Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Illinois

We are seeking a motivated, hands-on Mechanical Engineer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will play a critical part in the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of our products. You will own assigned engineering projects from concept through production, working across the entire development cycle to solve complex problems and support reliable products in demanding applications.

Responsibilities:

• Design & Development: Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings using Creo Parametric. Apply sound engineering principles to rotating equipment, bearings, shafts, castings, sheet metal, and machined components.
• Standards & Analysis: Apply GD&T (per ASME Y14.5) to communicate functional drawing requirements. Perform engineering calculations, tolerance analyses, and participate actively in design reviews.
• Project Coordination: Manage engineering activities across prototyping, testing, and manufacturing. Develop project plans, identify technical risks, and communicate project status to Engineering and Sales teams.
• Testing & Troubleshooting: Develop and execute environmental, vibration, thermal, and durability tests. Investigate failures, troubleshoot prototype/production hardware, and analyze data to drive design changes.
• Production & QA Support: Support the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process, material dispositions, and deviations. Collaborate with QA to investigate non-conforming products and determine technical solutions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work both internally and with suppliers to resolve component and assembly sourcing or fabrication/assembly issues. Translate customer requirements into practical engineering specifications and support occasional travel for customer visits or trade shows.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution.
• Core Experience: Proven experience designing mechanical components, creating detailed drawings, and building 3D CAD models.
• Problem Solving: Strong understanding of fundamental engineering principles with the ability to solve mechanical problems independently.
• Communication: Excellent documentation and communication skills, with a strong desire to work in a hands-on manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience Level: 3 to 5 years of professional experience.
• Software & Standards: Proficiency with Creo Parametric (or similar 3D CAD) and working knowledge of GD&T / ASME Y14.5.
• Testing & Tools: Experience with physical hardware testing and data acquisition (DAQ) instrumentation.
• Manufacturing Knowledge: Background working with castings, machining, stamping, fabrication, and root-cause failure analysis.
• Industry Match: Experience with high-speed rotating machinery or working in demanding industries such as automotive, commercial vehicle, industrial, or defense.

Benefits

• Traditional 401K & Roth IRA with a Company Match, Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Paid Life, STD & LTD, Paid Vacation and 11 Paid Holidays per year

Salary Range

• $80,000 - $115,000

“Must meet the definition of a U.S. Person in accordance with 22 CFR 120.62 (U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident, Asylee, or Refugee).”

C.E. Niehoff & Co. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability or veteran status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Yes or No Response Required: Are You a US Citizen, Legal Permanent Resident, Refugee or Asylee?

Work Location: In person