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Hardware Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

Xylem

Sr. Hardware Design Engineer

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

Create technical design documentation, engineering specifications, and verification/validation test plans. * Perform system integration, debugging, verification, and performance testing of hardware ...

Xylem

Sr. Hardware Design Engineer

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

Create technical design documentation, engineering specifications, and verification/validation test plans. * Perform system integration, debugging, verification, and performance testing of hardware ...

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All JobsHardware Design Engineer Intern JobsHardware Design Engineer Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

Hardware Design Engineer Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$19

$37

How much do hardware design engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware design engineer intern in Chicago, IL is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hardware design engineer intern do?

A Hardware Design Engineer Intern assists in the development and testing of electronic hardware components and systems, such as circuit boards, processors, and embedded systems. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers, helping with schematic design, PCB layout, prototyping, and debugging. Their tasks may also include performing simulations, documenting designs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. This role provides hands-on experience in the hardware development process and helps interns learn industry standards and tools.

What types of projects can a hardware design engineer intern expect to work on during their internship?

As a Hardware Design Engineer Intern, you can expect to be involved in projects such as circuit board design, prototyping, testing, and debugging of hardware components. Interns often assist with schematic capture, PCB layout, and collaborating with senior engineers to validate and optimize hardware designs. These projects provide hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and foster collaboration with cross-functional teams, including firmware and mechanical engineers. This exposure helps build a strong technical foundation and prepares you for more advanced engineering roles.

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

To thrive as a Hardware Design Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of electronics, circuit design, and hardware fundamentals, usually supported by coursework or a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Familiarity with CAD tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, or Mentor Graphics, along with basic proficiency in hardware description languages, is typically expected. Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure that interns can contribute meaningfully to design projects, troubleshoot issues, and collaborate efficiently in fast-paced engineering environments.

What is the difference between Hardware Design Engineer Intern vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectHardware Design Engineer InternHardware Design Engineer
Required CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of Electrical or Computer EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in tech or manufacturing companiesFull-time professional role in hardware development teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, electronics, and semiconductor industries for entry-level rolesFull-time positions in similar industries, focusing on product development

The main difference between a Hardware Design Engineer Intern and a Hardware Design Engineer lies in experience level and responsibilities. Interns are typically students or recent graduates gaining practical experience, while engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing and developing hardware products.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Hardware Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

The top searched job categories for Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Hardware Design Engineer Intern job openings:

Hardware Design Engineer Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Design Engineer Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,519 per year, or $20 per hour.

Hardware Design Engineer (FPGA, Xilinx)

PROLIM Global Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Engineer Hardware 2 (1885)
Location: Rolling Meadows Illinois
Secret Clearance: Active SECRET
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Must Have
  • Computer Simulations
  • Digital Electronics Design
  • Hardware Design
  • Integrated Circuit Layout

JOB DESCRIPTION
The Hardware Design Engineer 2 role involves full life-cycle product development from system concept and requirements through design, implementation, test verification, production, and field support while working in integrated product teams spanning Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management. Digital subsystem and circuit card designs utilize the latest FPGA technologies from all major vendors and device families including Xilinx, Altera, and Actel, and support high speed interfaces, Radio Frequency (RF) and Electro-Optical (EO) DSP, controls, data links, embedded processing, and processor interfaces.
As a Hardware Design Engineer 2, you will join our diverse team and be responsible for research, design, and development of digital hardware products. Your expertise in digital component design and analysis, modeling and simulation, circuit level design and test, and project leadership are desired for this position. Research, designs, develops, and tests a variety of electronic equipment and systems, including radar and radiation detection equipment; radio, television and other communications equipment and systems; circuitry components; analog and digital computers; and control and test equipment.
This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location.
Basic Qualifications for a Principal Digital Design Engineer:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline with a minimum 5 years of digital electronics design experience or a master's degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline and 3 years of digital electronics design experience.
  • Digital circuit design experience, including simulation & schematic capture through test and integration
  • Prior hands-on prototyping and debug experience testing complex digital subsystems, such as complex circuit card development involving FPGAs, and/or embedded processors, and/or high-speed interfaces.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects with 2 or less team members.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate system performance and operational specifications into hardware requirements, design, and test specifications.
  • Familiarity with documentation revision control and review systems like DOORS, ClearCase, and ClearQuest.
  • US Citizen
  • Current Active Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering with a minimum 10 years of digital electronics design experience.
  • Working knowledge of Electronic Warfare systems.
  • Experience in Aerospace and/or Defense industries.
  • Recent circuit card design experience utilizing circuit-related tools including Cadence Concept, Allegro, and/or Mentor Dx Designer, Expedition.
  • Working experience with ClearCase/ClearQuest and DOORS Current Secret or Top-Secret Security Clearance.
  • 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 enjoying solving difficult problems.

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