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Hardware Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Jump Trading

RF Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL

An RF hardware engineer responsible for owning driving improvements in the analog/RF design portions of our radio products. Core responsibilities include: Drafting and reviewing RF specifications ...

P2P

RF Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

What You'll Do An RF hardware engineer responsible for owning driving improvements in the analog/RF design portions of our radio products. Core responsibilities include: * Drafting and reviewing RF ...

Jump Trading, LLC

RF Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

An RF hardware engineer responsible for owning driving improvements in the analog/RF design portions of our radio products. Core responsibilities include: Drafting and reviewing RF specifications ...

Jump Trading

RF Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

An RF hardware engineer responsible for owning driving improvements in the analog/RF design portions of our radio products. Core responsibilities include: • Drafting and reviewing RF specifications ...

IMC

Hardware Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Chicago, IL

$200K/yr

Our 10-week internship is your chance to experience life as a Hardware Engineer at IMC. You'll have the support you need to succeed: educational training and a mentor who will oversee your work and ...

IMC

Hardware Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K/yr

Our 10-week internship is your chance to experience life as a Hardware Engineer at IMC. You'll have the support you need to succeed: educational training and a mentor who will oversee your work and ...

IMC

Hardware Engineer Intern - Summer 2027

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K/yr

Our 10-week internship is your chance to experience life as a Hardware Engineer at IMC. You'll have the support you need to succeed: educational training and a mentor who will oversee your work and ...

Quantiq

Hardware Developer

Chicago, IL

As a Hardware Developer, you'll be responsible for designing, optimizing, and maintaining our critical network paths and infrastructure. Working alongside a skilled team of developers, you'll ...

Quantiq

Hardware Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a Hardware Developer, you'll be responsible for designing, optimizing, and maintaining our critical network paths and infrastructure. Working alongside a skilled team of developers, you'll ...

Quantiq

Hardware Developer- New Graduate

Chicago, IL

As a Hardware Developer-New Graduate, you will work in our Chicago office, both independently and collaboratively, to fuel the continuous advancement of our production trading environment. Your scope ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsHardware Engineer JobsHardware Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Hardware Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52.5K

$150.6K

$202.4K

How much do hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware engineer in Chicago, IL is $150,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,200.00 and $167,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hardware engineer?

Hardware engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and oversee the manufacturing of computer hardware, such as circuit boards, processors, memory devices, networks, and routers. They work closely with software engineers to ensure that hardware and software function together efficiently. Hardware engineers are involved in researching new technologies, improving existing hardware, and troubleshooting issues to enhance system performance. Their work is crucial in industries like computing, telecommunications, automotive, and consumer electronics.

What are some typical challenges hardware engineers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Hardware Engineers often collaborate closely with software developers, product managers, and manufacturing teams. One common challenge is aligning hardware specifications with software requirements, which may change throughout the development cycle. Effective communication and adaptability are essential, as Hardware Engineers must balance technical constraints, cost considerations, and evolving project goals. Staying proactive in cross-team meetings and clarifying expectations early on can help reduce misunderstandings and ensure smoother project delivery.

What can a hardware engineer do?

A hardware engineer designs, develops, tests, and maintains physical electronic components and systems such as circuit boards, processors, and embedded systems. They often use tools like CAD software and may require knowledge of programming, electronics, and industry standards to ensure functionality and reliability in various devices and equipment.

What is the difference between Hardware Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectHardware EngineerElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer EngineeringBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing hardware components, working in labs or officesDesigning electrical systems, working in labs, manufacturing, or field
Industry UsageElectronics, computer hardware, telecommunicationsPower systems, electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing

Hardware Engineers focus on designing and developing physical electronic components and systems, while Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems and power distribution. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often collaborate in technology industries.

What does a hardware engineer do?

A hardware engineer, or computer hardware engineer, specializes in all aspects of computer hardware, including testing, repairing, building, and maintaining its efficiency. As a hardware engineer, your responsibilities include developing and installing new hardware systems for businesses, providing tech support to users with hardware issues, along with designing and building new products for manufacturers. You may specialize in areas such as internal components, servers, electrical engineering, cellular and tablet devices, or traditional computers and networks.

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

To thrive as a Hardware Engineer, a strong background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and computer architecture is essential, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with CAD software, PCB layout tools, and hardware description languages, as well as certifications like Certified Hardware Design Engineer (CHDE), are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set outstanding hardware engineers apart. These skills and qualities are vital for designing reliable, high-performance hardware products that meet rigorous industry standards.
More about Hardware Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $150,638 per year, or $72.4 per hour.

Senior Principal Hardware Engineer

Cadence Design Systems Inc.

Cary, IL

$136K - $253K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Cadence Design Systems rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 244 rated software companies

Job description

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

Cadence is the leader in hardware emulation-acceleration technologies and products. As a Physical Design Senior Principal Hardware Engineer, you will drive solutions for complex designs from synthesis to GDS through tape-out. You are knowledgeable about floorplan, clock construction, placement, routing, and signoff closure activities such as timing analysis, physical verification, and IR/EM. You have exceptional communication skills and can collaborate with partner RTL, DFT, and Architecture teams. As a principal engineer, you will contribute to further developing our tools and flows to improve design quality and execution. This position is located in our US offices (San Jose, CA or Raleigh, NC).

Our emulation-acceleration system platform is the most advanced industry-leading configurable scalable system, generation after generation, used in labs and datacenters. At the heart of these systems are a multitude of interconnected highly complex high-performance computing (HPC) devices based on a proprietary Boolean processor architecture. This is a role in the core technology team.

Key Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities Senior Principal Hardware Engineer include:

  • Drive solutions in logic synthesis, floorplan, place and route (PNR), clock construction
  • Provide continuous improvement to existing tools, flows, and methodologies
  • Optimize power, performance, and area to meet design requirements
  • Experience with advanced process nodes and technologies
  • Collaborate closely with cross functional teams to ensure proper design execution
  • Work with R&D teams to improve Cadence's suite of tools
  • Close designs adhering to timing, power, IR/EM, and foundry specifications

Qualifications

  • BS with a minimum of 10 years of experience OR MS with a minimum of 7 years of experience OR PhD with a minimum of 5 years of experience
  • Successfully owned and driven blocks/SoCs to tape-out
  • Comfortable in the latest advanced technology nodes
  • Experience in at least one scripting language like PERL, Python, TCL, or Shell is preferred
  • Self-motivated, team player with strong problem-solving skills to collaborate with teams to deliver results
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • BS/MS with8-15+ years of relevant hands-on experience in physical design

The annual salary range for California is $136,500 to $253,500. You may also be eligible to receive incentive compensation: bonus, equity, and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the salary range is a guideline and compensation may vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location. Our benefits programs include: paid vacation and paid holidays, 401(k) plan with employer match, employee stock purchase plan, a variety of medical, dental and vision plan options, and more.

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