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Contract Digital Signal Processing Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

FPGA Engineer

Hoffman Estates, IL ยท Remote

$150K - $200K/yr

We're looking for a FPGA Engineer to help build the foundation for next-generation radar ... Experience implementing digital signal processing algorithms such as FFTs, filtering, beam forming ...

LLRF FPGA Design Engineer

Batavia, IL ยท On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

Fermilab seeks a highly motivated LLRF System Design Engineer in the Accelerator Division RF ... A strong understanding of digital signal processing, control system design, embedded systems ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contract Digital Signal Processing Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.1K

$135.3K

$199.3K

How much do contract digital signal processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract digital signal processing engineer in Chicago, IL is $135,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,800.00 and $151,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will DSP be replaced by AI?

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) remains a fundamental skill for DSP engineers, as AI can complement but not fully replace the need for specialized signal processing expertise. AI tools can assist in data analysis and automation, but DSP engineers are essential for designing, implementing, and optimizing signal processing algorithms in various applications such as communications, audio, and radar systems.

Are DSP engineers in demand?

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) engineers are in high demand across industries such as telecommunications, audio, and defense due to the increasing reliance on digital systems and data analysis. Skills in programming languages like C/C++ and familiarity with tools such as MATLAB or Simulink enhance job prospects, and the role often requires a strong understanding of algorithms and real-time processing. The demand is expected to grow as technology advances and digital applications expand.

What is the difference between Contract Digital Signal Processing Engineer vs Contract Electrical Engineer?

AspectContract Digital Signal Processing EngineerContract Electrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, specialized in signal processingBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesigning algorithms, software development, testing in labs or officesHardware design, circuit testing, system integration in labs or field
Industry UsageTelecommunications, audio/video processing, defensePower systems, electronics manufacturing, automation

While both roles require electrical engineering fundamentals, Contract Digital Signal Processing Engineers focus on algorithm development and software, whereas Contract Electrical Engineers often work on hardware and system integration. The choice depends on whether the project emphasizes software signal processing or hardware electrical systems.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or specialized digital signal processing engineer with extensive experience, advanced skills, and often working in high-paying industries such as defense, aerospace, or technology can earn $500,000 or more annually. Such roles typically require advanced degrees, certifications, and expertise in hardware, software, and real-time processing systems.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior digital signal processing engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills in algorithms and hardware, and often working in specialized industries such as aerospace, defense, or telecommunications can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation typically involves leadership roles, specialized expertise, or working in high-demand environments with advanced certifications and tools.
What are the most commonly searched types of Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Contract Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Contract Digital Signal Processing Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Contract Digital Signal Processing Engineer job openings:

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer - AI/ML Ops / Remote

Apetan Consulting llc

Chicago, IL โ€ข Remote

$80 - $150/hr

Contractor

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Engineer – AI/ML Ops
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid/Onsite Preferred)
 
Responsibilities
• Design and implement advanced DSP algorithms for real-time and offline signal processing.
• Develop AI/ML models for signal classification, anomaly detection, feature extraction, and predictive analytics.
• Build scalable data pipelines for signal acquisition, preprocessing, and model training.
• Deploy ML models into production using MLOps best practices.
• Optimize DSP and AI algorithms for latency, throughput, and computational efficiency.
• Collaborate with data scientists, embedded engineers, and software development teams.
• Implement CI/CD pipelines for machine learning workflows.
• Monitor production models for drift, performance, and reliability.
• Work with cloud-native AI services and containerized deployments.
• Document architecture, algorithms, and deployment processes.
 
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in Digital Signal Processing.
• Strong knowledge of: o Digital Filters o FFT o Wavelets o Spectral Analysis o Adaptive Filtering o Time-Series Signal Processing
• Proficiency in Python and C/C++.
• Experience with TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Hands-on experience building ML pipelines.
• Experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with Git and CI/CD. Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with MLflow, Kubeflow, SageMaker, Vertex AI, or Azure ML.
• Experience deploying AI models at the edge.
• Familiarity with NVIDIA CUDA or GPU optimization.
• Experience with audio, radar, RF, image, LiDAR, or sensor signal processing.
• Knowledge of LLMs and Agentic AI is a plus.
• Experience working in regulated industries (Healthcare, Automotive, Aerospace, Telecom, Industrial).