Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Illinois are consistently active, concentrated in industrial manufacturing, power systems, and building automation sectors, with openings at every level from entry-level to senior principal engineer. Chicago, Rockford, and the collar counties of the greater metro area anchor most of the hiring, with major employers like Motorola Solutions, Caterpillar, and Siemens holding lasting footprints across the state. The most in-demand specialties include power distribution design, PLC and control system engineering, and low-voltage systems for commercial construction. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 29+ Electrical Design Engineer jobs






JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinate the development of layouts and design and/or modification in existing products, and information required for production use.
- Use engineering tools to analyze designs to meet requirements for strength, noise, functionality, ergonomics, safety and quality.
- Program chassis engines and transmission electronic control units to Vactor/Guzzler specifications.
- Make parameter modifications to Vactor controller programs and upload same to production trucks.
- Check chassis upon arrival for function and ability to interface with Vactor/Guzzler modules (controls, PTO’s, transfer cases, etc.)
- Troubleshoot electrical and hydraulic problems on units, utilizing Vactor diagnostic system, if available.
- Communicate and coordinate with suppliers where engineering input is required to develop specifications for products and/or components.
- Develop project plans with input from engineering, marketing and production.
- Work with production, manufacturing engineering, lab supervision, marketing, service, and engineering personnel during the implementation of a project.
- Prepare and review complete engineering change packages, including BOM investigations per departmental procedures for completeness and accuracy.
- Use departmental CAD system and office software, to company standards and procedures, at or above a level needed to perform typical duties. (AutoCAD/Pro-E)
- Participate in the cost reduction process as needed.
- Evaluate product or product modification to determine the degree of success of the product in terms of performance and user satisfaction. May include travel to the field and/or trade shows.
- Assist drafters and designers with required engineering expertise to complete design activities.
- Develop project plans with input from engineering, marketing and production.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Minimum of 1-3 years experience in engineering design
- Mobile equipment experience
- CAD experience (AutoCAD Electrical preferred)
- Electrical controls/multiplex and hydraulics systems experience a plus
- Good written and oral communication and computer skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Team oriented
EDUCATION REQUIRED: Bachelor's degree required (BSME, BSEE or BSAE) or related field.
Salary Range:
Electrical Engineer I - $75-95k
Electrical Engineer II - $85-115k
Benefits of Employment:
In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.
About Us:
Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) provides products and services to protect people and our plant. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Oak Brook, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems.
For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com. The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, call Human Resources at 630-954-2000. All other applications must be submitted online. Vactor Mfg. Inc. is a leading manufacturer of municipal combination catch basin/sewer cleaning vacuum trucks and industrial vacuum loaders that clean up industrial waste or recover and recycle valuable raw materials. Vactor is located in Streator, IL and is a subsidiary of Federal Signal Corporation.
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 (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
See All 29 Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsElectrical Design Engineer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Electrical Design Engineer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Energy
- Food & Beverage
- Agriculture & Farming
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in electrical design engineer jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or closely related engineering discipline required
- Professional Engineer license issued or recognized in Illinois preferred for senior roles
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, Revit MEP, or comparable CAD drafting software required
- Experience with NEC code compliance and Illinois-applicable electrical codes and standards
- Demonstrated background in power distribution, control systems, or low-voltage system design
- Familiarity with UL standards, single-line diagram development, and load calculation methods
Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a electrical design engineer in Illinois?
The standard path in Illinois is a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, followed by gaining qualifying experience under a licensed Professional Engineer and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam to earn a PE license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Many roles in manufacturing and building systems don't require PE licensure immediately, but it strengthens candidacy for project-lead and senior design positions throughout the state.
How much do electrical design engineers make in Illinois?
Electrical design engineers in Illinois earn a median of about $107,860 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $75,470 for the lowest 10% to over $164,290 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire electrical design engineers in Illinois?
Employers hiring electrical design engineers in Illinois right now include Amazon, Generac, and CNH Industrial, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of industrial manufacturers, engineering and architecture firms, and utilities creates consistent demand across the Chicago metro and secondary markets like Rockford and Peoria.
Which Illinois cities have the most electrical design engineer jobs?
Chicago, East Peoria, and Itasca have the most electrical design engineer openings in Illinois. Chicago and its collar counties dominate because of the concentration of large manufacturers, MEP engineering firms, and commercial construction activity, while Rockford's industrial base and Peoria's heavy equipment and automation sectors sustain meaningful hiring outside the primary metro.
Are there remote electrical design engineer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields because electrical design work regularly requires site visits, equipment coordination, and hands-on drawing reviews. About 50% of electrical design engineer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. The portions of the role most compatible with remote work include drafting, load calculations, and specification writing rather than commissioning or field verification tasks.
How can I get hired as a electrical design engineer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an electrical engineering internship or co-op during your degree program, as large Illinois employers like Motorola Solutions, Commonwealth Edison, and regional MEP firms regularly bring on new graduates through structured engineering development programs. Candidates transitioning from adjacent roles such as electrical technician or CAD drafter can make a strong case by building a portfolio of design samples. Sitting for the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early signals commitment and gives a measurable edge over candidates without it.
Where can I find and apply to electrical design engineer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to electrical design engineer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your experience and target location, then apply directly to each one.
See All 29 Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs