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Development Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

SDET Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Duration: 6-18 months Work Mode: Onsite Location: Chicago, IL Purpose We are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to ...

SDET Consultant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$51.50 - $66.50/hr

Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Duration: 6-18 months Work Mode: Onsite Location: Chicago, IL Purpose We are seeking a Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) to ...

WEX Inc is a company focused on modern, cloud-native environments, and they are seeking a Software Development Engineer 3 to be a key architect of their 'Observability-as-Code' strategy. This role ...

Principal R&D Engineer

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$106K - $160K/yr

Principal R&D Engineer Country/Region: United States Job Location: Waukegan Required Travel (%): 5 Work Model: onsite Principal R&D Engineer Your Mission As a Senior Research and Development Engineer ...

AWS Cloud Development Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$55 - $73.50/hr

AWS Cloud Development Engineer Location: Lisle, IL Onsite/ Remote: Day 1 Onsite at customer location Skills: IoT Automotive Connected Services AWS Cloud Development Engineer We are seeking a Software ...

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Development Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$47.5K

$93.2K

$148.7K

How much do development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for development engineer in Illinois is $93,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,000.00 and $103,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do Development Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Development Engineers frequently work alongside designers, product managers, quality assurance teams, and manufacturing specialists to bring projects from concept to completion. They participate in regular meetings to align on project requirements, address technical challenges, and integrate feedback from different departments. Effective communication and a collaborative mindset are crucial, as Development Engineers often serve as the technical bridge between teams, ensuring that the final product meets both functional and business goals.

What do development engineers do?

Development engineers design, develop, and test new products or systems, often working on improving existing technologies. They use engineering principles, CAD software, and prototyping tools, and typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product functionality and quality.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Senior engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and software development engineers in high-demand industries can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or extensive experience. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and leadership responsibilities, and compensation varies based on location and company size.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Development Engineer, you need strong analytical abilities, a background in engineering (typically a bachelor's degree or higher), and proficiency in product design and development principles. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and relevant industry certifications such as Six Sigma or PMP is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These capabilities are important because they enable the creation of innovative, high-quality products that meet technical standards and client needs.

What Is a Development Engineer?

A development engineer is responsible for creating a design for a manufacturing product. Your job duties include conducting research on the potential product, developing design specifications for the product, creating prototypes that can be evaluated, and being involved in market research. The qualifications for a career as a development engineer include a bachelor’s degree, although some employers may prefer a master’s degree in engineering or a related field. A successful development engineer needs strong creative skills and a excellent attention to detail, especially with design.

What is the difference between Development Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDevelopment EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often in software, electrical, or systems fieldsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentProduct development, R&D, design teams, often in tech or manufacturing companiesDesign, analysis, testing, and manufacturing in industrial, automotive, or aerospace sectors
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, manufacturing, electronics, software companiesAutomotive, aerospace, industrial machinery, manufacturing
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in product development, software or hardware designDesigning mechanical systems, machinery, or components

Development Engineers focus on creating and improving products, often in software or integrated systems, while Mechanical Engineers specialize in designing and analyzing mechanical systems and components. Both roles require engineering degrees but differ in their focus areas and industries.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, aerospace, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Roles requiring specialized knowledge, leadership, or management responsibilities tend to have higher compensation levels.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as software engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive-level engineering positions or those in management may also achieve this level of compensation.

What are Development Engineers?

Development Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test new products, processes, or systems in various industries such as technology, manufacturing, or automotive. They work closely with cross-functional teams to turn ideas and concepts into practical, market-ready solutions. Their responsibilities often include research, prototyping, troubleshooting, and optimizing existing products or processes. Development Engineers play a key role in innovation and ensuring the technical feasibility and quality of new developments.
More about Development Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Development Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Development Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Development Engineer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,176 per year, or $44.8 per hour.
Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer

Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University

Campus, IL • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for a self-motivated Secure Systems Research and Development Engineer to join our Cyberspace Operations Research Department at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. The Cyberspace Operations Research Department provides technical expertise in adversarial tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to support system evaluation and provide security hardening support to various sponsors.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

  • Research cutting edge techniques and technologies for secure system design, implementation, and hardening

  • Leverage expertise in software engineering, system administration, and cybersecurity to address established needs and investigate solutions to emerging requirements

  • Assist the Cyberspace Operations Research Department Head in maintaining relationships with sponsors through on-site technical discussions, preparation and presentation of technical materials, and project-related correspondence

  • Provide process enhancement for technical controls implementation, architectural enhancements, and security test and evaluation projects

  • Apply project management principles and methods to the leadership of tasks or projects

  • Provide guidance to lower-level R&D Engineers to foster professional growth

Additional responsibilities for higher level position includes:

  • Understand broad strategic objectives and contribute to them; nurture and maintain relationships with major customers/grantors of external research and development grant funding

  • Identify grant/project follow-on work and persuade customers / grantors to fund; impact customer decisions and strategies

  • Initiate new project concepts and seek funding; develop technical proposals, and make presentations to customers/grant sponsors

  • Mentor department staff in the development technical, project, and business development skills

Required skills/experience areas include:

  • Documented application of software engineering or system engineering principles

  • Embedded or cloud system development and secure configuration

  • Computer networking fundamentals, Windows and *NIX operating system administration

  • Software programming, programming languages, and development environments (to include at a minimum C, Java, and Python)

  • Knowledge of cybersecurity testing / penetration testing tools and methodologies

  • Ability to express technical information clearly and concisely in documents and presentations for senior leaders to successfully comprehend and leverage for decision making

  • Active government security clearance at SECRET level

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

  • AI to security testing, evaluation, and issue mitigation / remediation

  • Microcontroller or single board computer design/implementation (i.e. Arduino, STM32, Raspberry Pi, etc), radio frequency signal analysis (i.e. oscilloscopes, SpecAns, SDRs, etc), or industrial control system communication protocol security

  • Demonstrated history of successful project initiation efforts

  • Automation of cybersecurity testing workflows (e.g. using Ansible playbooks)

  • Agile software development methodology and tools

  • Atlassian products (e.g., JIRA, Confluence)

Your work location will be project-dependent ability for on-site/work from home, based out of Reston, VA (preferred), Annapolis Junction, MD, or State College, PA. This position will require periodic travel to remote locations in support of testing as part of a small team of researchers, engineers, and technologists.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Advanced Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 5+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Intermediate Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science 2+ years of relevant experience Required Certifications: None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Systems (ARL) - Professional, this position requires: Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science No prior relevant work experience required Required Certifications: None

ARL at Penn State is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation and serves as a University center of excellence in defense science, systems, and technologies with a focus in naval missions and related areas.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our web site at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Notice regarding employment at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL): Employees must be eligible to obtain a government security clearance, participate in the ARL drug testing program, and comply with electronic and physical monitoring requirements applicable to federal contractors. ARL operates in a secure information environment involving Unclassified, Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and Classified information. Personal electronic devices brought onsite must be registered and may be restricted from certain areas. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $92,100.00 - $200,808.00.

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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