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.
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BalanStar is currently seeking a full time Mechanical Engineer for our Balancing Machines Division. The qualified candidate will be responsible for mechanical design of our balancing machines and automated systems. We are looking for a creative, talented and energetic individual to fill this role.
Position Requirements:
- Design and documentation of incoming machine orders.
- Design of tooling, fixturing, and customization per customer requirements.
- Manage manufacturing operations of mechanical systems.
- Schedule work-flow.
- Managing outsourcing of components as necessary.
Requirements :
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
- AutoCAD 2D and AutoCAD Fusion 360 3D experience is a must.
- Previous experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience with mechanical design principles.
- Ability to develop, read, and comprehend mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.
BalanStar Corporation manufactures balancing machines and provides industrial balancing service. We are passionate about providing outstanding technology and customer service. We carry a diverse product line of balancing machines that require great adaptability and attention to detail.
BalanStar currently pays most of employee health care premiums! We also offer a competitive 401(K) plan.
Send resume, compensation requirements and an explanation of why you are qualified to:
Erwin Schulz
hr@balanstar.com
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Mechanical engineering: 4 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
BalanStar is currently seeking a full time Mechanical Engineer for our Balancing Machines Division. The qualified candidate will be responsible for mechanical design of our balancing machines and automated systems. We are looking for a creative, talented and energetic individual to fill this role.
Position Requirements:
- Design and documentation of incoming machine orders.
- Design of tooling, fixturing, and customization per customer requirements.
- Manage manufacturing operations of mechanical systems.
- Schedule work-flow.
- Managing outsourcing of components as necessary.
Requirements :
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
- AutoCAD 2D and AutoCAD Fusion 360 3D experience is a must.
- Previous experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge and practical experience with mechanical design principles.
- Ability to develop, read, and comprehend mechanical drawings and electrical schematics.
BalanStar Corporation manufactures balancing machines and provides industrial balancing service. We are passionate about providing outstanding technology and customer service. We carry a diverse product line of balancing machines that require great adaptability and attention to detail.
BalanStar currently pays most of employee health care premiums! We also offer a competitive 401(K) plan.
Send resume, compensation requirements and an explanation of why you are qualified to:
Erwin Schulz
hr@balanstar.com
Pay: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Mechanical engineering: 4 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 17 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
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 Sargent & Lundy, NORR, and AECOM, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 29% of mechanical designer openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 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 17 Mechanical Designer Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer Jobs