Digital System Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

FPGA Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a skilled FPGA Design Engineer to join a leading defense organization focused on developing cutting-edge Electronic Warfare (EW), Infrared (IR), SATCOM, and RF systems. This role involves contributing to advanced mission-critical hardware solutions and working across the full design lifecycle in a fast-paced, high-technology environment. The position is based in Illinois and requires an active Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement FPGA-based digital logic for advanced defense systems.
• Create and optimize VHDL code for high-performance, real-time applications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams, including RF, systems, hardware, and firmware.
• Participate in integration, testing, and troubleshooting of FPGA designs in lab environments.
• Document design specifications, test procedures, and technical reports.
• Ensure compliance with defense-industry standards, security requirements, and program objectives.

Essential Skills

• Full lifecycle FPGA design and development experience.
• Expertise in VHDL.
• Proficiency with Xilinx, Intel, or Altera FPGA toolchains.
• Strong digital logic fundamentals and hardware debugging skills.
• Ability to work in a classified environment with an active Secret clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in Aerospace & Defense, SATCOM, Infrared systems, or RF-based technologies.
• Familiarity with high-speed interfaces, DSP blocks, or embedded processing.
• Understanding of system-level integration in EW or RF systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.

Work Environment

The position involves working in a classified environment that requires an active Secret clearance. The role focuses on developing high-technology solutions within the defense industry, offering an opportunity to work on mission-critical projects in a collaborative and innovative setting.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Schaumburg, IL.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Schaumburg,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.