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Hardware Engineering Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Manage engineering priorities, project timelines, and resource allocation across multiple ... Evaluate and recommend future hardware and software technologies to enhance product capabilities ...

... engineering management Requirements Skills and Qualifications 10+ years of hands-on experience and a proven track record in hardware development 10+ years of PCB design experience using ECAD tools ...

Staff Hardware Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... to engineering management Requirements Skills and Qualifications • 10+ years of hands-on experience and a proven track record in hardware development • 10+ years of PCB design experience using ...

We are seeking an Engineering Manager I who will support multiple projects and lead a growing team ... Specify and configure various hardware components such as, instrumentation, PLCs, communication ...

We are seeking an Engineering Manager I who will support multiple projects and lead a growing team ... Specify and configure various hardware components such as, instrumentation, PLCs, communication ...

We are seeking an Engineering Manager I who will support multiple projects and lead a growing team ... Specify and configure various hardware components such as, instrumentation, PLCs, communication ...

Lead and develop a team across hardware, firmware, and systems engineering disciplines. * Execute ... Manage full lifecycle development of UPS and power conversion systems. * Ensure projects are ...

Lead and develop a team across hardware, firmware, and systems engineering disciplines. * Execute ... Manage full lifecycle development of UPS and power conversion systems. * Ensure projects are ...

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Hardware Engineering Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$74.1K

$152.6K

$190.4K

How much do hardware engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware engineering manager in Illinois is $152,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,100.00 and $163,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware engineering manager?

To thrive as a Hardware Engineering Manager, you need a strong background in electrical or computer engineering, leadership skills, and experience leading hardware development projects, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with PCB design tools, CAD software, product lifecycle management systems, and certifications like PMP or equivalent are often advantageous. Excellent communication, strategic thinking, and team-building abilities help drive innovation and foster collaboration. These skills are critical to ensuring successful hardware delivery, cross-functional alignment, and the growth of both products and engineering teams.

What are some typical challenges hardware engineering managers face in their day-to-day work?

Hardware Engineering Managers often encounter the challenge of balancing project timelines with resource constraints, ensuring both high-quality output and adherence to deadlines. They must also navigate cross-functional communication among engineering, manufacturing, and product teams to synchronize design objectives and resolve issues quickly. Staying abreast of technological advancements while mentoring and developing team talent is another core aspect of the role. These challenges require strong organization, adaptability, and an ability to anticipate and address potential bottlenecks, all while maintaining a positive team culture.

What does a hardware engineering manager do?

A Hardware Engineering Manager leads a team of engineers in designing, developing, and testing hardware components and systems. They oversee project timelines, ensure product quality, and collaborate with other departments, such as software and manufacturing. Their role includes setting technical direction, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Effective communication and leadership are essential for driving innovation and meeting business goals.

What is a hardware engineering manager?

A hardware engineering manager oversees the design, development, and testing of hardware components and systems. They lead engineering teams, coordinate projects, and ensure products meet technical specifications and quality standards, often requiring knowledge of engineering tools and project management skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Engineering jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Hardware Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Hardware Engineering Manager jobs in Illinois? For Hardware Engineering Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Hardware Engineering Manager jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Hardware Engineering Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Hardware Engineering Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,636 per year, or $73.4 per hour.

Hardware Engineering Manager 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows Hardware Engineering Organization (HWE) is seeking a qualified candidate to lead a functionally diverse engineering organization, supporting the Targeting Systems and Advanced EO-IR products under the Targeting Systems Operating Unit (TSOU) in Rolling Meadows, IL.

The Hardware Engineering Manager of the TSOU Business Area is a highly technical dual role, with 80% technical and 20% managerial. This role will focus on three separate areas of responsibility: team leadership and management, team technical performance, and planning for the future. This position will report to the Director of Hardware Engineering as part of the senior staff.

The work performed by the HWE TSOU organization supports the TSOU business areas represented across the NT&S division at the Rolling Meadows campus. Technical areas of expertise of this organization include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering (digital, analog, power) and optical engineering. The successful candidate will clearly demonstrate strong leadership skills and will have a track record as an effective communicator and problem solver. He/she has a history of establishing and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. This candidate will demonstrate a broad skill set that is balanced between interpersonal, business, and technical capabilities. He / she will have the ability to operate independently based on strategic objectives, work in a team environment, and collaborate across the organization and Division as required to accomplish the team goals. The candidate will work closely with the other Hardware Engineering managers, business area directors and program managers. Key aspects of each major area of responsibility are as follows:


Team Leadership and Management: The Manager of HWE TSOU will lead a management and technical staff of approximately 80 engineers and administrative staff, supporting a variety of programs in different life cycle stages, and will ensure that the team has the resources they require to be successful. The most significant tasks included within the scope of this responsibility are:
Management of team assignments across programs and NCTA
Maintenance of and reaction to future staffing projections
Staff management & administration
Department budget management in support of utilization targets
Mentoring & career development, including training
Continuous process improvement
Team Technical Performance: The Manager of HWE TSOU will support a variety of programs in different life cycle stages. The most significant areas of accountability are:

Program performance monitoring & support with emphasis on execution within scope, budget and schedule constraints
Ensuring and monitoring of quality work products
Engineering process maintenance and enforcement
Program task management & team leadership
Optimizing and expediting the smooth transfer of design data between functional organizations and database systems

Planning for the Future: The Manager of HWE TSOU will be instrumental in setting the path for the organization and supporting the strategic direction of all supported business areas. The most significant tasks included within the scope of this area are:
Support to new business capture
Responsible for the creation, review and approval of project bids for the organization
Technology vision/roadmap definition & maintenance
Development of NCTA project definition
Thought leadership toward business model innovations

This position will be full-time and on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL. location

This position is contingent upon Funding/Contract award, special access program and acquiring and maintaining the necessary US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in relevant engineering or sciences field with 12 years of experience or a MS degree in relevant engineering or sciences field with 10 years of experience.
Minimum of 3 years experience in a management role either in a functional engineering organization or on a project with demonstrated success

Previous experience in a technical lead role(s) for product development
Experience as a Cost Account Manager (CAM) in the Defense industry or equivalent commercial experience with Program Management/Project Management duties, including operating under cost and schedule constraints.
Demonstrated success in leading, collaborating and developing cross functional teams of varying degrees of skillsets
Must possess strong organizational and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of management and individual contributors
Proficiency in computer use & typical office applications, and working knowledge of TcE, ISE, MPLM and SAP
Working familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100 and CMMI
U.S. citizenship

Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.
Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in a relevant technical area
Working familiarity with printed wiring board design
Working knowledge of drawing and document release requirements
Cost Account Management (CAM) certification

Proven record of collaboration across organizations and geographical locations

Primary Level Salary Range: $184,300.00 - $276,500.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939