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

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting ... Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.

Senior Systems Engineer ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting ... Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.

Senior Systems Engineer ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting ... Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.

Lead Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145 - $170/hr

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related field * 7+ years of related systems engineering experience on DoD/federal programs, including software development, solution delivery ...

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major ... Wireless communication systems and protocols particularly 802.11 and Satellite (MEO, LEO, GEO)

... (CAD, RMS, and related applications) running on customer-owned infrastructure. The field engineer acts as a generalist across servers, virtualization, operating systems, networking, storage, and ...

Field Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$50 - $52.50/hr

... (CAD, RMS, and related applications) running on customer-owned infrastructure. The field engineer ... systems, networking, storage, and application deployment. Much of the work follows standardized ...

Principal Systems Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

System Engineering * Drive product and feature requirements, architecture, design, and test ... Bachelor's (BS) or Master's (MS) engineering degree, preferably in Computer Engineering, Software ...

Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer engineering, or related field; or equivalent work experience. * 5+ years in network/systems engineering roles. * Experience with enterprise ...

Systems Engineer II

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Description The Role In an exciting and fast-paced work environment, the Systems Engineer II is ... all computer systems and network infrastructure. * Timely and effective communication with ...

Systems Engineer II

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

... environment, the Systems Engineer II is responsible for the integrity of internal systems ... all computer systems and network infrastructure. * Timely and effective communication with ...

Systems Engineer II

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

The Role In an exciting and fast-paced work environment, the Systems Engineer II is responsible for ... all computer systems and network infrastructure. * Timely and effective communication with ...

Showing results 21-40

Computer Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$54.6K

$104.4K

$183K

How much do computer systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $104,422.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,200.00 and $136,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Computer Systems Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectComputer Systems EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, or MicrosoftBachelor's in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related, with Cisco certifications (CCNA, CCNP)
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and maintaining computer systems, hardware, and softwareDesigning, implementing, and managing network infrastructure and security
Employer & IndustryTech companies, IT departments, system integratorsTelecommunications, enterprise IT, data centers

Computer Systems Engineers focus on creating and maintaining integrated computer systems, including hardware and software. Network Engineers specialize in designing and managing network infrastructure. Both roles require technical certifications and often work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are some common challenges computer systems engineers face when working on cross-functional projects?

Computer Systems Engineers often collaborate with software developers, network specialists, and IT support teams on complex projects. A common challenge is ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software components, which requires clear communication and thorough documentation. Balancing competing priorities from different stakeholders while maintaining system performance and security can also be demanding. Proactively addressing these challenges involves regular team meetings, detailed planning, and flexibility to adapt to evolving project requirements.

What is a computer systems engineer?

As a computer systems engineer, you test network information to find gaps and get ahead of potential system issues and provide solutions. Your job duties may include collecting and testing information, performing backup and recovery procedures, and training other employees on best data security practices. Depending on the size of your company, you may be tasked with creating a long-term technology plan to ensure that workstations and business technology remain up-to-date, secure, and able to meet business needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer systems engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Systems Engineer, you need strong analytical skills, a solid background in computer science or engineering, and expertise in systems architecture, often supported by a relevant bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with operating systems, networking protocols, cloud computing platforms, and certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft are commonly required. Problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for collaborating on complex projects and translating technical requirements. These competencies ensure the successful design, implementation, and maintenance of robust, efficient, and secure computer systems.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

Infographic showing various Computer Systems Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,422 per year, or $50.2 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer

SES

Chicago, IL • On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Senior Systems Engineer
ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer. You will help us design and develop solutions aimed at providing key features, functionality, and future vision for Commercial Aviation connectivity to deliver an at home internet access experience while sitting on an airplane. Solutions integrate many individual sub-systems from the users' connected devices, through the aircraft, across satellites, ground-based teleports, data centers, and to the internet. Solutions are knit together and defined with various development teams and disciplines, product management, and support organizations.
The ideal candidate for this role will be a working member of the Commercial Aviation systems engineering team delivering quality technical solutions that address strategic technical and business needs carrying through concept, design, deployment, and field support. This role requires solid understanding of networking, ability to learn cutting edge technology and to drive its application to next generation solution realization, being able to communicate technical solutions and concepts in both written and verbal means to a variety of people and organizations, and contribute to cross-functional teams (such as hardware engineering, network engineering, satellite engineering, operations, satellite capacity planning) within SES, with suppliers, and with customers.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS
  • You will investigate new technologies and prove out their applicable use to SES' Commercial Aviation in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems.
  • Define system-level technical requirements for IFEC systems.
  • Define sub-system requirements for on-aircraft and ground-based IFEC hardware / servers.
  • Design and document high-level architecture for IFEC systems.
  • Work with Product Owners to review and refine epic and feature-level business requirements.
  • Work with Software Developers to refine feature-level software designs.
  • Work with Testers to ensure test cases accurately cover all technical requirements.
  • Be the point person resolving issues that appear in the field.

COMPETENCIES
  • Proven ability to understand complex systems comprised of communication, computing, and internet technologies.
  • Ability to aggregate, organize, and present complex technical information.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects efficiently.
  • Excellent analytical skills and ability to think critically.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in an international, multi-site environment.
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.
  • Minimum of 4 years' experience writing technical requirements for embedded and/or telecommunication systems, system-level would be a bonus
  • Excellent working knowledge of common web / networking protocols (e.g. QUIC, TCP / IP, HTTP Services), RF communication protocols (e.g. 802.11), hardware functional understanding (e.g. compute resources and memory, communication mechanisms such as ethernet and discretes), and software functional understanding (e.g. VMs, Docker containers, software engineering concepts).
  • Knowledge and understanding of the following areas:
  • Web service and cloud computing infrastructure.
  • Network infrastructures including routers, gateways, SD-WANs, deep packet inspection systems, load balancers, and firewalls.
  • Wireless communication systems and protocols particularly 802.11 and Satellite (MEO, LEO, GEO).
  • Experience with front end process flow; understanding of process inputs from Product Management and needed outputs to Development and Test.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS
It would be nice if you had:
  • Data management experience in areas such as data capture and distribution, data storage techniques, and data display techniques.
  • End-to-end knowledge of 5G and satellite systems.
  • Master's degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.
  • Experience with Jama Connect or another requirements management tool.

The salary range for this full-time position is $110,600 - $152,100.
Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and geographic location. Individual compensation within the range is determined based on work location and a variety of factors, including job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and relevant education or training.
Additional compensation and benefits may apply depending on the location and terms of employment.
SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.
For more information on SES, click here.