Mechanical Designer Jobs in Illinois
Mechanical designer jobs in Illinois are active and consistent, with steady demand across manufacturing, industrial equipment, and infrastructure sectors at levels from entry-level drafters through senior design engineers. The busiest hiring markets are Chicago, Rockford, and the Quad Cities corridor, where established employers like Caterpillar, Illinois Tool Works, and Deere and Company maintain engineering and product development operations. The most in-demand specialties are precision machining design, HVAC and building systems, and sheet metal fabrication. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Mechanical Designer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ Mechanical Designer jobs
- Under the direction of the Mechanical Project Lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing mechanical physical layout drawings in a 3-D model
- Challenging assignments that include the design of mechanical systems, and investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical design issues
- Utilize 3D modeling software tools to generate mechanical design schematics
- Act as the Mechanical design team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated mechanical design model
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design
- Independently plan and execute design deliverables, such as general arrangements, piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings, and equipment location drawings
- There may be the opportunity to conduct field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced drafters and designers
Essential skills and experience:
- An Associate's Degree in drafting, or a high school diploma and 1 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience
- Ten or more years of detailed physical design experience in the development of mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and supports
- Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
- Experience in the review of mechanical equipment, including outlines and interface points, and coordinating and developing the associated deliverables
- Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the power plant design process
Valued but not required experience:
- Proficiency with MicroStation
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Under the direction of the Mechanical Project Lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing mechanical physical layout drawings in a 3-D model
- Challenging assignments that include the design of mechanical systems, and investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical design issues
- Utilize 3D modeling software tools to generate mechanical design schematics
- Act as the Mechanical design team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated mechanical design model
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design
- Independently plan and execute design deliverables, such as general arrangements, piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings, and equipment location drawings
- There may be the opportunity to conduct field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced drafters and designers
Essential skills and experience:
- An Associate's Degree in drafting, or a high school diploma and 1 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience
- Ten or more years of detailed physical design experience in the development of mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and supports
- Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
- Experience in the review of mechanical equipment, including outlines and interface points, and coordinating and developing the associated deliverables
- Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the power plant design process
Valued but not required experience:
- Proficiency with MicroStation
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
See All 15 Mechanical Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer JobsMechanical Designer Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Designer Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical designer jobs across Illinois.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Creo
- Associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology or a related field
- Experience creating detailed engineering drawings and GD&T documentation
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, welding, and sheet metal fabrication
- Ability to collaborate with engineers and production teams throughout the design lifecycle
- Familiarity with product lifecycle management software and revision control systems
Mechanical Designer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical designer in Illinois?
Most mechanical designers in Illinois start with an associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology, drafting and design, or a closely related field from an Illinois community college or four-year university. The role does not require a state-issued license, but employers consistently favor candidates with demonstrated CAD proficiency and a portfolio of technical drawings. Certifications from organizations like the American Design Drafting Association can strengthen an application with larger Illinois manufacturers.
Which companies hire mechanical designers in Illinois?
Employers hiring mechanical designers in Illinois right now include Ghafari, Sargent & Lundy, and IMEG, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Illinois's concentration of heavy manufacturing, industrial equipment, and defense contractors means hiring activity tends to be particularly consistent in the Chicago suburbs and the Rockford and Peoria corridors.
Which Illinois cities have the most mechanical designer jobs?
Chicago, Lisle, and Roselle are the Illinois cities with the most mechanical designer openings. Chicago and its suburbs anchor demand through a dense base of manufacturing headquarters, engineering firms, and industrial suppliers, while Rockford and Peoria generate steady openings tied to long-established heavy equipment and aerospace manufacturing operations in those regions.
Are there remote mechanical designer jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. About 57% of mechanical designer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on coordination the role typically requires with manufacturing floors and engineering teams. The tasks most commonly done remotely are CAD modeling and drawing revisions, while prototype reviews, tooling walkthroughs, and production support almost always require an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a mechanical designer in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or co-op through an Illinois community college or engineering technology program, many of which maintain placement relationships with regional manufacturers in the Chicago metro, Rockford, and the Quad Cities. Caterpillar and Illinois Tool Works both run structured internship pipelines that regularly convert to full-time roles. Candidates without direct experience can also move laterally from drafting technician or CAD operator positions, and a strong portfolio of student or personal projects showing clean technical drawings goes further with Illinois hiring managers than a credential alone.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical designer jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to mechanical designer jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location, and apply directly.
See All 15 Mechanical Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer Jobs