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Weekend Inventor Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Boutique Recruiting

Mechanical Engineer

Gurnee, IL · On-site +1

$110K - $120K/yr

Basic computer literacy and proficiency with CAD, with Inventor preferred; SolidWorks or Pro-E acceptable * Applications engineering for manufacturing facilities is preferred * Experience as a plant ...

LHH US

Mechanical Design Engineer

Glendale Heights, IL · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Proficiency with CAD platforms such as Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD * Strong foundation in mechanical principles, materials, and manufacturing processes * Working knowledge of welding methods and ...

LHH US

Mechanical Design Engineer

Glendale Heights, IL

$80K - $90K/yr

Proficiency with CAD platforms such as Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD * Strong foundation in mechanical principles, materials, and manufacturing processes * Working knowledge of welding methods and ...

TCCI MANUFACTURING LLC

CAD Designer

Decatur, IL

$45K - $55K/yr

Experience with Autodesk Inventor preferred * Exposure to PDM/Vault systems and ECR processes preferred * Exposure to MRP/ERP systems preferred Skills * Strong understanding of GD&T and engineering ...

T/CCI Manufacturing LLC

CAD Designer

Decatur, IL · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Experience with Autodesk Inventor preferred * Exposure to PDM/Vault systems and ECR processes preferred * Exposure to MRP/ERP systems preferred Skills * Strong understanding of GD&T and engineering ...

MATRIX DESIGN LLC

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Bartlett, IL · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CREO or Autodesk Inventor). * Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes. * Experience with robotic ...

Ipsen

Mechanical Designer

Cherry Valley, IL · On-site

Minimum 2 years of experience using CAD Preferably utilizing Autodesk Products (Inventor, AutoCAD and Vault), word processing, spreadsheets, and must have ability to interface with resident business ...

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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
Manufacturing Technician - 2nd Shift

Manufacturing Technician - 2nd Shift

Watchfire

Danville, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Responsibilities
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair manufacturing equipment for operational readiness.
  • Educate production staff to replace/add fluids, greases, filters, belts, chains; set-up fixtures and work holding devices, etc. as needed to maintain operational readiness.
  • Maintain troubleshooting documentation and assist production employees with interpretation.
  • Operate machines, control and manipulate machines manually to perform troubleshooting or return machines to operating condition. Perform in-process diagnosis of equipment.
  • Verify all production tooling, standards, fixtures, and equipment are used as per Manufacturing Engineer(s) directions and assist production staff in proficiency with replacing same items.
  • Conduct preventive/predictive maintenance tasks and audits of machine condition(s).
  • Schedule annual preventive maintenance and contractor activities for all advanced maintenance work concerning any machine, product, device, or tool used to maintain production success.
  • Establish maintenance tasks beyond manufacturers' recommendations where necessary.
  • Complete individual and/or team projects to maximize production efficiency and quality.
  • Maintain all replacement parts inventory, technical manuals, industry standards, etc.
  • Complete studies as required and document recommendations for review on future equipment.
  • Assist Manufacturing Engineers in the development of work instructions, equipment logs, material/supply specifications and machine history documents.
  • Communicate verbally, in-writing, and electronically via computer to other team members and comprehend communication received from team members in the same fashion.
  • Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work environment always. Maintain and organize tools in toolboxes, cabinets, and shelves in an optimum state of readiness.
  • Interpret engineering prints, OEM assembly drawings, ladder diagrams, schematics, etc.
  • Add, subtract, multiply, divide, and convert several units of measure, using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals.
  • Stand, walk, stoop, kneel, & crouch in and around tightly configured equipment. Frequently lift and carry 10 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move 75 pounds.
  • Work overtime and weekends as needed to support production demands, projects, on-site contractors, etc.
Required Qualifications/Skills:
  • Proficient in operating and troubleshooting CNC metal fabrication/machining equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair/replace machine components. (i.e., motor starter, VFD, disconnect, fuse, prox. switches, PLC, solenoid valve, linear rail, flow switch, etc.), computers, PLC/HMI, or comparable software-related devices used on modern machines.
  • Proficient with a wide variety of hand tools and machines that are customary with mechatronics industries. (i.e., wrenches, sockets, pliers, screwdrivers, calipers, mag/base/dial indicator, multi-meter, precision level, battery powered tools, lathes, mills, surface grinder, laser, etc.)
  • Proficient with preventive and predictive maintenance methods such as battery monitors, oil analysis, vibration analysis, and thermal imaging.
  • Intermediate experience with IT networking related to CNC connections to internal communication networks, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections to machines and tools, and IOT.
  • Completion of DOL/OSHA 30-hour General Industry course within 90dyas of hire.
  • Strong experience with computers, internet, smart phone, AutoDesk Software (Inventor, AutoCAD, and Vault), and Microsoft software (Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, CoPilot) is required
Required Education and Licensing
  • Associates of Science in Technology with a minimum of 2 years of experience; or
  • 4yrs experience in the Responsibilities above; or
  • 6yrs experience working in a manufacturing environment operating CNC equipment.
Benefits
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Company Paid Life/ADD
  • Voluntary Life/ADD
  • Dependent Life/ADD
  • 401k with Employer Match
  • Vacation
  • Personal Time

*Watchfire is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.
*Legal authorization to work in the US required. We will not consider candidates who need sponsorship, now or in the future, to be legally employed in the US. No H1B, OPT, CPT or other "temporary work authorization" candidates will be considered.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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