Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Design Engineer jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in advanced manufacturing, industrial equipment, consumer products, and aerospace sectors, serving candidates from entry-level to principal engineer. Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like Caterpillar, Abbott, and Motorola Solutions maintain significant engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties in Illinois are mechanical design, product development, and CAD-driven systems engineering. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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The Design Engineer will help design and develop new products and product modifications for Semler-branded
and private label equipment. They will also help select mechanical and electrical components for customer applications.
Accountable For
- Assisting in the evaluation, design, and re-design of capital equipment and applicable after-market components through
analysis of current application parameters.
- Creating bills of materials for newly designed products.
- Creating electrical drawings.
- Devising test procedures for completed equipment to confirm operation and metrics meet design requirements.
- Performing all job functions using safe practices.
- Education / Work Experience: Some engineering or technical post-secondary education. At least 3-5 years of work
experience. Must demonstrate strong mechanical and electrical knowledge.
- Working knowledge of engineering design software (i.e., AutoCAD Creo/Solid Works). PLC knowledge is a plus but
not a requirement.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Willing to travel, sometimes on short notice. (5%)
- Reliable transportation and availability to work required schedule.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive starting salary
- Paid vacation and sick time
- 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
- Health, dental, and vision plans
- Short and long-term disability insurance plans
- Life insurance / Voluntary Life insurance
- Critical illness / Accident insurance
Our Company
Founded in 1905, Semler Industries is a third-generation, family-owned business located in Franklin Park, IL. We serve a variety of long-standing but evolving markets and are driven to innovate new products for the industries we serve, as well as penetrate new markets with customer-oriented solutions. Our mission is to provide high-quality products, unparalleled customer service, and innovative system designs to optimize the world of liquid handling. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to relentlessly building upon our legacy to be the best company to work with and for.
We believe in and adhere to our core values:
o Curiosity. In finding solutions.
o Integrity. In our actions.
o Perseverance. Towards our commitments.
o Pride. In our work.
o Respectful Collaboration. With all stakeholders.
Semler Industries is an equal opportunity employer.See All 97 Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois
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Find Design Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Construction & Real Estate
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or related engineering field required
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA
- Experience with GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing tolerability standards
- Familiarity with product lifecycle management and design-to-manufacturing workflows
- Strong collaboration skills for cross-functional teams including production and quality
- Experience with FEA tools or simulation software for design validation preferred
Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design engineer in Illinois?
Most design engineer roles in Illinois require a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or a closely related engineering discipline. Illinois employers in manufacturing and product development typically look for CAD proficiency and internship or co-op experience gained through programs at universities like the University of Illinois, Purdue Northwest, or Illinois Institute of Technology. While Illinois does not require a state license for most design engineer positions, those who move into consulting or sign off on public-facing structures may pursue Professional Engineer registration through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Which companies hire design engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring design engineers in Illinois right now include Generac Power Systems, CNH Industrial, and Caterpillar, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's deep manufacturing base and concentration of Fortune 500 industrial and medical device companies means design engineering roles appear across a wide range of employer sizes and sectors.
Which Illinois cities have the most design engineer jobs?
Chicago, East Peoria, and Oak Brook have the most design engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago and its surrounding suburbs drive the bulk of listings through a dense cluster of manufacturing, medical device, and consumer products headquarters, while Peoria reflects Caterpillar's large engineering workforce and Rockford's aerospace and precision machining industries support sustained design engineering demand outside the main metro.
Are there remote design engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're limited. Design engineering often requires hands-on access to prototypes, manufacturing floors, and lab equipment, which keeps most Illinois roles on-site or hybrid. About 46% of design engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and when remote work does appear it tends to be in early-stage CAD modeling, documentation, or design review roles rather than positions requiring physical builds or tooling oversight.
How can I get hired as a design engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a co-op, internship, or new-graduate rotational program through large Illinois manufacturers before or immediately after graduation. Caterpillar, Abbott, and Illinois Tool Works each run structured early-career engineering programs that place candidates into design-adjacent roles. Candidates without direct design experience often enter through quality engineering, manufacturing engineering, or technical support positions and transition into design roles after gaining product knowledge. A strong CAD portfolio and coursework in GD&T or product development will give an edge in the Illinois market.
Where can I find and apply to design engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to design engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings. Find roles that fit your experience and location, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 97 Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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