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Computer Architecture Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Required : โ€ข Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field is required. โ€ข TOGAF 9.2 or TOGAF 10 Certified (mandatory) -- both ...

CWI CAD Designer

Millstadt, IL ยท On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The CAD Designer is responsible for creating, modifying, and maintaining detailed shop ... Interpret architectural plans, specifications, and design documents to develop accurate ...

Excellent marks in courses such as computer architecture, digital design, design verification * No finance or economics study or work experience required INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS are encouraged to ...

Excellent marks in courses such as computer architecture, digital design, design verification * No finance or economics study or work experience required INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS are encouraged to ...

Strong knowledge of computer architecture, caching, memory hierarchies, data flow and software optimization. * Extensive experience developing in a Linux environment. * Internship to 6 years of ...

Strong knowledge of computer architecture, caching, memory hierarchies, data flow and software optimization. * Extensive experience developing in a Linux environment. * Internship to 6 years of ...

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field * 10+ years of software engineering experience, including 5+ years in solution or systems architecture * 5+ ...

This role demands expert knowledge of digital circuits, tools, and computer architecture, and a relentless drive to push systems to their maximum performance potential. If the following resonates ...

CWI CAD/CAM Designer

Millstadt, IL ยท On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Interpret architectural plans, specifications, and project requirements to develop accurate ... Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or other CAD software. * Experience with CAM software and CNC ...

New

CUPE-Automne/Fall 2026- AE/TA-CEG2136A

Campus, IL ยท On-site

$31.89 - $50.25/hr

Computer Architecture I Course Code: CEG2136A Section: A Supervisor name (if known): Basim Hafidh Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/07/03 Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/08/21 ...

Computer Architecture I Course Code: CEG2136B Section: B Supervisor name (if known): Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/07/03 Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD): 2026/08/21 Description of ...

Showing results 41-60

Computer Architecture information

See Illinois salary details

$154.6K

$169.6K

$183.1K

How much do computer architecture jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer architecture in Illinois is $169,579.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $162,300.00 and $176,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Computer Architecture vs Computer Hardware Engineer?

AspectComputer ArchitectureComputer Hardware Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and optimizing the overall structure and organization of computer systemsDesigning, developing, and testing physical computer components and systems
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, design firms, academiaManufacturing facilities, hardware development companies
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields
Industry UsageUsed by system designers, researchers, and academiaUsed by hardware manufacturers, product developers, and engineers

While both roles involve working with computer systems, Computer Architecture focuses on designing the overall system structure and performance optimization, whereas Computer Hardware Engineers work on creating and testing physical components. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in computer architecture, and why are they important?

To thrive in Computer Architecture, you need a solid background in computer engineering or computer science, with expertise in digital logic design, processor organization, and systems-level integration. Familiarity with hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), simulation tools, and industry-standard architectures (like x86, ARM, or RISC-V) is commonly required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on complex hardware projects. These competencies ensure the development of efficient, reliable, and innovative computing systems that meet performance and power requirements.

What is computer architecture?

Computer architecture refers to the design and organization of a computer's core components, including the central processing unit (CPU), memory systems, input/output controls, and data paths. It defines how these elements interact to execute instructions and perform tasks efficiently. Computer architects focus on optimizing performance, power consumption, and cost by making choices about hardware structure and instruction sets. Understanding computer architecture is crucial for developing faster, more reliable, and energy-efficient computing systems.

How do you become a computer architect?

To become a computer architect, typically a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or computer science is required, often followed by a master's degree for advanced roles. Gaining experience in hardware design, digital logic, and systems architecture, along with proficiency in programming languages and hardware description languages like VHDL or Verilog, is essential. Certifications and hands-on experience with designing and testing computer systems can also enhance career prospects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in computer architecture roles?

Professionals in computer architecture often encounter challenges such as balancing performance improvements with power efficiency and cost constraints. They must stay up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies and address compatibility issues when integrating new hardware or optimizing existing systems. Collaboration is crucial, as computer architects frequently work with software engineers, hardware designers, and verification teams to ensure cohesive system design and functionality. Managing tight project deadlines and complex system requirements can also be demanding, but these challenges foster continuous learning and innovation within the field.

What can you do with computer architecture?

A computer architecture professional designs, analyzes, and optimizes computer systems, including processors, memory, and input/output devices. They work on improving performance, efficiency, and scalability of hardware components, often using tools like simulation software and hardware description languages. This role requires knowledge of digital logic, system design, and programming skills, and may involve collaboration with software developers and hardware engineers.

Is computer architecture in demand?

Computer architecture is a specialized field within computer engineering and is in steady demand due to the ongoing need for designing efficient processors, embedded systems, and hardware components. Professionals with skills in digital design, VHDL/Verilog, and knowledge of emerging technologies like quantum computing are sought after in industries such as technology, manufacturing, and research institutions.
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Computer Architecture jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Computer Architecture job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Architecture job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $169,579 per year, or $81.5 per hour.

Managing Director, Enterprise Architecture & Technology Strategy

BDO USA

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Job description


Job Summary:
The Managing Director is responsible for leading BDO's enterprise architecture function across applications, data, integration, cloud, and security. The Enterprise Architect bridges the needs of our business stakeholders with a comprehensive technical plan to reduce redundancy and establish a future forward roadmap. This role owns the target-state technology blueprint that enables the firm's governed federated operating model and supports BDO's growth from $3B to $6B.
This role establishes enterprise standards, reference architectures, and governance guardrails that empower federated technology teams to operate with agility while minimizing technical debt and redundant investment. This leader chairs the architecture review board, evaluates major technology initiatives and vendor selections, and works closely with the CISO to embed security into solution design from the outset.
Job Duties:
  • Provides strategic leadership and direction for BDO's enterprise architecture function, including ownership of the target-state blueprint across applications, data, integration, cloud, and security
  • Establishes and maintains enterprise reference architectures, design patterns, and standards that govern federated business technology teams while enabling speed, scalability, and disciplined execution
  • Chairs the Enterprise Architecture Review Board and ensures architecture decisions, exceptions, and rationale are documented, communicated, and consistently applied across National IT and federated teams
  • Reviews major technology investments, vendor selections, and platform decisions to reduce duplication, control technical debt, and ensure alignment with the firm's target-state architecture and business priorities
  • Owns enterprise application portfolio strategy, including retain, modernize, retire, and replace decisions, in partnership with Enterprise Platforms, Data & AI, and business stakeholders
  • Defines and establishes enterprise integration, API, data, AI, and cloud architecture standards in partnership with Data & AI and Infrastructure & Cloud Operations, including event-driven patterns, master data strategy, Azure standards, landing zones, and platform guardrails
  • Partners with many of our executive leaders across the firm to ensure embed security and identity architecture are built into solution design, ensuring zero-trust principles, secure-by-default patterns, and appropriate control coverage across the technology estate
  • Leads M&A technology due diligence and integration architecture planning for acquisitions, including target-state integration blueprints, application rationalization, and cutover planning
  • Establishes developer platform and CI/CD standards; maintains architecture standards, decision records, and documentation; and implements technical debt governance and reporting to support secure delivery, transparency, and remediation prioritization
  • Builds and leads an architecture community of practice, evaluates emerging technologies, and advises not only the CIO and IT senior leadership team but also business line leaders on architecture trade-offs, investment decisions, adoption priorities, and enterprise technology strategy
  • Other duties as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Directly manages enterprise architects, application architects, data architects, integration architects, and security architecture liaisons; provides coaching, performance management, and career development
  • Leads architecture team capacity planning, hiring, onboarding, and capability development; builds a team of senior architecture talent aligned to the firm's growth strategy
  • The role also has direct people management responsibility for leading enterprise, application, data, integration, and security architects, including coaching, performance management, workforce planning, recruitment, and capability building

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or IT, required
  • Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or Technology Management, preferred

Experience
  • Fifteen (15) or more years of progressive IT experience spanning enterprise architecture, application development, cloud, integration, and/or data platforms, required
  • Ten (10) or more years of leadership experience with direct responsibility for enterprise architecture within a large, federated, or regulated organization, required
  • Five (5) or more years of people leadership experience, including team oversight, coaching, and performance management, required
  • Proven success leading application portfolio rationalization efforts that delivered measurable reductions in software spend and technical debt, required
  • Experience leading enterprise architecture governance, including chairing architecture review boards, influencing large-scale technology investment decisions, and defining integration and API strategies across event-driven architecture and enterprise integration platforms, required
  • Experience working within a large, complex, federated, regulated, or professional services environment with $5B+ in revenue or comparable scale, preferred
  • Experience leading M&A technical due diligence and integration architecture, and partnering with data leadership to establish enterprise data architecture and master data standards; exposure to AI/ML reference architectures, model management, and enterprise AI governance, preferred

License(s)/Certification(s)
  • TOGAF, Zachman, or equivalent enterprise architecture certification, preferred
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (or AWS/GCP equivalent), preferred

Software
  • Hands-on experience designing and governing enterprise Azure architecture, including landing zones and platform engineering standards, while proficient with all of Microsoft Azure at an enterprise scale, required
  • Experience with any integration platforms (Ex: Azure API Management, MuleSoft, Boomi, or comparable), preferred
  • Experience with any enterprise collaboration and productivity tools including ServiceNow, Microsoft 365, Power BI, Visio, or Lucidchart, preferred

Language(s)
  • N/A

Other Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strong strategic mindset with the ability to connect enterprise architecture decisions to firm strategy, growth objectives, and measurable business outcomes
  • Ability to translate business priorities into architecture roadmaps, standards, and execution plans that can be adopted effectively across federated teams
  • Strong executive presence, influence, and communication skills, with the ability to align diverse stakeholders around a common target state
  • Ability to apply governance in a balanced and pragmatic way, establishing standards while preserving appropriate autonomy for federated teams
  • Comfort working through ambiguity and bringing structure and clarity through frameworks, decision processes, and architecture documentation
  • Strong analytical and systems-thinking capabilities, with the ability to identify patterns, interdependencies, and systemic issues across a complex enterprise portfolio
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop executive-ready architecture briefings and board-level materials

Individual salaries that are offered to a candidate are determined after consideration of numerous factors including but not limited to the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and geography.
National Range: $195,000 - $295,000
Maryland Range: $195,000 - $295,000
NYC/Long Island/Westchester Range: $195,000 - $295,000
About Us
At BDO, how we show up matters. We build strong relationships by supporting one another, our clients, and our communities with care, curiosity, and a commitment to helping one another grow and succeed. Here, you'll find meaningful work, leaders invested in your success, and opportunities to build a career around what matters most to you.
Our purpose is to be the people our clients count on to grow with confidence and achieve what matters most. Our values guide how we bring that purpose to life each day. Together, they shape how we work with one another, serve our clients, and create meaningful impact.
BDO provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to clients across the U.S. and around the world. No matter your role, you'll be part of a team helping clients navigate complexity and move forward with clarity.
We are proud to be an ESOP company, offering participants a stake in the firm's success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. As a qualified retirement plan, the ESOP is a meaningful addition to our comprehensive compensation and Total Rewards benefits* offerings. It also reinforces an ownership mindset that strengthens our connection to one another, our clients, and the future we're building together.
Learn more about our benefits: BDO Total Rewards encompass more than traditional benefits. Click here to find out more!
*Benefits may be subject to eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets
Click here to find out more!