1

Contract Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer - Design

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review engineering drawings, contract documents, RFIs, and project submissions for quality, accuracy, and completeness. * Provide technical guidance on roadway design, highway geometrics, drainage ...

... contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton delivers the mission-critical systems and services that keep our nation's skies safe, secure, and connected. We're ...

... contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton delivers the mission-critical systems and services that keep our nation's skies safe, secure, and connected. We're ...

... contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton delivers the mission-critical systems and services that keep our nation's skies safe, secure, and connected. We're ...

NEXCOM Senior Systems Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

... contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton delivers the mission-critical systems and services that keep our nation's skies safe, secure, and connected. We're ...

... contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton delivers the mission-critical systems and services that keep our nation's skies safe, secure, and connected. We're ...

... contract. As a trusted partner to the Federal Aviation Administration, Peraton delivers the mission-critical systems and services that keep our nation's skies safe, secure, and connected. We're ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$44

$75

How much do contract design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract design engineer in Chicago, IL is $44.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.35 and $60.45 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical work arrangements and expectations for a contract design engineer?

Contract Design Engineers often work on specific projects with defined durations, which may require flexibility in both location and hours depending on client needs. You might work independently or as part of an engineering team, collaborating closely with project managers, clients, and other stakeholders to deliver design solutions within set timelines. The role frequently involves juggling multiple projects simultaneously, requiring adaptability and strong organizational skills. This variety can provide exciting opportunities to expand your technical expertise, build a robust professional network, and gain exposure to diverse industries and design challenges.

What is a contract design engineer?

A Contract Design Engineer is a professional who designs and develops products, systems, or components on a temporary or project-based contract. They typically work for multiple companies or clients, applying engineering principles to create efficient and functional designs. Responsibilities may include CAD modeling, prototyping, and collaborating with teams to meet project requirements. Contract roles offer flexibility and varied experience but may require frequent job searching.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract design engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and a relevant engineering degree such as mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks), project management platforms, and certifications like PE or Chartered Engineer status are often preferred. Strong problem-solving, time management, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with cross-functional teams and meeting project deadlines. These abilities are essential for delivering high-quality design solutions on a contractual basis, ensuring project success and client satisfaction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Contract Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,694 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 363 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems (NGMS) is seeking a Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer to join our team. Systems Design Engineers coordinate across disciplines to ensure the system requirements and design are properly and thoroughly defined and captured. Tasking can include working with subject matter experts to decompose requirements, supporting trade studies of technical challenges, and guiding system design decision-making. System Design Engineers use Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools, generate and update specifications and Verification Cross Reference Matrices (VCRM) in DOORS.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.

This position may be contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

This position can be filled at the Principal Systems Design Engineer or Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer level based on specific requirements listed below.

Basic Qualifications for Principal Systems Design Engineer:

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 5 years of related experience; OR MS degree in STEM field with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD in STEM field with 1 year of related experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations
  • Working knowledge of DOORS and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Basic Qualifications for Sr Principal Systems Design Engineer:

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a STEM field with 8 years of related experience; OR MS degree in STEM field with 6 years of related experience; OR PhD in STEM field with 4 years of related experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations
  • Working knowledge of DOORS and/or Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methods and tools such as Cameo or similar tools
  • Candidate must be a US Citizen
  • Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance

Preferred Qualifications Principal/Sr. Principal Systems Design Engineer :

  • Experience working as part of an Agile team and maintaining awareness of cost and schedule constraints
  • Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
  • Working knowledge from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
  • Handson experience with MATLAB/Python
  • Proficiency with RFCAD suites such as ANSYS HFSS, CST Microwave Studio, or Keysight ADS
  • Advanced knowledge of digital signal processing (DSP) techniques, Software Defined Radio (SDR) platforms, and FPGAbased RF prototyping
  • Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBMRationalDOORS, EnterpriseArchitect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification crossreference artifacts
  • Handson experience applying AI/ML to RF classification, spectrum analysis, or adaptive beamforming
  • Experience supporting DoD programs during EMD and/or LRIP phases
  • Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass both hardware, software, and firmware
  • Top Secret security clearance
Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Northrop Grumman logo

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