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Weekend Inventor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Design Engineer

Wood Dale, IL · On-site

$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 ...

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Productive Resources

Mechanical Engineer

Arthur, IL

$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 ...

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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 ...

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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 ...

Aqua Aerobic

Mechanical Designer

Loves Park, IL · On-site

$25.96 - $29/hr

Maintain project records. knowledge, skills and abilities Must have knowledge of Auto-Cad, Autodesk Inventor, Adept, and MS Office software. Knowledge of structural design and sheet metal forming a ...

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All 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 Inventory Clerk, 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.

Who came up with the 5 day work week?

The 5-day work week was popularized in the early 20th century, notably by Henry Ford in 1926, who adopted it for his manufacturing plants to improve worker productivity and well-being. This standard was later adopted broadly across industries and became a norm in many countries, shaping modern work schedules for employees including those in roles like Weekend Inventor.

What are Weekend Inventors?

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 is the best job to work on weekends?

A weekend inventor role involves developing new ideas or prototypes during weekends, often requiring creativity, technical skills, and access to tools or workshops. Such positions may be freelance or part-time, allowing flexibility to work outside regular weekday hours.

Was Henry Ford responsible for the 40-hour work week?

Henry Ford is credited with popularizing the 40-hour work week for industrial workers in the early 20th century, making it a standard in the United States. As a pioneer in manufacturing and labor practices, his policies influenced labor laws and workplace schedules, which are relevant considerations for jobs like a Weekend Inventor that may involve understanding work hours and productivity standards.
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)

Mechanical Designer (Inventor)

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Bartlett, IL

$38 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Be an early applicant

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.