Principal Mechanical Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois
Principal mechanical engineer jobs in Illinois draw from the state's deep manufacturing base, with major employers in Chicago, Rockford, and the broader Chicagoland corridor spanning aerospace, industrial machinery, and automotive supply chains. Companies like Caterpillar, Abbott, and Boeing subsidiaries have active engineering hiring programs, and many hold consistent H-1B visa and green card sponsorship histories for senior-level mechanical roles.
Find Principal Mechanical Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 14+ Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Illinois with Visa Sponsorship
See all Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Illinois with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Illinois with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Molex is seeking an experienced Mechanical Principal Engineer to design our industry leading high-power connector and cable systems for our big data, hyperscale and EV/Green customers. These creative, high-tech leading-edge components are critical for the future space in AI, high power storage, Green energy and Electrification we will use every day changing the world. Here at Molex, we are leading the industry, with our smart solutions to solve our customers toughest challenges. In this highly visible engineering position, you will join a team of professionals who are passionate to deliver the best products in the world to the market. Molex brings together innovation and technology to deliver electronic solutions to customers worldwide. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex offers a full suite of solutions and services for many markets, including data communications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, commercial vehicle and medical.
Our Team
As a Principal Engineer you will be responsible to design, model, analyze, characterize high-power connectors, cables, and systems within our Power and Signal enterprise division team. In this role you will provide technical expertise in connector, cable design for the exponentially growing data storage systems and AI market. This is a dynamic group of highly skilled professionals that will provide an opportunity for constant learning and innovation. This role will be leading projects from idea to high volume production. These new products drive the industry making a big impact on our customers and their products. The successful applicant will have the ability to appropriately plan and see assignments through to completion with minimal direction, provide leadership to other team members; develop timing, meet project schedules, manage risks, accurately quote design, and systematically solve problems of a complex scope.
What You Will Do
- With guidance from Sr. Engineers, develops new product designs and manage product extensions focused on our high power connector product line
- Provides technical support to customers, suppliers and inside personnel.
- Coordinates product activities with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and quality using the engineering change request (ECR) procedures.
- Support product test by coordinating with reliability lab (write test request, gather test sample, boards etc.)
- Checks manufacturing and sales drawings for completeness and accuracy.
- Responsible for making sure all products are properly released with accurate information
- Build prototype samples and perform validation.
- Run mechanical and thermal simulations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
- Drive IP submissions with our legal team
- 30% travel to HQ and customer sites as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 5+ years of design experience in connector products in 50A+ Applications
- Proficient in solid modeling experience to generate 3D models & 2-D drawings (NX)
- Demonstrated ability to analyze information and solve problems with sound solutions
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a global team environment
- UL and CSA experience
- Experience in Data and power interconnects between the Power shelf / IT gear and the rack-level infrastructure
- Direct design experience in one or more of:
- Hyperscaler OEM connector design (i.e. OCP or related)
- Datacenter Cable connectors 50A+
- Busbars for 1000+ applications including liquid cooling
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of design experience in connector products in 100A+ Applications
- Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering field
- Siemens NX and Team Center experience
- Knowledge of regulatory agency testing requirements (e.g., UL/CSA, NEBS, EMC/EMI requirements)
- Knowledge of MM / BOM loading software (SAP / TEAMCENTER)
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes
- Knowledge of material properties
- Proven presentation skills
- Understanding of GD&T
- Familiarity with high-speed PCB layout, signal integrity, assembly, and manufacturing.
- Experience in design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA), cost design (DFC), and design for manufacturing (DFM).
- Open Compute Project Member
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $110,000-$175,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.
Who We Are
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria are set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).
INTRODUCTION
Molex is seeking an experienced Mechanical Principal Engineer to design our industry leading high-power connector and cable systems for our big data, hyperscale and EV/Green customers. These creative, high-tech leading-edge components are critical for the future space in AI, high power storage, Green energy and Electrification we will use every day changing the world. Here at Molex, we are leading the industry, with our smart solutions to solve our customers toughest challenges. In this highly visible engineering position, you will join a team of professionals who are passionate to deliver the best products in the world to the market. Molex brings together innovation and technology to deliver electronic solutions to customers worldwide. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex offers a full suite of solutions and services for many markets, including data communications, consumer electronics, industrial, automotive, commercial vehicle and medical.
Our Team
As a Principal Engineer you will be responsible to design, model, analyze, characterize high-power connectors, cables, and systems within our Power and Signal enterprise division team. In this role you will provide technical expertise in connector, cable design for the exponentially growing data storage systems and AI market. This is a dynamic group of highly skilled professionals that will provide an opportunity for constant learning and innovation. This role will be leading projects from idea to high volume production. These new products drive the industry making a big impact on our customers and their products. The successful applicant will have the ability to appropriately plan and see assignments through to completion with minimal direction, provide leadership to other team members; develop timing, meet project schedules, manage risks, accurately quote design, and systematically solve problems of a complex scope.
What You Will Do
- With guidance from Sr. Engineers, develops new product designs and manage product extensions focused on our high power connector product line
- Provides technical support to customers, suppliers and inside personnel.
- Coordinates product activities with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and quality using the engineering change request (ECR) procedures.
- Support product test by coordinating with reliability lab (write test request, gather test sample, boards etc.)
- Checks manufacturing and sales drawings for completeness and accuracy.
- Responsible for making sure all products are properly released with accurate information
- Build prototype samples and perform validation.
- Run mechanical and thermal simulations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
- Drive IP submissions with our legal team
- 30% travel to HQ and customer sites as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
- 5+ years of design experience in connector products in 50A+ Applications
- Proficient in solid modeling experience to generate 3D models & 2-D drawings (NX)
- Demonstrated ability to analyze information and solve problems with sound solutions
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a global team environment
- UL and CSA experience
- Experience in Data and power interconnects between the Power shelf / IT gear and the rack-level infrastructure
- Direct design experience in one or more of:
- Hyperscaler OEM connector design (i.e. OCP or related)
- Datacenter Cable connectors 50A+
- Busbars for 1000+ applications including liquid cooling
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 10+ years of design experience in connector products in 100A+ Applications
- Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering field
- Siemens NX and Team Center experience
- Knowledge of regulatory agency testing requirements (e.g., UL/CSA, NEBS, EMC/EMI requirements)
- Knowledge of MM / BOM loading software (SAP / TEAMCENTER)
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes
- Knowledge of material properties
- Proven presentation skills
- Understanding of GD&T
- Familiarity with high-speed PCB layout, signal integrity, assembly, and manufacturing.
- Experience in design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA), cost design (DFC), and design for manufacturing (DFM).
- Open Compute Project Member
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $110,000-$175,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.
Who We Are
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria are set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).
Principal Mechanical Engineer Job Roles in Illinois
See all Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Illinois
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Principal Mechanical Engineer Jobs in IllinoisPrincipal Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies in Illinois sponsor visas for principal mechanical engineers?
Illinois employers with consistent sponsorship histories for senior mechanical engineering roles include Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, Baxter International, Motorola Solutions, and Boeing's Midwest operations. Aerospace and industrial equipment manufacturers in the Chicagoland area and Rockford corridor file Labor Condition Applications regularly for specialty occupation engineering positions, including principal-level roles requiring advanced mechanical engineering expertise.
Which visa types realistically fit principal mechanical engineer roles in Illinois?
Principal mechanical engineer roles qualify as specialty occupations, making the H-1B the most common path. Canadian and Mexican nationals can pursue TN visa status under the USMCA Engineer category with the appropriate degree. The E-3 visa is available to Australian citizens, and the H-1B1 visa covers Chilean and Singaporean nationals. EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green cards are available for permanent sponsorship, typically requiring PERM labor certification.
How to find principal mechanical engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate lists Illinois employers with verified sponsorship histories for principal mechanical engineer roles, letting you search by city and filter to companies that have actively filed for mechanical engineering positions. This is more targeted than broad job searches because you're starting from employers already willing to sponsor, which matters significantly at the principal level where sponsorship commitment from the employer is essential.
Which Illinois cities have the most principal mechanical engineer sponsorship jobs?
Chicago and its suburbs, particularly Deerfield, Abbott Park, and Schaumburg, concentrate the majority of sponsored principal mechanical engineer openings due to headquarters and R&D facilities for large multinationals. Rockford has a strong industrial machinery and aerospace manufacturing base with active engineering hiring. Peoria remains significant given Caterpillar's global headquarters presence and its extended supplier network throughout central Illinois.
Are there industry-specific factors in Illinois that affect principal mechanical engineer sponsorship?
Illinois has unusually strong demand for principal mechanical engineers across three distinct sectors: medical devices and life sciences concentrated in the northern suburbs, heavy industrial and construction equipment around Peoria and Decatur, and aerospace manufacturing near Rockford. University of Illinois and Northwestern graduate pipelines supply technical talent, but senior principal-level roles often draw internationally given the specialization required, sustaining consistent employer sponsorship activity across these sectors.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored principal 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.