict safety regulations and manufacturing constraints. Ensuring that a toy is both innovative and compliant with safety standards, such as ASTM and CPSIA, can be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, coordinating with cross-functional teams—including marketing, manufacturing, and quality assurance—requires strong communication skills and flexibility. Rapid prototyping and iterative testing are also essential to address design flaws and meet tight production deadlines.

What is the difference between Toy Design Engineer vs Product Designer?

AspectToy Design EngineerProduct Designer
CredentialsDegree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related fieldsDegree in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, or related fields
Work EnvironmentToy manufacturing companies, design studiosVarious industries including consumer products, tech, and retail
Industry UsagePrimarily in toy and entertainment industriesBroader across multiple consumer product sectors

While both roles involve designing products, Toy Design Engineers focus specifically on creating safe, engaging toys, often working closely with manufacturing. Product Designers have a broader scope, working on a variety of consumer products across industries. The key difference lies in the specialization within the toy industry versus general product design.

How do you become a toy design engineer?

To become a toy design engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in industrial design, engineering, or a related field is required. Relevant skills include proficiency in CAD software, understanding of manufacturing processes, and creativity. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in toy or product design can also be beneficial.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Toy Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Toy Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Toy Design Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,419 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

CNC Lathe Operator

Chicago Mold Engineering

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

$37 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Chicago Mold Engineering, in its 80 plus year history, has become an awarded leader in plastic injection mold making. We apply state-of-the-art equipment with ambitious individuals merging the art and craft of mold making with modern day technology. A print free shop with all machine operators programming in CAM and all mold makers being trained in CAD, our shop has transformed into a machinist's toy land. Full 5-axis machining centers, robotic systems, and a blue-light scanner are some of the technologies incorporated into the everyday manufacturing at Chicago Mold, but that's only part of what makes us great. Good people with immense pride in American Manufacturing and their impassioned longing for knowledge is what truly keeps us moving forward. We are looking for the right people that are looking to gain knowledge and advance their abilities in the CNC machining field through on the job training!! 2007 Mold Making Technology "Leadtime Leader Award".2012 American Mold Builders "Mold Builder of the Year".Top pay, benefits, and overtime. Full-time positions. On job Training available.Job Description:Setup, program and run CNC turning centers.Experience requirements:Minimum 2 years work experience setup, programming and running CNC lathesCAM programming experience