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Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

CNH Industrial N.V.

Senior Systems Engineer

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

Engineering and Technical Job Type for Job Posting: Full Time Working Mode for Job Posting: Hybrid ... Exposure to autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle systems. * Hands-on experience with CAN tools ...

DRW

Trade Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

We value autonomy and the ability to quickly pivot to capture opportunities, so we operate using ... As a Trade Systems Engineer , you'll have the opportunity to learn and grow while supporting our ...

icorp

Engineer Site Support

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

We are seeking a skilled and autonomous Systems & Infrastructure Engineer to join our team for a long-term freelance collaboration. In this role, you will manage, troubleshoot, and optimize our core ...

icorp

Engineer Site Support

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$40 - $55/hr

We are seeking a skilled and autonomous Systems & Infrastructure Engineer to join our team for a long-term freelance collaboration. In this role, you will manage, troubleshoot, and optimize our core ...

icorp

Engineer Site Support

Woodridge, IL

$40 - $55/hr

We are seeking a skilled and autonomous Systems & Infrastructure Engineer to join our team for a long-term freelance collaboration. In this role, you will manage, troubleshoot, and optimize our core ...

S&C

Electrical Engineer III (Power Systems)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

As a Electrical Engineer III (Power Systems), you'll be crucial in ensuring continued innovation ... All these require making quick autonomous decisions at the grid edge in response to information ...

Wabtec

Senior Director, Intelligent Solutions

Chicago, IL · On-site

This role oversees Systems Architecture, Automation Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and Cloud ... Perception, planning, and control for autonomous or semi-autonomous systems * Industrial automation ...

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All JobsAutonomous Systems Engineer JobsAutonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Autonomous Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.2K

$131.2K

$172.2K

How much do autonomous systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for autonomous systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $131,153.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $161,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior autonomous systems engineers, especially those with advanced expertise in robotics, machine learning, and control systems, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with experience, specialized skills, leadership roles, and working in industries like aerospace, defense, or autonomous vehicle development.

What does an Autonomous Systems Engineer do?

An Autonomous Systems Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes self-governing systems that operate with minimal human intervention. This includes robotics, self-driving vehicles, drones, and AI-driven automation. They work with sensors, machine learning, control systems, and software to ensure reliable decision-making and adaptability in dynamic environments. Their role often involves testing, simulation, and integration of hardware and software components to improve system efficiency and safety.

How much do autonomous systems engineers make?

Autonomous systems engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $90,000 and $130,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior engineers with specialized skills in robotics, machine learning, and sensor integration can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Autonomous Systems Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Autonomous Systems Engineer, you need strong expertise in robotics, control systems, sensor integration, and proficiency in languages such as Python or C++, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with simulation tools like ROS (Robot Operating System), MATLAB/Simulink, and experience deploying algorithms on embedded hardware are typically required. Effective problem-solving, strong teamwork, and clear communication are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing reliable autonomous solutions, troubleshooting complex issues, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams for successful system deployment.

What are some common challenges faced by Autonomous Systems Engineers and how are they addressed?

Autonomous Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating diverse hardware and software components, achieving robust sensor fusion, and ensuring system reliability in unpredictable environments. Addressing these challenges typically involves rigorous simulation testing, iterative algorithm development, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams in software, hardware, and systems engineering. Engineers must also stay updated with advancements in machine learning and robotics to continually refine and enhance system capabilities. Employers support these efforts through ongoing training, collaborative problem-solving sessions, and investment in advanced prototyping resources.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced autonomous systems engineers working in specialized fields such as aerospace, defense, or advanced robotics can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with seniority, advanced skills in AI and machine learning, and leadership roles. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives in addition to base salary.

What do autonomous systems engineers do?

Autonomous systems engineers design, develop, and test systems that operate independently, such as self-driving vehicles or robotic automation. They work with sensors, algorithms, and control systems, often using programming languages like C++ or Python, and may require knowledge of machine learning, robotics, and embedded systems.
What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Autonomous Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Autonomous Systems Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 33% In-person, and 67% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,153 per year, or $63.1 per hour.
Embedded Software Engineer

Embedded Software Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Itasca, IL

$128K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Title: Embedded Firmware Engineer
Location: Seattle, WA
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Compensation: 150-220k
Must have Skill Set:

  • Must have Professional C programming experience (Required)
  • Must have Embedded firmware development experience
  • Must have Java experience (used for decoding compressed data and supporting software tools)
  • Experience debugging at the hardware/software interface
  • Ability to read hardware schematics and component datasheets
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Highly Preferred
  • Bare-metal embedded development experience
  • ARM microcontroller experience
  • GNU toolchains
  • Serial communication protocols (UART, SPI, I²C)
  • Embedded software testing and verification

Overview:

Join a small, highly collaborative engineering team developing fully autonomous robotic vehicles that operate in the world's oceans to support environmental and climate research. This is a unique opportunity to develop firmware for sophisticated autonomous systems where software reliability, efficiency, and precision are critical.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy working close to the hardware and solving challenging low-level programming problems rather than developing desktop or web applications.

Job Duties:

  • Design, develop, and maintain embedded firmware in C
  • Develop software for ARM-based embedded controllers
  • Implement efficient data compression algorithms used by autonomous ocean robotics
  • Support Java-based software used to decode and process collected data
  • Integrate firmware with sensors, electronics, and embedded hardware
  • Debug complex hardware/software interactions
  • Develop unit tests and verification procedures
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers throughout the product lifecycle
Relocation Assistance Available
Please Note: Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates relocating within the U.S. This position is not eligible for candidates requiring current or future visa sponsorship or visa transfers.


Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.