Senior Designer Jobs in Chicago, IL
Senior Designer jobs in Chicago are concentrated in the Loop, River North, and Fulton Market, with strong hiring across advertising, tech, and consumer packaged goods. Employers bringing on senior designers right now include Sargent & Lundy, Gensler, and Amazon. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 65+ Senior Designer jobs
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days
The Senior Designer 2 leads the execution of advanced mechanical design work, independently develops complex deliverables, supports field activities, and mentors less experienced drafters and designers across Oil & Gas and Power projects.
- Independently develop and coordinate complex mechanical physical layout drawings and integrated 3D design models for multidisciplinary project teams.
- Lead challenging design assignments involving mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and resolution of a broad range of mechanical design issues.
- Plan and execute key deliverables such as general arrangements, piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings, and equipment location drawings.
- Review mechanical equipment outlines and interface points and coordinates the development of associated design deliverables.
- Accompany engineers on field walkdowns and client site data gathering activities and use field information to improve design accuracy and constructability.
- Provide technical guidance in drafting tools, mentor less experienced staff, and help ensure complete and timely project execution.
- Coordinate effectively with engineering and design teams from other disciplines throughout the plant design process.
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- Associate degree in drafting, or a high school diploma with drafting coursework or equivalent technical experience.
- Twelve or more years of detailed physical design experience in mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and supports.
- High proficiency with 3D plant layout and mechanical design software tools used to execute integrated physical design work.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate mechanical design deliverables, interface with other disciplines, and guide junior staff.
Valued but not required experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or a related discipline.
- Proficiency with AuroCAD, CADWorx, MicroStation, or similar design platforms used for plant layout and drafting
- Ability to travel as needed for client meetings, site visits, and field data gathering.
- Experience with Laser Scanning and working with Point Clouds.
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
This role offers a hybrid work arrangement. You'll spend three days a week in the office, giving you the flexibility to work remotely for two days
The Senior Designer 2 leads the execution of advanced mechanical design work, independently develops complex deliverables, supports field activities, and mentors less experienced drafters and designers across Oil & Gas and Power projects.
- Independently develop and coordinate complex mechanical physical layout drawings and integrated 3D design models for multidisciplinary project teams.
- Lead challenging design assignments involving mechanical systems, troubleshooting, and resolution of a broad range of mechanical design issues.
- Plan and execute key deliverables such as general arrangements, piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings, and equipment location drawings.
- Review mechanical equipment outlines and interface points and coordinates the development of associated design deliverables.
- Accompany engineers on field walkdowns and client site data gathering activities and use field information to improve design accuracy and constructability.
- Provide technical guidance in drafting tools, mentor less experienced staff, and help ensure complete and timely project execution.
- Coordinate effectively with engineering and design teams from other disciplines throughout the plant design process.
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Essential skills and experience:
- Associate degree in drafting, or a high school diploma with drafting coursework or equivalent technical experience.
- Twelve or more years of detailed physical design experience in mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and supports.
- High proficiency with 3D plant layout and mechanical design software tools used to execute integrated physical design work.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate mechanical design deliverables, interface with other disciplines, and guide junior staff.
Valued but not required experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or a related discipline.
- Proficiency with AuroCAD, CADWorx, MicroStation, or similar design platforms used for plant layout and drafting
- Ability to travel as needed for client meetings, site visits, and field data gathering.
- Experience with Laser Scanning and working with Point Clouds.
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 65 Senior Designer Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Designer JobsSenior Designer Job Market in Chicago
Who's Hiring
- Sargent & Lundy16
- Gensler3
- Amazon3
- KTGY Group3
- Skidmore, Owings & Merrill3
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Technology & Software
Senior Designer Jobs in Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior designer job in Chicago?
The strongest path into a senior designer role in Chicago is building a portfolio that reflects the city's dominant sectors: advertising and brand agencies concentrated in River North, tech and product companies in Fulton Market, and CPG brands headquartered throughout the Loop. Candidates who show cross-functional collaboration with marketing or product teams and experience with both digital and physical touchpoints stand out in Chicago's agency-heavy market.
Which companies hire senior designers in Chicago?
Companies currently hiring senior designers in Chicago include Sargent & Lundy, Gensler, and Amazon, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's hiring mix runs from global ad agencies and Fortune 500 brand teams to fast-growing tech companies and regional healthcare systems, all with consistent demand for senior design talent.
Are there remote senior designer jobs in Chicago?
Yes, though availability varies by specialty: digital product and UX-focused roles are the most remote-friendly, while brand, environmental, and agency roles more often require in-person collaboration. About 74% of senior designer openings tied to Chicago are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. In-house corporate design teams in the Loop tend to offer the most hybrid flexibility among Chicago employers.
How can I get a senior designer job in Chicago with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path in Chicago is landing a junior or mid-level designer role at one of the city's many independent creative or digital agencies in River North or the West Loop, then building toward senior-level projects. Chicago's strong internship culture at CPG companies like those headquartered along the lakefront corridor also creates a reliable pipeline into full-time roles for candidates who demonstrate initiative and cross-platform range.
Which industries hire the most senior designers in Chicago?
Most senior designer openings in Chicago sit in Construction & Real Estate, Consulting & Professional Services, and Technology & Software, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Chicago's dense concentration of advertising agencies, established consumer brands, and a growing tech sector means design talent is in demand across both traditional and digital channels year-round.
See All 65 Senior Designer Jobs in Chicago
Find roles in Chicago that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Senior Designer Jobs