1

Associate Hardware Engineer Jobs in Homewood, IL

Service Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

As a key part of our Global Service network, you will troubleshoot issues, deploy hardware ... an Associate's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering with equivalent relevant experience ...

Service Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Diagnose and troubleshoot hardware, software, and network-related issues. * Escalate complex ... an Associate's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering with equivalent relevant experience ...

Service Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85 - $95/hr

Diagnose and troubleshoot hardware, software, and network-related issues. * Escalate complex ... an Associate's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering with equivalent relevant experience ...

Partner with Field Automation Engineers and customers to identify technical challenges and deliver ... Troubleshoot hardware, software, and operational issues involving liquid handling automation ...

Monitor data-center health using existing management tools, and respond to hardware issues as they ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, System Administration ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Associate Hardware Engineer information

See Homewood, IL salary details

$40K

$79.6K

$127.2K

How much do associate hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate hardware engineer in Homewood, IL is $79,600.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,100.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate hardware engineer?

Associate Hardware Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of computer hardware components such as circuit boards, processors, memory devices, and networks. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers and contribute to building prototypes, troubleshooting hardware issues, and supporting hardware integration with software systems. This role often requires a background in electrical or computer engineering and involves collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure hardware efficiency and reliability.

What are some common challenges associate hardware engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Associate Hardware Engineers often find that industry projects require balancing theoretical knowledge with practical constraints like cost, manufacturability, and tight deadlines. Unlike academic settings, industry roles demand strong collaboration with cross-functional teams such as software engineers, product managers, and manufacturing specialists. Adapting to established workflows, using industry-standard tools, and following rigorous documentation and testing protocols can be challenging but are essential for success and career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate hardware engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Hardware Engineer, you need a solid understanding of electronics, circuit design, and hardware troubleshooting, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, PCB design tools, and industry-standard testing equipment is often required, and certifications like IPC or familiarity with industry standards can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These combined skills ensure accurate hardware development, efficient collaboration, and successful project outcomes in a fast-paced engineering environment.

What is the difference between Associate Hardware Engineer vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectAssociate Hardware EngineerHardware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical or Computer Engineering, entry-level certificationsBachelor's or higher in Electrical or Computer Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentSupportive team, entry-level projects, collaborative labsDesign, develop, test hardware components, more independent responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, R&D labsElectronics, semiconductor, consumer electronics industries

In summary, Associate Hardware Engineers typically handle entry-level tasks and support roles, while Hardware Engineers take on more complex design and development responsibilities. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in experience level and project scope.

Is it hard to get a job as an associate hardware engineer?

Securing a position as an associate hardware engineer typically requires a relevant bachelor's degree in electrical or computer engineering, along with practical skills in circuit design and familiarity with hardware tools. Entry-level roles may be competitive, but having internships, certifications, or hands-on experience can improve job prospects.

What cities near Homewood, IL are hiring for Associate Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities near Homewood, IL with the most Associate Hardware Engineer job openings:

On-Site Service Engineer - Data Center/ Server Hardware

Chicago, IL


Unisys
IT Services • 10K+ employees

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

209th of 226 rated it services

Paid breaks

Uninterrupted breaks


Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

What success looks like in this role:

Unisys Corporation is seeking an experienced On-Site Service Engineer (OSE) to provide hands-on support for enterprise data center servers and hardware environments, including next-generation AI infrastructure.

This is a hands-on server hardware and break/fix role. The successful candidate will have direct experience diagnosing, repairing, replacing, and maintaining enterprise server hardware in a data center, field service, or customer-facing environment.

Prior AI experience is not required. Strong experience with enterprise servers and data center hardware is the priority.

What You'll Do

  • Provide on-site technical support for Dell PowerEdge and other enterprise server hardware
  • Diagnose and resolve server hardware failures and system issues to minimize customer downtime
  • Perform hands-on hardware installation, removal, replacement, and repair, including:
    • Memory/DIMMs
    • CPUs/processors
    • Power supplies
    • Fans and cooling components
    • Hard drives/SSDs
    • RAID/HBA components
    • NICs and other PCIe components
    • GPUs and accelerator hardware
    • Motherboards/system boards and other server components
  • Perform rack-and-stack, server installation, cabling, component swaps, and hardware configuration
  • Troubleshoot issues involving server hardware, BIOS/firmware, operating systems, and hardware diagnostics
  • Perform firmware and BIOS updates and utilize server management tools such as Dell iDRAC or comparable platforms
  • Execute both reactive break/fix and preventive maintenance following established procedures
  • Troubleshoot and isolate hardware failures using documented diagnostic procedures and technical resources
  • Work directly with customers and internal technical teams during service events to communicate status, troubleshoot issues, and drive resolution
  • Accurately document service activities, hardware replacements, troubleshooting steps, and resolution details
  • Escalate complex technical issues when appropriate
  • Participate in on-call rotations and provide extended coverage as required

You will be successful in this role if you have:

What You Bring - Required

  • 3+ years of hands-on experience supporting enterprise servers, data center hardware, or similar infrastructure
  • Direct, hands-on experience physically working on server hardware - installing, removing, diagnosing, repairing, or replacing server components
  • Experience troubleshooting and replacing components such as memory, CPUs, power supplies, storage, RAID/HBA, NICs, fans/cooling systems, PCIe components, or GPUs
  • Experience working with rack-mounted enterprise servers in a data center, field service, or customer environment
  • Strong understanding of server hardware architecture and troubleshooting methodology
  • Experience with hardware diagnostics, BIOS/firmware, and server management tools
  • Familiarity with Linux or similar operating systems
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to independently diagnose hardware issues
  • Comfortable working independently in a customer-facing environment
  • Ability to clearly communicate technical issues and resolutions to customers and internal teams
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., travel to customer sites, and support flexible/on-call schedules

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting Dell PowerEdge servers
  • Dell or other enterprise hardware certifications
  • Experience with iDRAC, iLO, or comparable server management platforms
  • Experience supporting GPU/AI server infrastructure
  • Experience with data center operations, rack/stack, structured cabling, or server deployment
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or a related field

Important Note

AI infrastructure experience is not required. Candidates with strong enterprise server and data center hardware experience who are willing to learn emerging AI platforms are encouraged to apply.

#LI-BW1

This role may require access to export-controlled commodities and technology. Therefore, to conform to U.S. export control regulations, applicant should be eligible for any required authorizations from the U.S. Government.

Unisys is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to age, caste, citizenship, color, disability, family medical history, family status, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, parental status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, veteran status or any other category protected by law.

This commitment includes our efforts to provide for all those who seek to express interest in employment the opportunity to participate without barriers. If you are a US job seeker unable to review the job opportunities herein, or cannot otherwise complete your expression of interest, without additional assistance and would like to discuss a request for reasonable accommodation, please contact our Global Recruiting organization at GlobalRecruiting@unisys.com or alternatively Toll Free: 888-560-1782 (Prompt 4). US job seekers can find more information about Unisys' EEO commitment here.



What Unisys employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom