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Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

We empower exceptional talents in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science to seek scientific ... An RF hardware engineer responsible for owning driving improvements in the analog/RF design ...

Engineer Hardware 3

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$124K - $164K/yr

Engineer Hardware 3 Location: Rolling Meadows, IL-60008 Major aerospace company is a trusted ... An advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering Minimum 7 years of RF and/or mixed signal ...

Hardware Machine Learning Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

Work hands-on with hardware engineers to implement, verify, and deploy ML inference solutions from proof-of-concept through production * Track and evaluate emerging research in neural architecture ...

Work hands-on with hardware engineers to implement, verify, and deploy ML inference solutions from proof-of-concept through production * Track and evaluate emerging research in neural architecture ...

Work hands-on with hardware engineers to implement, verify, and deploy ML inference solutions from proof-of-concept through production * Track and evaluate emerging research in neural architecture ...

Our 10-week internship is your chance to experience life as a Hardware Engineer at IMC. You'll have ... Computer Engineering, or a related degree * Must have proficient experience in Verilog ...

Our 10-week internship is your chance to experience life as a Hardware Engineer at IMC. You'll have ... Computer Engineering, or a related degree * Must have proficient experience in Verilog ...

Showing results 21-40

Computer Hardware Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$106.1K

$141K

$173K

How much do computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware engineer in Illinois is $140,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,300.00 and $165,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computer hardware engineer?

Computer hardware engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. They work to ensure that computer hardware functions efficiently and integrates seamlessly with software. These engineers are often involved in research, prototyping, and overseeing the manufacturing of hardware equipment. Their work is crucial in advancing technology and improving the performance of computer systems.

What do computer hardware engineers do?

Computer hardware engineers design and test new computer hardware components, such as screens, motherboards, and memory. They may also work with products that include a computer system, such as cars, home entertainment components, and appliances that connect to the internet. Your responsibilities include creating design drawings and collaborating with manufacturers to ensure the devices are produced to specifications. You may also work with software developers to ensure compatibility. You must be able to read and design technical drawings and be able to communicate effectively with all participants in the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer hardware engineer?

To thrive as a Computer Hardware Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, computer architecture, and circuit design, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering. Familiarity with hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), CAD software, and industry certifications like CompTIA or Cisco is often important. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate and innovate within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the effective design, testing, and optimization of reliable hardware systems that meet modern computing needs.

What are some common challenges faced by computer hardware engineers in collaborative projects with software teams?

Computer hardware engineers often collaborate closely with software developers to ensure seamless integration between hardware components and software applications. A frequent challenge is aligning timelines and technical requirements, as hardware development cycles can differ from software schedules. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both disciplines are essential to address compatibility issues and meet project deadlines. Building strong cross-functional relationships helps resolve these challenges and leads to successful product development.

What is the difference between Computer Hardware Engineer vs Computer Network Architect?

AspectComputer Hardware EngineerComputer Network Architect
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related field; certifications like Cisco CCNA are commonBachelor's in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related; certifications like Cisco CCNP are typical
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and developing computer hardware; labs and engineering facilitiesDesigning and implementing network systems; offices and data centers
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturing, research labsTelecommunications, large enterprises, data centers

Computer Hardware Engineers focus on designing and developing physical computer components, while Computer Network Architects plan and build data communication networks. Both roles require technical certifications and often work in technology-driven environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly in scope and focus.

What exactly does a computer hardware engineer do?

A computer hardware engineer designs, develops, tests, and improves computer components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and peripherals. They often work with CAD software, troubleshoot hardware issues, and ensure compatibility with software systems, requiring knowledge of electronics and engineering principles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in IL?

For Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,993 per year, or $67.8 per hour.

HARDWARE ENGINEER II with Security Clearance

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

The Multidomain Sensing, Targeting, and Survivability Division (MSTS), located in the Northwest Chicago suburbs, develops operational Electronic Warfare (EW) and targeting systems that provide situational awareness, self-protection, and offensive electronic attack capability to platforms across the spectrum from visible light IR to millimeter wave RF. By joining us, you’ll work on projects that help safeguard our nation related to land forces, rotary wing survivability systems, international and U.S. military electronic warfare systems, communications systems, missile warning systems and sensors, infrared counter-measure systems (IRCM), automatic test equipment, modeling and simulation, and situational awareness programs. The Hardware Engineering organization plays a key role in developing these solutions. The Hardware Design Engineer 2 role involves full life-cycle product development from system concept and requirements through design, implementation, test verification, production, and field support while working in integrated product teams spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management. Digital subsystem and circuit card designs utilize the latest FPGA technologies from all major vendors and device families including Xilinx, Altera, and Actel, and support high speed interfaces, Radio Frequency (RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing and processor interfaces. Job Description: As a Hardware Design Engineer 2, you will join our diverse team and be responsible for research, design, and development of digital hardware products. Your expertise in digital component design and analysis, modeling and simulation, circuit level design and test, and project leadership are desired for this position. Researches, designs, develops, and tests a variety of electronic equipment and systems, including radar and radiation detection equipment; radio, television and other communications equipment and systems; circuitry components; analog and digital computers; and control and test equipment. This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location. Basic Qualifications for a Principal Digital Design Engineer: - Bachelors’ degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 5 years of digital electronics design experience or a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline and 3 years of digital electronics design experience. - Digital circuit design experience, including simulation & schematic capture through test and integration - Prior hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex digital subsystems, such as complex circuit card development involving FPGAs, and/or embedded processors, and/or high-speed interfaces. - Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or less team members. - Demonstrated ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications. - Familiarity with documentation revision control and review systems similar to DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest. - US Citizen - Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start. Preferred Qualifications: - Advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering with a minimum 10 years of digital electronics design experience. - Working knowledge of Electronic Warfare systems. - Experience in Aerospace and/or Defense industries. - Recent circuit card design experience utilizing circuit-related tools including Cadence Concept, Allegro, and/or Mentor Dx Designer, Expedition. - Working experience with ClearCase/ClearQuest and DOORS Current Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance. - Proven skills to include: team leadership, mentoring others, communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally, being adaptable, creative, collaborative and also comfortable working independently and enjoying solving difficult problems.