Engineering Leader Jobs in Illinois
Engineering Leader jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, with active hiring concentrated in advanced manufacturing, technology, healthcare systems, and infrastructure development, and openings at every level from emerging team leads through senior director. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford are the state's primary hiring centers, home to major employers like Caterpillar, Abbott, and Boeing, all of which maintain substantial engineering leadership pipelines in Illinois. The most sought-after specializations include systems engineering leadership, manufacturing operations, and software engineering management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 14+ Engineering Leader jobs
Career Area:
EngineeringJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
About E&ES
Caterpillar’s Electrification & Energy Solutions (E&ES) Division will focus on delivering advanced electrified power trains, zero-emissions products/technologies, and the solutions and services associated with these technologies. Focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions/services, and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries.
We are looking for top talent to build and scale the next generation of technologies, products and services to help our customers build a better—more sustainable—world. We need self-motivated, intelligent and team-oriented individuals to make our plans a reality. Individuals with high emotional intelligence, humility and openness to discovery will thrive in the teams we are building.
The Electrification & Energy Solutions Division is looking for a Senior Engineering Project Team Lead that will be part of the Machine Integration and ePowertrain Solutions team with accountability for integrating batteries, motors, inverters, power converters, and associated control systems into electrified powertrain solutions.
This individual will work with our Machine Business Division partners across the CI and RI product lines to define and execute the enterprise strategy for Electrification. This will include working with system architects and simulation experts to define electrified powertrain architecture concepts, execute system evaluations and optimizations, and complete trade-off assessments on attributes such as performance, energy efficiency, customer Total Cost of Ownership, and R&D timeline / investment.
The Lead will then work with and across Machine Business Divisions to define system requirements based on Voice of Customer, Voice of Business, and Voice of Regulation and identify nodes of opportunity for leveraged system and component development. They will support product development activities throughout the NTI and NPI program phases, providing technical leadership for concept studies, technical demonstrators, commercial demonstrators, and NPI programs. This person will define and support validation of full electrification solutions and diesel electric solutions for our Machine Business Division partners as they develop products to meet their customers’ GHG emissions reduction goals.
Additional Information
- This role will be located in Mossville, IL and requires working onsite five days per week
- This role does offer relocation.
- This role does not offer sponsorship.
- This role will require 10% travel.
What you will do
- HV System design and integration
- Collaboration with component teams for component selection
- Electric or mechanical drivetrain systems (design or simulation)
- Motor / generator systems (design or simulation)
- Power electronics / power conversion systems and controls (design or simulation)
- Machine or systems controls collaboration
- Machine integration, performance, or simulation
What you will have
Degree Requirement
BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or related field)
Products and Services: Extensive knowledge of major products and services and product and service groups; ability to apply knowledge of product and service appropriately to diverse situations. Demonstrated experience in mechanical & electrical systems and/or components with special emphasis on electric drive systems preferred but not required
- Oversees development activities for multiple products or product lines.
- Advises colleagues on implementation and operational considerations.
- Coaches others on key factors that differentiate offerings from that of competition.
- Develops procedures for product planning, development, and delivery cycles.
- Promotes understanding of multiple product and service groups and their interdependencies.
- Monitors regulatory and environmental issues and considerations.
Influencing Through Expertise: Extensive knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to use these to deepen own expertise and impact or challenge decisions within and outside own organization.
- Communicates complex ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner so that others can understand.
- Exhibits depth and breadth of knowledge, skill, and experience in the relevant field.
- Provides relevant, timely and objective subject matter/process expertise and key insight regarding multiple client business areas and affiliated fields.
- Provides others with information, opportunities, or resources to develop their skills in the area of expertise.
- Discards examples of persuasive arguments lacking evidentiary support or impact.
- Coaches others to enhance their proficiency regarding the tenets, practices, and examples of the 'trusted advisor' credential.
Project Management: Expert knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
- Champions organization's project management methodology, tools, and techniques.
- Manages multiple high-risk, high-cost projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Coaches others in open communication among project stakeholders.
- Monitors major projects for critical path and actual status versus planned.
- Consults on project planning and management of high-risk, high-impact projects.
- Monitors industry for fresh approaches and tools for project management.
Team Management: Expert knowledge of effective team building techniques; ability to form and manage effective teams.
- Manages conflict and competition between teams and across organizational lines.
- Fosters a collaborative work spirit across the organization.
- Monitors industry for fresh approaches to team management.
- Coaches team leaders on issues, problems, and solution methods.
- Creates an environment where cross-functional teams flourish.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Extensive knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.
- Evaluates business impact of failure and the criticality and timing of needed resolution.
- Resolves difficult or high-impact equipment and systems problems.
- Monitors machine performance and history; addresses excessive maintenance or repair needs.
- Coaches others how to resolve integration or communications problems in multi-vendor environment.
- Applies specific techniques for isolating a problem and defining resolution approach.
- Uses advanced diagnostic techniques and tools for unusual or performance-related problems.
Product Design and Development: Expert knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.
- Leads in designing and implementing new production and distribution methods.
- Advocates the development of new technologies and tools for product design and development.
- Leads cross-functional teams assembled for the purpose of product design and development.
- Develops organizational best practices for the management of product design and development.
- Establishes new product development strategies and processes for the organization.
- Predicts future trends of product design and development.
Top Candidates will have
Knowledge and familiarity in motors or inverters of e-powertrain
Familiarity with leading projects across machine and e-powertrain teams
L5 and L6 Level Machine Experience and System Knowledge
Comfortable with being hands-on during machine builds and troubleshooting
This position will be posted until 11:59 PM CT on 08/25/2026
Summary Pay Range:
$147,760.00 - $221,640.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
- These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Career Area:
EngineeringJob Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
About E&ES
Caterpillar’s Electrification & Energy Solutions (E&ES) Division will focus on delivering advanced electrified power trains, zero-emissions products/technologies, and the solutions and services associated with these technologies. Focus areas include batteries, fuel cells, motors, inverters, micro grid controllers, charging, energy storage systems, lifecycle solutions/services, and integration of components for ePowertrain solutions across industries.
We are looking for top talent to build and scale the next generation of technologies, products and services to help our customers build a better—more sustainable—world. We need self-motivated, intelligent and team-oriented individuals to make our plans a reality. Individuals with high emotional intelligence, humility and openness to discovery will thrive in the teams we are building.
The Electrification & Energy Solutions Division is looking for a Senior Engineering Project Team Lead that will be part of the Machine Integration and ePowertrain Solutions team with accountability for integrating batteries, motors, inverters, power converters, and associated control systems into electrified powertrain solutions.
This individual will work with our Machine Business Division partners across the CI and RI product lines to define and execute the enterprise strategy for Electrification. This will include working with system architects and simulation experts to define electrified powertrain architecture concepts, execute system evaluations and optimizations, and complete trade-off assessments on attributes such as performance, energy efficiency, customer Total Cost of Ownership, and R&D timeline / investment.
The Lead will then work with and across Machine Business Divisions to define system requirements based on Voice of Customer, Voice of Business, and Voice of Regulation and identify nodes of opportunity for leveraged system and component development. They will support product development activities throughout the NTI and NPI program phases, providing technical leadership for concept studies, technical demonstrators, commercial demonstrators, and NPI programs. This person will define and support validation of full electrification solutions and diesel electric solutions for our Machine Business Division partners as they develop products to meet their customers’ GHG emissions reduction goals.
Additional Information
- This role will be located in Mossville, IL and requires working onsite five days per week
- This role does offer relocation.
- This role does not offer sponsorship.
- This role will require 10% travel.
What you will do
- HV System design and integration
- Collaboration with component teams for component selection
- Electric or mechanical drivetrain systems (design or simulation)
- Motor / generator systems (design or simulation)
- Power electronics / power conversion systems and controls (design or simulation)
- Machine or systems controls collaboration
- Machine integration, performance, or simulation
What you will have
Degree Requirement
BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or related field)
Products and Services: Extensive knowledge of major products and services and product and service groups; ability to apply knowledge of product and service appropriately to diverse situations. Demonstrated experience in mechanical & electrical systems and/or components with special emphasis on electric drive systems preferred but not required
- Oversees development activities for multiple products or product lines.
- Advises colleagues on implementation and operational considerations.
- Coaches others on key factors that differentiate offerings from that of competition.
- Develops procedures for product planning, development, and delivery cycles.
- Promotes understanding of multiple product and service groups and their interdependencies.
- Monitors regulatory and environmental issues and considerations.
Influencing Through Expertise: Extensive knowledge of effective influencing tactics and strategies; ability to use these to deepen own expertise and impact or challenge decisions within and outside own organization.
- Communicates complex ideas and concepts in a clear and concise manner so that others can understand.
- Exhibits depth and breadth of knowledge, skill, and experience in the relevant field.
- Provides relevant, timely and objective subject matter/process expertise and key insight regarding multiple client business areas and affiliated fields.
- Provides others with information, opportunities, or resources to develop their skills in the area of expertise.
- Discards examples of persuasive arguments lacking evidentiary support or impact.
- Coaches others to enhance their proficiency regarding the tenets, practices, and examples of the 'trusted advisor' credential.
Project Management: Expert knowledge of effective project management strategies and tactics; ability to plan, organize, monitor, and control projects, ensuring efficient utilization of technical and administrative resources to achieve project objectives.
- Champions organization's project management methodology, tools, and techniques.
- Manages multiple high-risk, high-cost projects involving multiple stakeholders.
- Coaches others in open communication among project stakeholders.
- Monitors major projects for critical path and actual status versus planned.
- Consults on project planning and management of high-risk, high-impact projects.
- Monitors industry for fresh approaches and tools for project management.
Team Management: Expert knowledge of effective team building techniques; ability to form and manage effective teams.
- Manages conflict and competition between teams and across organizational lines.
- Fosters a collaborative work spirit across the organization.
- Monitors industry for fresh approaches to team management.
- Coaches team leaders on issues, problems, and solution methods.
- Creates an environment where cross-functional teams flourish.
Troubleshooting Technical Problems: Extensive knowledge of troubleshooting approaches, tools and techniques; ability to anticipate, detect and resolve technical problems in a manufacturing or product development environment.
- Evaluates business impact of failure and the criticality and timing of needed resolution.
- Resolves difficult or high-impact equipment and systems problems.
- Monitors machine performance and history; addresses excessive maintenance or repair needs.
- Coaches others how to resolve integration or communications problems in multi-vendor environment.
- Applies specific techniques for isolating a problem and defining resolution approach.
- Uses advanced diagnostic techniques and tools for unusual or performance-related problems.
Product Design and Development: Expert knowledge of product features; ability to design, build, and develop a new product, technology, or service from concept through to production.
- Leads in designing and implementing new production and distribution methods.
- Advocates the development of new technologies and tools for product design and development.
- Leads cross-functional teams assembled for the purpose of product design and development.
- Develops organizational best practices for the management of product design and development.
- Establishes new product development strategies and processes for the organization.
- Predicts future trends of product design and development.
Top Candidates will have
Knowledge and familiarity in motors or inverters of e-powertrain
Familiarity with leading projects across machine and e-powertrain teams
L5 and L6 Level Machine Experience and System Knowledge
Comfortable with being hands-on during machine builds and troubleshooting
This position will be posted until 11:59 PM CT on 08/25/2026
Summary Pay Range:
$147,760.00 - $221,640.00Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
401(k) savings plans*
Health Savings Account (HSA)*
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
Health Lifestyle Programs*
Employee Assistance Program*
Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
Career Development*
Incentive bonus*
Disability benefits
Life Insurance
Parental leave
Adoption benefits
Tuition Reimbursement
- These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Posting Dates:
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
See All 14 Engineering Leader Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Leader JobsEngineering Leader Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Leader 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
- Technology & Software
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering leader jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a closely related technical field
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional engineering teams from project initiation through delivery
- Proficiency with engineering project management methodologies including Agile, Lean, or Six Sigma
- Track of scaling engineering processes within manufacturing, software, or infrastructure environments in Illinois
- Strong stakeholder communication skills bridging technical teams and executive leadership
- Familiarity with Illinois-specific regulatory and compliance standards for engineering operations
Engineering Leader Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering leader in Illinois?
Most engineering leaders in Illinois start with a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline and advance through individual contributor roles before moving into management. Illinois does not require a specific state license for the engineering leader title itself, though engineers in certain technical domains benefit from holding a Professional Engineer license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Building project delivery experience and earning credentials like PMP or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt strengthens candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire engineering leaders in Illinois?
Employers hiring engineering leaders in Illinois right now include Lochmueller, Caterpillar, and Aon, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's dense concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters and large manufacturing operations means demand for engineering leadership is spread across both metropolitan Chicago and downstate industrial centers.
Which Illinois cities have the most engineering leader jobs?
Chicago, Champaign, and Mossville have the most engineering leader openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates because of its headquarters density across technology, healthcare, and financial services, while Peoria and Rockford draw consistent demand from large industrial employers like Caterpillar and major aerospace suppliers anchored in those regional manufacturing corridors.
Are there remote engineering leader jobs in Illinois?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the specialization. About 9% of engineering leader openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting the mix of desk-based software and systems roles alongside on-site manufacturing and infrastructure positions. Engineering leaders overseeing software teams or technical program management tend to find the most remote flexibility, while roles tied to production floors or physical infrastructure typically require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a engineering leader in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a team lead or technical lead role within a larger Illinois employer after building several years as a senior individual contributor. Companies like Caterpillar and Abbott run structured development programs that rotate high-potential engineers into leadership rotations. Adjacent roles such as project engineer, engineering program coordinator, or quality lead provide a concrete foothold, and earning a PMP certification or completing a Lean Six Sigma program through Illinois community college partners signals readiness to hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to engineering leader jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to engineering leader jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and target location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 14 Engineering Leader Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Engineering Leader Jobs