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Contract Electronics Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$10K - $115K/yr

Seeking to hire a Design Engineer for a client in Chicago, IL 60646. Our client is a leading ... mechanical, electronics, materials, combustion, assembly · Familiarity with agency approvals ...

... edge Electronic Warfare (EW), Infrared (IR), SATCOM, and RF systems. This role involves ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Schaumburg, IL. Pay and ...

... edge Electronic Warfare (EW), Infrared (IR), SATCOM, and RF systems. This role involves ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL. Pay and Benefits ...

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote ... Develop technical reports, contract plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates.

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote ... Develop technical reports, contract plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates.

Senior Design Engineer - Bridge Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid - Flexible Schedule, Partial Remote ... Develop technical reports, contract plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates.

The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing ... electronics and static/dynamic loading analysis. * Analysis of highly complex engineering issues ...

The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing ... electronics and static/dynamic loading analysis. * Analysis of highly complex engineering issues ...

The Sr. Design Engineer is responsible for solving day-to-day design challenges of existing ... electronics and static/dynamic loading analysis. * Analysis of highly complex engineering issues ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Electronics Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35K

$107.6K

$151.4K

How much do contract electronics design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract electronics design engineer in Chicago, IL is $107,639.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,100.00 and $125,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract electronics design engineer?

Contract Electronics Design Engineers are professionals who are hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and test electronic systems or components for a variety of industries. They typically work with clients to create custom electronic solutions, such as circuit boards, embedded systems, or control systems, and may be involved in all stages from concept through to prototype and production. Their roles often require expertise in electronic hardware, software integration, and compliance with industry standards. These engineers provide flexibility for companies needing specialized skills without committing to permanent hires.

What are some common challenges faced by contract electronics design engineers when working with new clients or projects?

Contract Electronics Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new team dynamics, understanding unique client requirements, and integrating into existing development processes. Since project scopes and expectations can vary widely, effective communication and thorough documentation are essential to clarify deliverables and timelines. Additionally, engineers must be proactive in staying current with industry standards and technologies to ensure seamless collaboration and meet project specifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract electronics design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Electronics Design Engineer, you need a strong background in electronic circuit design, PCB layout, and proficiency with industry standards, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD tools such as Altium Designer or Eagle, and an understanding of regulatory compliance like IPC standards, are typically required. Excellent problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you efficiently deliver client-focused solutions and work in diverse teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for meeting project deadlines, ensuring product reliability, and maintaining high client satisfaction in a competitive, fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between Contract Electronics Design Engineer vs Electronics Design Engineer?

AspectContract Electronics Design EngineerElectronics Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electronics or electrical engineering; certifications varySame as contract role, often with additional professional certifications
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often freelance or temporary contractsFull-time employment in companies or organizations
Industry UsageCommon in consulting, freelance projects, or short-term assignmentsStandard role within electronics and tech companies

The main difference is that Contract Electronics Design Engineers work on temporary, project-specific assignments, often freelance, while Electronics Design Engineers are typically employed full-time by companies. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, but their work arrangements and employment status differ.

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

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

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

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

Principal/Sr. Principal Power Supply Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

89th of 542 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

The Power Design Engineering role involves full life-cycle product development on architectures ranging from radio frequency electronic warfare (RFEW), infrared countermeasures (IRCM) and imaging systems, and real-time embedded control systems. The Power Design Engineer provides concept-to-production development, test, and integration of these technology areas:

High efficiency, switch-mode power supply architectures for image processing, embedded processing, and Receiver/Exciter designs

Subsystem/module circuit designs for custom and commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) systems, involving COTS & MIL-STD interfaces.

Regulatory compliance to DoD customer requirements, such as MIL-STD-704, 461, 464 & DO-160 and TEMPEST

The Principal/Sr. Principal Power Design Engineer will design and develop power conversion architectures using the latest technologies from Linear Technology, Texas Instruments, and other integrated circuit device manufacturers to support the following applications: gigabit serial interfaces, Radio Frequency (RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, and embedded processing platforms. Typical power outputs range from less than 1mW to greater than 10kW. Power Design Engineers work with system, sub-system, and hardware engineers to develop requirements, architect new circuit design topologies, and printed wiring board layouts. Designs are verified through spice simulation, laboratory verification, and formal qualification to electrical and mechanical environmental requirements, electromagnetic environmental effects (E3) requirements and EMI/EMC compliance requirements. Design support is continuous from requirements definition through integration and test; and maintenance of design documentation and configuration management is required throughout the product life cycle.

This position is full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location

This position can be filled at the Principal or Sr. Principal Level:

Basic Qualifications for Principal Power Engineer:

- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 5 years of power electronics design experience or 3 years of power electronics design experience with a master's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline.

- Switch Mode Power Supply circuit design experience, including schematic capture through test and integration.

- Hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex power systems, including various switch-mode topologies and linear regulators.

- Ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.

- Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or more team members.

- Familiarity with documentation, revision control and review systems like DOORS, ClearCase and ClearQuest.

- Proven skills to include team leadership, mentoring others, communicating with all levels of an organization internally and externally, being adaptable, creative, collaborative, and comfortable working independently and enjoys solving difficult problems.

- US Citizen and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Power Engineer:

- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 8 years of power electronics design experience or 6 years of power electronics design experience with a master's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline.

- Switch Mode Power Supply circuit design experience, including schematic capture through test and integration.

- Hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex power systems, including various switch-mode topologies and linear regulators.

- Ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.

- Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or more team members.

- Familiarity with documentation, revision control and review systems like DOORS, ClearCase and ClearQuest.

- 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 enjoys solving difficult problems.

- US Citizen and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

- An advanced degree in Electrical Engineering, focused on Power Conversion, with a minimum 5 years of power electronics design experience.

- Working knowledge of Electronic Warfare system/hardware

- Recent power supply design experience utilizing circuit-related tools including Cadence Concept/Allegro, and LTSPICE

- Working knowledge of designing high frequency magnetics including transformers, coupled inductors, EMI chokes and common mode filters.

- Working experience with documentation, revision control and review systems similar to DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest

- Proven skills to include project planning, communicating with all levels of an organization, adaptable, creative, collaborative, and comfortable working independently.

- Current Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance

Primary Level Salary Range: $105,400.00 - $158,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $131,100.00 - $196,700.00The 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.

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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