CAD Designer Jobs in Illinois
CAD Designer jobs in Illinois are actively posted across manufacturing, architecture, and mechanical engineering sectors, with openings ranging from entry-level drafters to senior design leads. Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria anchor most of the hiring, with established employers like Caterpillar, Boeing, and Deere & Company maintaining significant Illinois operations that draw cad designers regularly. The most in-demand specialties are mechanical CAD, structural drafting, and product design using SolidWorks and AutoCAD. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find CAD Designer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ CAD Designer jobs
- Accurately produce assigned detail drawings for customer approval, fabrication, and/or construction per applicable design code, company standards and customer drawings and specifications.
- Ensure drawing details are safe for field erection and use, with constructability in mind.
- Compare detail drawings and bills of material to as-sold estimate and advise project team of discrepancies.
- Run programs to produce detail drawings and bills of material.
- Forecast how long it will take to do a task - commit to definitive deadlines.
- Effectively use document management system.
- Effectively use project team or department collaboration and productivity apps and tools.
Qualifications:
- 3+ years of relevant experience.
- High school diploma and at least one year of post-high school education or equivalent experience.
- Associates Degree or 2-year technical degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- Proficient in parametric 3D Designs using platforms such as Microstation, AutoCAD, Solidworks, Fusion360.
- Knowledgeable of steel detailing practices and applicable standard industry conventions.
- Possesses skills in geometry, trigonometry, unit conversions, quantity take-offs and basic bills of material.
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
- Business presence and polish
- Knowledge of CB&I products and markets
- Proactively identifies and solves the complex problems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Mentally agile and ability to multi-task and manage tight deadlines
- Proven negotiating ability with high emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated business partnering skills with the ability to influence the organization
- Adaptability and agility to learn and contribute in varying and complex environments
- A mature business and technical acumen coupled with a drive to achieve results
- Exceptional communication and presentation skill, both written and verbal
- Ability to work and build credibility across the business, up to and including senior management level
- Proactively embraces and promotes the company's values and culture, including diversity & inclusion and a healthy and safe work environment.
In accordance with applicable local and state laws or regulations, the compensation listed is the current estimated range for the position. Final offer details and future compensation may be determined by multiple factors, including, but not limited to, geographic location, market compensation data, skills, experience, and other relevant factors. Please discuss any compensation-related questions with your recruiter during the interview process.
Pay Range
- Accurately produce assigned detail drawings for customer approval, fabrication, and/or construction per applicable design code, company standards and customer drawings and specifications.
- Ensure drawing details are safe for field erection and use, with constructability in mind.
- Compare detail drawings and bills of material to as-sold estimate and advise project team of discrepancies.
- Run programs to produce detail drawings and bills of material.
- Forecast how long it will take to do a task - commit to definitive deadlines.
- Effectively use document management system.
- Effectively use project team or department collaboration and productivity apps and tools.
Qualifications:
- 3+ years of relevant experience.
- High school diploma and at least one year of post-high school education or equivalent experience.
- Associates Degree or 2-year technical degree or equivalent experience preferred.
- Proficient in parametric 3D Designs using platforms such as Microstation, AutoCAD, Solidworks, Fusion360.
- Knowledgeable of steel detailing practices and applicable standard industry conventions.
- Possesses skills in geometry, trigonometry, unit conversions, quantity take-offs and basic bills of material.
- Proficient verbal and written communication skills.
- Business presence and polish
- Knowledge of CB&I products and markets
- Proactively identifies and solves the complex problems
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Mentally agile and ability to multi-task and manage tight deadlines
- Proven negotiating ability with high emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated business partnering skills with the ability to influence the organization
- Adaptability and agility to learn and contribute in varying and complex environments
- A mature business and technical acumen coupled with a drive to achieve results
- Exceptional communication and presentation skill, both written and verbal
- Ability to work and build credibility across the business, up to and including senior management level
- Proactively embraces and promotes the company's values and culture, including diversity & inclusion and a healthy and safe work environment.
In accordance with applicable local and state laws or regulations, the compensation listed is the current estimated range for the position. Final offer details and future compensation may be determined by multiple factors, including, but not limited to, geographic location, market compensation data, skills, experience, and other relevant factors. Please discuss any compensation-related questions with your recruiter during the interview process.
Pay Range
See All 10 CAD Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAD Designer JobsCAD Designer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
CAD Designer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in CAD designer jobs across Illinois.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor required by most Illinois employers
- Associate or bachelor's degree in drafting, engineering technology, or a related field
- Experience producing detailed 2D drawings and 3D models for manufacturing or construction
- Familiarity with GD&T standards and engineering drawing conventions
- Ability to collaborate with engineers and project managers throughout the design lifecycle
- Knowledge of Illinois building codes or industry-specific compliance standards preferred
CAD Designer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cad designer in Illinois?
Most cad designer roles in Illinois require at minimum an associate degree in drafting technology, engineering design, or a related field, though many employers prefer a bachelor's degree. Illinois does not issue a state license specific to cad designers, so hiring decisions hinge on software proficiency and a strong portfolio. Completing programs at Illinois community colleges or universities and earning certifications like Autodesk Certified Professional strengthens your candidacy considerably.
How much do CAD designers make in Illinois?
CAD designers in Illinois earn a median of about $63,320 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $56,710 for the lowest 10% to over $94,930 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire cad designers in Illinois?
Employers hiring cad designers in Illinois right now include CB&I, Tetra Tech, and Hendrickson, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of advanced manufacturing, defense, and architecture firms means consistent demand for cad designers well beyond the Chicago metro.
Which Illinois cities have the most cad designer jobs?
Skokie, Chicago, and Streator have the most cad designer openings in Illinois. Chicago leads because of its large architecture, construction, and corporate engineering presence, while Rockford and Peoria reflect the heavy manufacturing and industrial equipment sectors anchored by employers like Caterpillar and its network of suppliers and contractors in central and northern Illinois.
Are there remote cad designer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since cad designers frequently collaborate in person with engineers and review physical prototypes or job sites. About 20% of cad designer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026. The portions of the role most suited to remote work are initial concept modeling and documentation review, rather than fabrication coordination.
How can I get hired as a cad designer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a drafting or engineering technology program at an Illinois community college, such as those offered through the Illinois Community College system, and building a portfolio of sample drawings. Many Illinois manufacturers and architecture firms offer internships or co-op placements that convert to full-time roles. Candidates coming from adjacent roles like blueprint technician or construction estimator find these backgrounds open doors, and an Autodesk certification gives a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to cad designer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to cad designer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your software skills and industry focus, then apply directly to the ones that fit your experience and location.
See All 10 CAD Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAD Designer Jobs