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Computer Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ability to explain computational thinking, abstraction, iteration, recursion, and software development life cycle while preparing students for computer science coursework and software engineering ...

Ability to explain computational thinking, abstraction, iteration, recursion, and software development life cycle while preparing students for computer science coursework and software engineering ...

Ability to explain computational thinking, abstraction, iteration, recursion, and software development life cycle while preparing students for computer science coursework and software engineering ...

Ability to explain computational thinking, abstraction, iteration, recursion, and software development life cycle while preparing students for computer science coursework and software engineering ...

Ability to explain computational thinking, abstraction, iteration, recursion, and software development life cycle while preparing students for computer science coursework and software engineering ...

Engineer Co-op (2026)

Waukegan, IL · On-site +1

$20.10 - $27.12/hr

Pursuing a degree in a Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, Industrial, Computer Science or Computer Engineering. * Sophomore credit standing or higher. Additional information regarding the benefit ...

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Showing results 1-20

Computer Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$50K

$125.2K

$141.6K

How much do computer engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer engineering in Chicago, IL is $125,178.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,900.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Engineer, you need strong analytical skills, proficiency in computer architecture, hardware and software design, and at least a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages (such as C/C++ or Python), hardware description languages (like VHDL or Verilog), and tools like MATLAB or CAD software is common, and certifications like Cisco or CompTIA can be beneficial. Problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and troubleshooting technical issues. These skills and qualifications are essential for designing innovative computing solutions, ensuring reliable system performance, and succeeding in multidisciplinary engineering environments.

How do computer engineers typically collaborate with other departments in a tech company?

Computer engineers often work closely with software developers, hardware designers, and product managers to bring complex systems to life. Collaboration usually involves regular meetings to align on project goals, troubleshooting cross-disciplinary issues, and integrating hardware and software components. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as computer engineers must translate technical requirements and constraints between teams to ensure a smooth development process. This collaborative environment helps broaden your skill set and exposes you to various aspects of product development.

What is computer engineering?

Computer engineering is a field that combines principles of electrical engineering and computer science to design, develop, and maintain computer systems and hardware. Computer engineers work on both the hardware (such as processors, circuit boards, and memory devices) and the software that runs on these systems. Their work enables the creation of everything from smartphones and laptops to complex embedded systems in cars and medical devices. Computer engineering can also involve research, innovation, and improving the efficiency and performance of computers and related technologies.

What is the difference between Computer Engineering vs Computer Science?

AspectComputer EngineeringComputer Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentHardware and software development, embedded systems, device designSoftware development, algorithms, data structures, theoretical computing
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware firms, embedded systems companiesSoftware firms, research institutions, tech startups
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Computer Engineering focuses on designing and developing hardware and embedded systems, combining electrical engineering and computer science principles. Computer Science emphasizes software development, algorithms, and theoretical aspects of computing. While both fields overlap, Computer Engineering leans more toward hardware integration, whereas Computer Science centers on software and programming.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Computer Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Computer Engineering jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Computer Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,178 per year, or $60.2 per hour.
Software/Principal Software Engineer

Software/Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$135.80K - $182.10K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 336 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

103rd of 511 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: SAP
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!
As a Software Engineer/Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.
Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations. The Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the RF Business Unit. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration.
This position can be filled at the Software or Principal Software level based on specific requirements.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.
This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.
Basic Qualifications for Software Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 2+ years of engineering experience, or Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Experience creating Graphical User Interfaces
  • Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
  • Familiarity with relational database management systems using SQL
  • Experience Developing Software running Windows Operating Systems
  • Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
  • US Citizenship
  • Must be able to obtain an active Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance and meet Enhanced Security Review criteria prior to start which may vary by program(s).

Basic Qualifications for Principal Embedded Software Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 5+ years of engineering experience, or 3+ years with a Master's degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Experience creating Graphical User Interfaces
  • Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
  • Familiarity with relational database management systems using SQL
  • Experience Developing Software running Windows Operating Systems
  • Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
  • US Citizenship
  • Must be able to obtain an active Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance and meet Enhanced Security Review criteria prior to start which may vary by program(s).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C++ 11
  • Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc)
  • Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile.
  • Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Software on target hardware platforms
  • Experience with the Qt framework
  • Experience with DOORs requirements management
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities.

Primary Level Salary Range: $85,400.00 - $128,000.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $105,400.00 - $158,000.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939