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Weekend Inventor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL

$75K - $90K/yr

The ideal candidate will have experience designing metal products within a manufacturing environment and be proficient in either Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks . Key Responsibilities * Design and ...

Thermon

Mechanical Engineer

Franklin Park, IL

Create and modify 3D models and 2D drawings in Inventor as needed. * Select proper components and generate BOM's. * Provide needed calculations for tanks and/or pressure piping components. * Work ...

Thermon

Mechanical Engineer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

Create and modify 3D models and 2D drawings in Inventor as needed.Select proper components and generate BOM's.Provide needed calculations for tanks and/or pressure piping components.Work with vendors ...

Productive Resources

Mechanical Engineer

Arthur, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

The ideal candidate will have experience with 2D and 3D design software (AutoCAD, Inventor) and an understanding of mechanical design, machine operations, and manufacturing processes. This is a ...

Thermon

Mechanical Engineer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

Create and modify 3D models and 2D drawings in Inventor as needed. * Select proper components and generate BOM's. * Provide needed calculations for tanks and/or pressure piping components. * Work ...

Thermon

Mechanical Designer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

Assists in the production of detailed mechanical drawing and schematics in Inventor. * Creates and/or modifies designs for boilers and pressure vessels to meet customer requirements. * Develops ...

Thermon

Mechanical Designer

Franklin Park, IL

Assists in the production of detailed mechanical drawing and schematics in Inventor. * Creates and/or modifies designs for boilers and pressure vessels to meet customer requirements. * Develops ...

Thermon

Mechanical Designer

Franklin Park, IL · On-site

Assists in the production of detailed mechanical drawing and schematics in Inventor.Creates and/or modifies designs for boilers and pressure vessels to meet customer requirements.Develops drawings ...

FurstStaffing

Mechanical Design Engineer

Rockford, IL · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Inventor a plus. Knowledge of GD&T. Microsoft Office. · Highly detailed and organized. · Excellent verbal and written communication skills a must. · Good knowledge of industrial machinery design ...

Stantec

Senior Mechanical Designer - US

Chicago, IL · On-site

You will convey electrical, mechanical, civil, and structural requirements to the team through traditional 2D paper deliverables and/or 3D models (Revit, Plant 3D, Inventor, Navisworks, Autodesk ...

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All JobsInventor JobsWeekend Inventor JobsWeekend Inventor Jobs in Illinois

Weekend Inventor information

What is the difference between Weekend Inventor vs Part-Time Product Developer?

AspectWeekend InventorPart-Time Product Developer
CredentialsNo formal credentials required, often self-taught or hobbyistsTypically requires technical skills, sometimes with a background in engineering or design
Work EnvironmentHome workshops, personal labs, or maker spacesOffice, studio, or collaborative workspaces
Industry UsageInnovation, prototyping, hobbyist projectsProduct development, prototyping, small-scale manufacturing
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on personal projects, hobbyist innovationFocus on professional or semi-professional product creation

The main difference between a Weekend Inventor and a Part-Time Product Developer lies in their focus and environment. Weekend Inventors typically work on personal or hobby projects in informal settings without formal credentials, while Part-Time Product Developers often have technical skills and work in more structured environments to develop products professionally or semi-professionally.

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

To thrive as a Weekend Inventory Clerk, you need strong attention to detail, basic math skills, and familiarity with inventory management practices, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with inventory management systems, barcode scanners, and spreadsheets is typically required. Reliability, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate inventory tracking, minimize errors, and support efficient warehouse operations during weekend shifts.

How do weekend inventors typically collaborate with other professionals to bring their ideas to life?

Weekend Inventors often work independently on their concepts but frequently collaborate with engineers, designers, and patent attorneys to refine, prototype, and protect their inventions. They may also connect with local maker spaces, online inventor communities, or participate in hackathons to gather feedback and build partnerships. Effective communication and networking are key, as collaborating with experts can help overcome technical challenges and accelerate the path from idea to viable product.

What is a weekend inventor?

Weekend Inventors are individuals who pursue invention and innovation as a hobby or side project, typically during their free time on weekends. They often work on creating new products, improving existing technologies, or solving everyday problems outside of their regular work hours. Weekend Inventors may build prototypes, conduct experiments, or collaborate with other enthusiasts to bring their ideas to life. Many successful inventions have started as weekend projects before becoming commercial products.
What are the most commonly searched types of Inventor jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Inventor jobs in Illinois are:
Weekend Inventor jobs near you

Mechanical Designer (Inventor)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Bartlett, IL

$38 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Title: Mechanical Designer
Location: Office-based (with occasional visits to shop floors, customer sites, or wastewater treatment plants)
Hire Type: Full-time, Exempt
Shift: Monday – Thursday, 6:30 AM – 5:15 PM (with additional hours as required)
Compensation: $38.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits: As a contract employee of Sterling, you are eligible to receive a Full Employee Benefits Package that includes paid time off, paid holidays, 3 medical plans to choose from, dental & vision plans, 401(k), and an Employee Stock Ownership (ESOP) plan.
Must have Skill Set: Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Vault (PLM), ERP systems, sheet metal design, DFM principles, and GD&T

Overview
The Mechanical Designer is responsible for creating and managing all essential manufacturing information for Lakeside’s equipment. This role involves collaborating with engineering, production, purchasing, and quality assurance teams to ensure high-quality design, accurate drafting, and the timely delivery of production documentation. Working primarily in an office setting with occasional shop and field exposure, the Mechanical Designer supports both new product development and existing product revisions while adhering to strict internal and customer specifications.
Job Duties
  • Prepare detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using Autodesk Inventor and other CAD software.
  • Design equipment based on specifications from sales proposals, engineering drawings, and the Guide to Engineering.
  • Compile and submit "check sets" including equipment specifications, EP sheets, BOMs, and control panel layouts.
  • Generate, update, and manage accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) to support production and purchasing.
  • Maintain strict version control, revision tracking, and organized records for all design documents.
  • Collaborate with manufacturing to resolve production issues, optimize design for manufacturability (DFM), and conduct design reviews.
  • Provide technical support to internal teams, including production, quality assurance, and field service.
  • Identify areas for process improvement and help refine company design standards.
Qualifications
Required:
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in mechanical design.
  • Proficiency with Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Vault (PLM), and ERP systems.
  • Strong understanding of sheet metal design, DFM principles, and GD&T.
  • Ability to work with both parametric and non-parametric design tools.
  • Proven experience generating manufacturing drawings and design documentation.
  • Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to sit for extended periods, lift up to 25 lbs occasionally, and possess the visual acuity required for CAD software.
  • Ability to travel occasionally to customer sites, job sites, or tradeshows.
Preferred:
  • Experience in wastewater treatment equipment design.
  • Familiarity with control panel design and associated documentation.
  • Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements for water treatment equipment.


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.