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Federal Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

exp Federal

Structural Engineer, PE, SE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$113K - $131K/yr

C. (Chantilly, VA) Exp Federal delivers full-service Architecture & Engineering services, construction, and facility management services throughout the world. Exp Federal's mission is to provide ...

Federal Signal

Engineer II - Mechanical

Crete, IL · On-site

$68K - $98K/yr

Federal Signal is seeking a driven and innovative Mechanical Engineer II to join our engineering team in University Park, IL. In this role, you will play a key part in the design, development, and ...

exp Federal

Mechanical Engineer, PE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $142K/yr

C. (Chantilly, VA) Exp Federal delivers full-service Architecture & Engineering services, construction, and facility management services throughout the world. Exp Federal's mission is to provide ...

exp Federal

Civil Engineer, PE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $144K/yr

C. (Chantilly, VA) Exp Federal delivers full-service Architecture & Engineering services, construction, and facility management services throughout the world. Exp Federal's mission is to provide ...

Federal Signal

Senior Engineer - Software

Crete, IL · On-site

$77K - $133K/yr

Federal Signal is searching for a Senior Software Engineer who can assist in making decisions on engineering problems and issues, requiring the use of advanced techniques and the adaption and ...

exp Federal

Fire Protection Engineer - FPE

Chicago, IL · On-site

$119K - $142K/yr

Chicago, IL or Atlanta, GA Exp Federal delivers full-service Architecture & Engineering services, construction, and facility management services throughout the world. Exp Federal's mission is to ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFederal Engineering JobsFederal Engineering Jobs in Chicago, IL

Federal Engineering information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$47.9K

$151.4K

$179.4K

How much do federal engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal engineering in Chicago, IL is $151,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,100.00 and $178,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a federal engineer?

To excel in a Federal Engineering role, you need a strong background in engineering principles, a relevant degree (such as electrical, civil, or mechanical engineering), and experience with federally regulated standards and processes. Familiarity with government contracting systems, project management software, and security clearances (such as Secret or Top Secret) is often required. Outstanding problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help professionals work effectively across multidisciplinary teams and within structured governmental environments. These combined skills are critical for maintaining compliance, delivering technical excellence, and supporting mission-critical federal projects.

What is a federal engineer?

A Federal Engineering job involves designing, developing, and maintaining technical systems and infrastructure for government agencies. Engineers in these roles work on projects related to national defense, transportation, telecommunications, and environmental protection. They must comply with federal regulations and security requirements while ensuring efficiency and innovation. These positions often require security clearances and specialized knowledge in engineering disciplines relevant to government operations.

What types of projects do federal engineers work on within government agencies?

Federal Engineers may work on a wide range of assignments, such as infrastructure upgrades, cybersecurity initiatives, defense system development, or environmental compliance projects, depending on the agency's mission. Daily responsibilities often involve coordinating with project managers, reviewing technical documentation, ensuring adherence to federal standards, and conducting site visits or system evaluations. Collaboration with stakeholders from various departments, contractors, and regulatory bodies is common and vital to project success. This variety of work offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise and gain exposure to high-impact national projects, supporting both professional growth and public service goals.

What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Federal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Federal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL? For Federal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Engineering jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Federal Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Engineering job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,410 per year, or $72.8 per hour.

Engineer II - Software Engineering (Firmware) Signaling Division

Federal Signal

University Park, IL • On-site

$68K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Federal Signal rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

249th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and testing the low-level software (firmware) that controls the functionality of electronic hardware devices, like embedded systems and computer peripherals, requiring a deep understanding of hardware architecture and proficiency in programming languages like C/C++ to create code that interacts directly with the hardware components, often utilizing real-time operating systems (RTOS) to ensure timely system responses; they collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure seamless integration and troubleshoot issues throughout the product development cycle.
Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Develop firmware architectures and algorithms to meet product requirements, considering hardware constraints and performance optimization.
  • Write clean, efficient, and well-documented firmware code using embedded C/C++ programming languages, adhering to coding standards and best practices.
  • Understand and utilize various hardware components like microcontrollers, memory, peripherals, and communication interfaces to interact with them through firmware.
  • Work with RTOS to manage system tasks with precise timing and priority levels.
  • Conduct thorough unit integration, and system-level testing to identify and resolve firmware defects, utilizing debugging tools and techniques.
  • Work closely with hardware engineers to ensure smooth integration between firmware and hardware components, addressing design challenges and providing feedback.
  • Create detailed technical documentation for firmware design, implementation, and testing procedures.
  • Support existing firmware by implementing bug fixes, feature enhancements, and updates to address customer needs.
  • May include travel to the field and/or trade shows.
  • Perform product evaluations to determine if engineering standards are met.
  • Flexibility to perform other duties and assignments as required

Position Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent from an accredited university.
  • 5-7 years of previous experience in a similar role.
  • Strong proficiency in C/C++ programming languages with a focus on embedded systems.
  • Deep knowledge of microcontroller architectures, memory management, peripherals, and communication protocols.
  • Experience with popular RTOS like FreeRTOS, Zephyr, or similar.
  • Familiarity with IDEs, debuggers, emulators, and other development tools for embedded systems.
  • Experience with unit testing, integration testing, and system-level validation methodologies.
  • Excellent analytical and debugging skills to identify and troubleshoot complex firmware issues.
  • Ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Wage Range: $68,731 - $98,187
Benefits of Employment
In addition to excellent career growth opportunities, Federal Signal Corporation offers a wide array of benefits including: annual bonus potential, insurance (life, medical, dental, vision), paid holidays, paid vacation, 401(k) with matching contributions and tuition reimbursement. We provide our employees with a smoke-free, drug-free workplace.
About Us
Federal Signal in University Park is a leading manufacturer and supplier of comprehensive systems and products used to protect people and property. Our products and integrated solutions include systems for campus and community alerting, emergency vehicles, first responder interoperable communications, industrial communications, and command and municipal networked security. Specific products include: lightbars and sirens, public warning sirens and public safety software.
Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE: FSS) builds and delivers equipment of unmatched quality that moves material, cleans infrastructure, and protects the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and commercial customers. Headquartered in Downers Grove, IL, with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates two groups: Environmental Solutions and Safety and Security Systems. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: www.federalsignal.com
The Company is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of, and will receive consideration for employment without regard to, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category, characteristic, or trait under applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at HR@federalsignal.com. All other applications must be submitted online.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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