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Hardware Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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:

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

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

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.

Hardware Development Test Engineer

Koch Industries

Lisle, IL • On-site

$75K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Koch Industries rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

Your Job
The Molex Hardware Engineering Group is seeking a talented Hardware Development Test Engineer to join our team in Lisle, IL and support the design and development of Active Electrical Cable (AEC) products for Hyperscalers, and other related designs.
Our Team
We are the Copper Solution Business Unit of Molex Datacom & Specialty Solutions Division. Our business is witnessing tremendous growth owing to the increasing need for cloud services and higher data transfer rates. You will be working under leadership that has been setting and driving industry standards in data centers for more than 30 years.
What You Will Do
  • Support the Design Engineering teams by participating in initial board bring-up and performing validation testing on electronic designs from the early prototype stage through full customer qualification testing.
  • Identify and troubleshoot issues that arise during testing. Apply standard engineering methods and techniques to solve problems.
  • Participate in root cause analysis for prototypes as well as factory and customer returns.
  • Collaborate with Hardware and Firmware design engineering teams to understand the design and test requirements and develop detailed test procedures.
  • Direct the work of lab technicians during the setup and execution of design validation tests.
  • Ensure that data and measurements are collected and recorded accurately during testing. Create evaluation and qualification test reports and presentations.
  • Identify opportunities to improve test capabilities, whether by equipment, methodology, automation, or other aspects, and help implement those improvements.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)
  • Experience testing and debugging PCBA's and electronic systems using oscilloscopes, multimeters, data loggers, and other standard electronics lab equipment.
  • Experience troubleshooting digital and power circuits down to the component level.
  • Experience reading schematics and locating components on complex PCBA's.
  • Experience creating detailed test procedures, collecting and recording test data, and creating test reports that include charts, graphs, and other data calculation and presentation methods.
  • Experience remotely controlling test equipment and collecting data using scripts or test equipment software packages (ie LabVIEW, etc).
  • Experience programing Firmware into Microcontrollers and using devices like Raspberry Pi's.

What Will Put You Ahead
  • Hardware Circuit Design Experience
  • Experience with Schematic and PCB Layout software packages (Cadence Allegro preferred).
  • Ability to make more advanced HW lab measurements like Power Supply noise/ripple, Clock Jitter, or general Signal Integrity measurements using VNA or TDR test equipment.

For this role, we anticipate paying $75,000 - $140,000 per year. This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
Hiring Philosophy
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here .
Who We Are
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
Our Benefits
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
Equal Opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here , aquí , or tu ).
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