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Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Hardware Machine Learning Engineer Chicago, United States; New York, United States We are deploying machine learning directly onto custom hardware - and we want you to help drive it from the ground ...

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 ...

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, a related field, or ... Design, develop, validate, debug, test and certify RF hardware systems for cellular connectivity in ...

... Engineers. Is proficient in computer equipment specifications for power and cooling needs. Working ... Hardware installation, troubleshooting, and repair skills in the area of network equipment. A ...

Computer Engineering

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $60/hr

You'll challenge advanced language models on topics like computer architecture and hardware design ... Computer Engineering - AI Data Trainer Type : Hourly Contract Compensation : $35-$60 /hour Location

Computer Vision Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

Computer Vision Engineer We have a world-class artificial intelligence team, which has the aim to ... Strong software, hardware, and systems development understanding * Programming fluency in C/C++ and ...

Basic knowledge of computer hardware and software. * Knowledge of computer development software as ... Azure Engineer,Software Developer Background Check : No Drug Screen : No

Basic knowledge of computer hardware and software. * Knowledge of computer development software as ... Azure Engineer,Software Developer Background Check : No Drug Screen : No

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming focused on software that operates/controls computer hardware and provides a platform for running end ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming focused on software that operates/controls computer hardware and provides a platform for running end ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$107K - $147K/yr

Systems software engineering/programming is a specialized area of software engineering/programming focused on software that operates/controls computer hardware and provides a platform for running end ...

... Computer Engineering, or related field of study * 2+ years of professional experience using modern C++ in a low-latency environment * Experience with software development for hardware platforms

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Showing results 1-20

Computer Hardware Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$112.8K

$149.9K

$183.9K

How much do computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware engineer in Chicago, IL is $149,886.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,600.00 and $176,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Which pays more, CS or CE?

Computer Hardware Engineers typically earn similar salaries to Computer Science professionals, but salaries can vary based on experience, location, and industry. Computer Science roles often have higher median pay due to broader application areas like software development and data analysis, while Computer Hardware Engineering focuses on designing and testing physical components. Both fields require technical skills and certifications, and salary differences are influenced by demand and specialization.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior computer hardware engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or at large technology companies, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation often involves leadership roles, advanced certifications, or working in regions with higher salary standards.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Computer hardware engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in executive or specialized roles within the tech industry. Senior engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, or leadership positions may reach high six-figure incomes, but $500,000 is rare for standard hardware engineering roles.

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 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 computer hardware engineers?

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 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 use CAD software and work in labs or manufacturing environments, requiring knowledge of electronics, programming, and industry standards.

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

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,886 per year, or $72.1 per hour.

Hardware Machine Learning Engineer

IMC

Chicago, IL

$127K - $167K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

We are deploying machine learning directly onto custom hardware - and we want you to help drive it from the ground up. This is an initiative where you'll have the rare opportunity to architect solutions from scratch, influence technical research direction, and see your work drive real impact in one of the most demanding computing environments in the world.

We build the hardware, the software, and the infrastructure, so when you hit a bottleneck, you can fix it - there's no vendor to wait on and no abstraction layer you're not allowed to touch. If you've ever wanted to push the boundaries of what's computationally possible, this role is for you. We're looking for researchers and experienced engineers from any background. Trading experience is a bonus, not a prerequisite.

Your Core Responsibilities

  • Architect and co-design ML models with traders, quant researchers, and software engineers, treating hardware constraints (latency budgets, resource limits, numerical precision) as first-class design inputs
  • Shape our custom hardware roadmap by translating ML model requirements into concrete architectural decisions
  • 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 search, machine learning systems and quantization methods, and determine what translates to measurable improvements in our systems

Your Skills and Experience

  • Solid understanding of hardware constraints and design trade-offs (e.g., pipelining, resource utilization, fixed-point arithmetic) that shape how ML models can be efficiently mapped onto FPGAs or custom ASICs
  • Experience with hardware fundamentals, whether through VHDL/SystemVerilog development, HLS tools, or ML-to-hardware frameworks like hls4ml, FINN, or Vitis AI
  • Understanding of machine learning fundamentals - neural network architectures, inference optimization, quantization techniques, ML frameworks such as PyTorch/TensorFlow
  • Proficiency in Python, C++, or similar languages for tooling, testing, and simulation
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across disciplines with both technical and non-technical teams

Nice to Have

  • Exposure to ML compiler infrastructure such as MLIR, TVM, XLA, or similar tools for lowering and optimizing models for hardware targets
  • Background in latency-sensitive or resource-constrained systems including high-frequency trading, particle physics data acquisition, real-time signal processing, or similar domains
  • Familiarity with functional verification methodologies (for example SystemVerilog, UVM, Cocotb)
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in EE, CS, Physics, or related field, or equivalent depth through industry or research experience