Mechanical Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Illinois is a strong market for mechanical engineer visa sponsorship, with major employers like Caterpillar, Abbott, Navistar, and Boeing operating across the state. Chicago leads in sponsorship activity, but Peoria and the Quad Cities also offer significant opportunities in manufacturing, heavy equipment, and industrial systems engineering.
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Get Access To All JobsAs an S&C Electric team member, you’ll work on projects that have real-world impact. You’ll help transform the grid for resilient and reliable power worldwide. S&C has more than a 100-year history of innovation and has been 100% employee-owned since 2012. We continue this legacy as a trusted, forward-thinking leader in the electrical industry. You will advance a safer, more reliable, and more resilient electrical grid. Our products help the grid adapt to severe weather and transition to clean energy. We’re big enough to be a respected industry leader but small enough for you to impact our company directly. Our commitment gives you opportunities to impact on and off the job positively.
Join S&C to make an impact on tomorrow’s energy challenges and become an employee-owner.
Hours
- 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Mon-Fri) Hybrid
Flexible Start Time
Compensation
At S&C, we are dedicated to providing competitive and equitable compensation for all our team members, and we are committed to transparency in our pay practices. The estimated annual base salary range for this position is $53,710-$67,140. Individual pay within this salary range is determined by several compensable factors, including performance, knowledge, job-related skills and experience, and relevant education or training. This role is also eligible for S&C’s annual incentive plan (AIP), subject to eligibility criteria.
Join Our Team as a Mechanical Designer!
S&C Electric Company is seeking a dynamic individual to join our Engineering function. As a Mechanical Designer, you’ll be crucial in ensuring smooth operations and supporting our diverse team.
S&C is a global provider of equipment and services for electric power systems. Founded in 1911, the Chicago-based company designs and manufactures switching and protection products for electric power transmission and distribution systems. S&C’s Custom Engineering organization designs Engineer-To-Order solutions for a portfolio of products including Circuit-Switchers and Transmission Fuses for a wide range of customers including electric utilities and industrial/commercial power users. In this job, you will report to the Manager – Custom Engineering.
Key Responsibilities:
- Using 3-D modeling software to develop new parts and assemblies.
- Working with engineers and product specialists in the development of custom features for existing switch and fuse products.
- Creating and maintaining mechanical designs, engineering documents, and bills of material associated with existing and new products, being responsible for mechanical functionality of assigned projects.
- Integrating S&C automation products with other electronics and custom assemblies to meet customer specifications.
- Preparing detailed drawings used for purposes of customer approval, manufacturing, and final assembly.
- Working within a team environment including interacting with other design professionals and members of the Sales Services, Production Planning and Assembly groups.
- Troubleshooting complex assembly problems and developing solutions to design challenges.
- Must be able to work independently, meet productivity and due dates of assignments.
- Participating in cross-functional design teams to ensure customer needs are satisfied through high-quality product designs that are delivered in a timely manner.
- Providing engineering support to other S&C team members by acting as a technical resource for problem-solving activities in both design and production processes.
- Frequently required to lift, carry, push and pull items ranging in weight from 5 to 35 lbs.
What you’ll need to succeed:
- Associate degree in Mechanical Design or a related field required; bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline preferred.
- Experience in design and drafting of industrial equipment.
- Proficiency in the use of CAD systems, specifically 3D modeling, preferably SolidEdge and MicroStation.
- General knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
- Good PC skills including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Word. Experience with MS Access is a plus.
- Experience in, or working knowledge of, high voltage switching, and protection products and systems with electrical aptitude is not required but is a strong plus.
- Must be self-motivated, well-organized, and skilled decision maker that is comfortable in a fast-paced design and manufacturing environment.
- Strong technical abilities with good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Outstanding problem-solving skills.
Major Physical Demands:
- Standing: Occasional standing for work.
- Lifting: Occasional lifting of switchgear components, less than 40 pounds.
- Walking: Occasional walking throughout the facility.
- Carrying: Occasional carrying of light objects.
- Pushing: Infrequent pushing of objects.
- Pulling: Infrequent pulling of objects.
- Bending: Occasional bending during access to equipment.
- Reaching: Infrequent reaching.
- Handling: Occasional handling of parts or tools.
Environment: Standard office
Ready to make an impact and become an employee-owner? Apply now to join our inclusive and innovative team! Explore open positions.
S&C Electric is committed to equal-opportunity employment. All employees and applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to complete the application, please email us at TAsupport@sandc.com.
No Fixed Deadline.
LI-JM1
In 1909, S&C Electric Company transformed the delivery of safe, reliable electricity with the invention of the Liquid Power Fuse. Today, as the world faces extreme weather events and the demand for electricity grows, S&C continues to innovate and advance the electrical grid, ensuring reliable and resilient power for homes, communities, and critical infrastructure around the world.
With a diverse, global workforce and core values around integrity, safety, and quality, S&C is a trusted industry leader and top workplace that offers meaningful careers to more than 3,500 team members. As a people-first organization, S&C is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace where team members advance their careers through robust talent-development programs and involved leadership.
S&C’s deeply rooted belief diversity fosters greater creativity, innovation, and success guides the company to advance and sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture.
S&C provides a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):
- Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical & Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Group Life Insurance, optional Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance, Wellbeing Resources including Employee Assistance Program and Family Forming Benefits (i.e., Adoption and Fertility support).
- Leave Benefits: Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Holidays and Company Shutdown days, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves, Paid Parental Time and Military Leave.
- Retirement Benefits: 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (KSOP) offering traditional and Roth 401(k) options and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) component; KSOP participants can receive annual ESOP company contributions of over 11% of eligible earnings (3% Core, up to 3.5% Match, Variable Periodic).
As an S&C Electric team member, you’ll work on projects that have real-world impact. You’ll help transform the grid for resilient and reliable power worldwide. S&C has more than a 100-year history of innovation and has been 100% employee-owned since 2012. We continue this legacy as a trusted, forward-thinking leader in the electrical industry. You will advance a safer, more reliable, and more resilient electrical grid. Our products help the grid adapt to severe weather and transition to clean energy. We’re big enough to be a respected industry leader but small enough for you to impact our company directly. Our commitment gives you opportunities to impact on and off the job positively.
Join S&C to make an impact on tomorrow’s energy challenges and become an employee-owner.
Hours
- 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (Mon-Fri) Hybrid
Flexible Start Time
Compensation
At S&C, we are dedicated to providing competitive and equitable compensation for all our team members, and we are committed to transparency in our pay practices. The estimated annual base salary range for this position is $53,710-$67,140. Individual pay within this salary range is determined by several compensable factors, including performance, knowledge, job-related skills and experience, and relevant education or training. This role is also eligible for S&C’s annual incentive plan (AIP), subject to eligibility criteria.
Join Our Team as a Mechanical Designer!
S&C Electric Company is seeking a dynamic individual to join our Engineering function. As a Mechanical Designer, you’ll be crucial in ensuring smooth operations and supporting our diverse team.
S&C is a global provider of equipment and services for electric power systems. Founded in 1911, the Chicago-based company designs and manufactures switching and protection products for electric power transmission and distribution systems. S&C’s Custom Engineering organization designs Engineer-To-Order solutions for a portfolio of products including Circuit-Switchers and Transmission Fuses for a wide range of customers including electric utilities and industrial/commercial power users. In this job, you will report to the Manager – Custom Engineering.
Key Responsibilities:
- Using 3-D modeling software to develop new parts and assemblies.
- Working with engineers and product specialists in the development of custom features for existing switch and fuse products.
- Creating and maintaining mechanical designs, engineering documents, and bills of material associated with existing and new products, being responsible for mechanical functionality of assigned projects.
- Integrating S&C automation products with other electronics and custom assemblies to meet customer specifications.
- Preparing detailed drawings used for purposes of customer approval, manufacturing, and final assembly.
- Working within a team environment including interacting with other design professionals and members of the Sales Services, Production Planning and Assembly groups.
- Troubleshooting complex assembly problems and developing solutions to design challenges.
- Must be able to work independently, meet productivity and due dates of assignments.
- Participating in cross-functional design teams to ensure customer needs are satisfied through high-quality product designs that are delivered in a timely manner.
- Providing engineering support to other S&C team members by acting as a technical resource for problem-solving activities in both design and production processes.
- Frequently required to lift, carry, push and pull items ranging in weight from 5 to 35 lbs.
What you’ll need to succeed:
- Associate degree in Mechanical Design or a related field required; bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline preferred.
- Experience in design and drafting of industrial equipment.
- Proficiency in the use of CAD systems, specifically 3D modeling, preferably SolidEdge and MicroStation.
- General knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
- Good PC skills including proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Teams, Excel, and Word. Experience with MS Access is a plus.
- Experience in, or working knowledge of, high voltage switching, and protection products and systems with electrical aptitude is not required but is a strong plus.
- Must be self-motivated, well-organized, and skilled decision maker that is comfortable in a fast-paced design and manufacturing environment.
- Strong technical abilities with good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Outstanding problem-solving skills.
Major Physical Demands:
- Standing: Occasional standing for work.
- Lifting: Occasional lifting of switchgear components, less than 40 pounds.
- Walking: Occasional walking throughout the facility.
- Carrying: Occasional carrying of light objects.
- Pushing: Infrequent pushing of objects.
- Pulling: Infrequent pulling of objects.
- Bending: Occasional bending during access to equipment.
- Reaching: Infrequent reaching.
- Handling: Occasional handling of parts or tools.
Environment: Standard office
Ready to make an impact and become an employee-owner? Apply now to join our inclusive and innovative team! Explore open positions.
S&C Electric is committed to equal-opportunity employment. All employees and applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to complete the application, please email us at TAsupport@sandc.com.
No Fixed Deadline.
LI-JM1
In 1909, S&C Electric Company transformed the delivery of safe, reliable electricity with the invention of the Liquid Power Fuse. Today, as the world faces extreme weather events and the demand for electricity grows, S&C continues to innovate and advance the electrical grid, ensuring reliable and resilient power for homes, communities, and critical infrastructure around the world.
With a diverse, global workforce and core values around integrity, safety, and quality, S&C is a trusted industry leader and top workplace that offers meaningful careers to more than 3,500 team members. As a people-first organization, S&C is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace where team members advance their careers through robust talent-development programs and involved leadership.
S&C’s deeply rooted belief diversity fosters greater creativity, innovation, and success guides the company to advance and sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture.
S&C provides a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):
- Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical & Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Group Life Insurance, optional Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance, Wellbeing Resources including Employee Assistance Program and Family Forming Benefits (i.e., Adoption and Fertility support).
- Leave Benefits: Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Holidays and Company Shutdown days, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves, Paid Parental Time and Military Leave.
- Retirement Benefits: 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (KSOP) offering traditional and Roth 401(k) options and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) component; KSOP participants can receive annual ESOP company contributions of over 11% of eligible earnings (3% Core, up to 3.5% Match, Variable Periodic).
Mechanical Engineer Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Mechanical Engineer Jobs in IllinoisMechanical Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for mechanical engineers in Illinois?
Illinois has a well-established base of manufacturers and industrial companies that regularly sponsor mechanical engineers. Caterpillar in Peoria, Navistar in Lisle, Abbott and Baxter in the Chicago suburbs, and John Deere facilities in the Quad Cities region are among the most active sponsors. Large aerospace and defense contractors near Chicago, including Boeing's operations, also file H-1B visa petitions for mechanical engineering roles with some regularity.
Which visa types are most common for mechanical engineer roles in Illinois?
The H-1B is the most widely used visa for mechanical engineers in Illinois, as the role consistently qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in mechanical engineering or a closely related field. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify for the TN visa under the USMCA. Engineers with extraordinary ability may pursue the O-1A, though that pathway is less common in manufacturing-heavy Illinois markets.
Which cities in Illinois have the most mechanical engineer sponsorship jobs?
Chicago and its surrounding suburbs, including Deerfield, Abbott Park, and Lisle, account for the largest share of mechanical engineering sponsorship activity in Illinois. Peoria is a major secondary hub due to Caterpillar's global headquarters and supplier network. The Quad Cities metro area, which straddles Illinois and Iowa, also generates consistent demand in agricultural and heavy equipment engineering.
How to find mechanical engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it easier to identify Illinois employers actively hiring mechanical engineers who need work authorization. Rather than sorting through thousands of unfiltered postings, you can browse roles already confirmed as sponsorship-eligible. Targeting companies in Illinois with established engineering functions, such as those in Peoria's manufacturing corridor or Chicago's industrial suburbs, improves your chances of finding a match.
Are there any state-specific considerations for mechanical engineers seeking sponsorship in Illinois?
Illinois employers filing H-1B petitions must meet Department of Labor prevailing wage requirements for the specific metropolitan area where the role is based, which differ between Chicago, Peoria, and the Quad Cities. University pipelines from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Illinois Institute of Technology supply many engineering graduates who go on to receive sponsorship from Illinois manufacturers. Optional Practical Training through these institutions is often the entry point before full H-1B sponsorship.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored mechanical engineer jobs in Illinois?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.