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

Content Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$141K - $189K/yr

Content Systems Engineer Req ID: 10146067 This technology team designs, builds, and supports critical systems used across OTV, Hulu, ABC News, Streaming, and other Disney Entertainment teams. As part ...

The engineer will serve as an extension of the field engineering team, staging and rebuilding ... Knowledge of public safety, CAD, RMS, or mission-critical systems * Familiarity with customer ...

New

Systems Engineer

Libertyville, IL ยท On-site

$50 - $60/hr

We are looking for a Systems Engineer to support and evolve a complex enterprise infrastructure ... critical network services across business environments. * Serve as a technical resource for ...

New

Sr. Systems Engineer

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer ... We are seeking a Sr. Systems Engineer to serve as a high-level technical escalation point for our ...

As an OT Specialist Systems Engineer at Fortinet, you will play a critical role in supporting our sales engineering and sales teams, delivering tailored cybersecurity solutions that address the ...

OT Specialist Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$215K - $278K/yr

As an OT Specialist Systems Engineer at Fortinet, you will play a critical role in supporting our sales engineering and sales teams, delivering tailored cybersecurity solutions that address the ...

Principal Systems Engineer

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Our solutions foster the collaboration that's critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer ... System Engineering * Drive product and feature requirements, architecture, design, and test ...

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Critical Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.1K

$131.1K

$172K

How much do critical systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for critical systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $131,050.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $161,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Critical Systems Engineer vs Network Security Engineer?

AspectCritical Systems EngineerNetwork Security Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, certifications like CISSP or Security+Bachelor's in Computer Science or related, CISSP, CEH
Work EnvironmentDesigning and maintaining critical infrastructure systems, often in industries like aerospace, defense, or energySecuring organizational networks, preventing cyber threats, and managing firewalls and intrusion detection systems
Industry UsageUsed in sectors requiring high system reliability and safetyCommon in IT, cybersecurity firms, and corporate IT departments

Critical Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining essential infrastructure systems, ensuring safety and reliability. Network Security Engineers specialize in protecting network assets from cyber threats. While both roles require security certifications and technical expertise, their focus areas differ significantly, with Critical Systems Engineers emphasizing system integrity and safety, and Network Security Engineers concentrating on cybersecurity defenses.

What are some common challenges faced by critical systems engineers when maintaining high-availability systems?

Critical Systems Engineers often face the challenge of ensuring continuous uptime while managing complex, interdependent systems. They must quickly diagnose and resolve issues under pressure, as even brief downtime can have significant consequences. Balancing system upgrades or maintenance without disrupting essential services requires careful planning, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and a deep understanding of redundancy and failover protocols. Additionally, staying updated with evolving security threats and compliance standards is a constant aspect of the role.

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

To thrive as a Critical Systems Engineer, you need expertise in systems engineering, risk analysis, and reliability engineering, often supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with tools such as fault tree analysis software, real-time operating systems, and certifications like INCOSE CSEP or CISSP are highly valued. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety, security, and continuous operation of mission-critical systems in high-stakes environments.

What is a critical systems engineer?

A Critical Systems Engineer is a professional responsible for designing, maintaining, and ensuring the reliability and safety of systems that are essential to the operation of organizations, such as power grids, healthcare equipment, and transportation systems. These engineers focus on minimizing risks and preventing failures in systems where downtime or errors can have severe consequences. Their work often involves rigorous testing, strict compliance with industry standards, and ongoing monitoring to ensure continuous operation. Critical Systems Engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to address both hardware and software challenges in high-stakes environments.
What are popular job titles related to Critical Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Critical Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Critical Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Critical Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Critical Systems Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,050 per year, or $63 per hour.

Engineering Specialist, Facilities and Critical Systems

Baxter

Deerfield, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

This is whereyour work makes a difference.

At Baxter, we believe every person-regardless of who they are or where they are from-deserves a chance to live a healthy life. It was our founding belief in 1931 and continues to be our guiding principle. We are redefining healthcare delivery to make a greater impact today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Our Baxter colleagues are united by our Mission to Save and Sustain Lives. Together, our community is driven by a culture of courage, trust, and collaboration. Every individual is empowered to take ownership and make a meaningful impact. We strive for efficient and effective operations, and we hold each other accountable for delivering exceptional results.

Here, you will find more than just a job-you will find purpose and pride.

Your role at Baxter

Join Baxter's Global Engineering team and help ensure the reliability, performance, and compliance of the facilities and critical utility systems that support our manufacturing operations. As an Engineering Specialist, Facilities and Critical Systems, you'll apply your expertise to engineering standards, facility improvements, and capital projects across Baxter's global network.

This is where your knowledge of pharmaceutical facilities and critical utilities can influence how manufacturing sites operate, grow, and adapt to changing business and regulatory requirements. Your work will help teams make informed engineering decisions, address complex technical challenges, and maintain the systems that support the production of products patients depend on every day.

You'll work closely with site engineers, project teams, and facility leaders to review designs, evaluate technical solutions, and identify opportunities to improve facility performance, reliability, and energy efficiency.

Your team

The Global Engineering team supports Baxter manufacturing sites by providing technical guidance for facilities, utilities, and capital projects. The team works closely with sites around the world to maintain engineering standards, support compliance requirements, and improve the performance of critical systems.

You'll join a group of experienced engineers who partner across regions and functions to solve technical challenges, share expertise, and support continuous improvement efforts. Together, the team helps manufacturing sites maintain safe, efficient, and reliable operations.

At Baxter, we support employees through professional development opportunities, paid volunteer time, matching charitable contributions, wellbeing programs, and resources for working parents and caregivers.

What you'll be doing
  • Develop and maintain engineering standards and guidance documents for facilities, utilities, and capital projects.
  • Provide technical support and subject matter expertise for pharmaceutical facility and utility systems.
  • Review facility designs, engineering studies, and project plans to ensure alignment with company standards and regulatory expectations.
  • Support manufacturing sites in the planning and execution of facility upgrades and improvement projects.
  • Evaluate facility and utility system performance and recommend solutions to address technical issues and improve reliability.
  • Monitor changes in industry practices and regulatory requirements and recommend updates to engineering standards and procedures.
  • Develop and maintain project documentation standards, including SOWs, URSs, and BODs.
  • Participate in project gate reviews and capital planning activities.
  • Support sustainability initiatives through facility improvements, energy-efficient design practices, and carbon reduction efforts.
  • Partner with manufacturing, maintenance, purchasing, and project teams to address facility and utility-related challenges.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams across the organization.
  • Travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.
What you'll bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • 15+ years of experience in pharmaceutical facility, utility, or systems engineering.
  • 3+ years of experience supporting manufacturing operations.
  • 8+ years of experience in an engineering leadership or senior technical engineering role.
  • Experience applying cGMP requirements within a regulated manufacturing environment.
  • Knowledge of facility and utility systems, including HVAC, WFI, compressed air, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, structural, and energy management systems.
  • Knowledge of FDA, OSHA, 21 CFR, ISO, and applicable building and safety regulations.
  • Experience supporting capital projects from concept through startup and turnover.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, or similar engineering design tools.
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills with the ability to work across multiple functions and locations.
  • Experience in facility design, construction management, or capital project execution.
  • Knowledge of ISPE, ASME, NFPA, EPA, and environmental health and safety requirements applicable to pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Experience developing engineering standards or governance programs for a global organization.
  • Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. At Baxter, we are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. The estimated base salary for this position is $152,000 - $209,000 annually. The estimated range is meant to reflect an anticipated salary range for the position. We may pay more or less than of the anticipated range based upon market data and other factors, all of which are subject to change. Individual pay is based on upon location, skills and expertise, experience, and other relevant factors.This position may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. For questions about this, our pay philosophy, and available benefits, please speak to the recruiter if you decide to apply and are selected for an interview.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

US Benefits at Baxter (except for Puerto Rico)

This is where your well-being matters. Baxter offers comprehensive compensation and benefits packages for eligible roles. Our health and well-being benefits include medical and dental coverage that start on day one, as well as insurance coverage for basic life, accident, short-term and long-term disability, and business travel accident insurance. Financial and retirement benefits include the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), with the ability to purchase company stock at a discount, and the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (RSP), with options for employee contributions and company matching. We also offer Flexible Spending Accounts, educational assistance programs, and time-off benefits such as paid holidays, paid time off ranging from 20 to 35 days based on length of service, family and medical leaves of absence, and paid parental leave. Additional benefits include commuting benefits, the Employee Discount Program, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and childcare benefits. Join us and enjoy the competitive compensation and benefits we offer to our employees.For additional information regarding Baxter US Benefits, please speak with your recruiter or visit our Benefits site: Benefits | Baxter

Equal Employment Opportunity

Baxter is an equal opportunity employer. Baxter evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability/handicap status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal

Reasonable Accommodations
Baxter is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities globally. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or interview process, please click on the link here and let us know the nature of your request along with your contact information.

Recruitment Fraud Notice
Baxter has discovered incidents of employment scams, where fraudulent parties pose as Baxter employees, recruiters, or other agents, and engage with online job seekers in an attempt to steal personal and/or financial information. To learn how you can protect yourself, review our Recruitment Fraud Notice.