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Hardware Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL

$127K - $167K/yr

As a member of the Global Hardware organization, you'll work on long-term, high-impact engineering challenges that directly influence the performance and scalability of IMC's trading systems. This ...

Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$127K - $168K/yr

As a member of the Global Hardware organization, you'll work on long-term, high-impact engineering challenges that directly influence the performance and scalability of IMC's trading systems. This ...

Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200 - $225/hr

As a member of the Global Hardware organization, you'll work on long-term, high-impact engineering challenges that directly influence the performance and scalability of IMC's trading systems. This ...

Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$127K - $167K/yr

As a member of the Global Hardware organization, you'll work on long-term, high-impact engineering challenges that directly influence the performance and scalability of IMC's trading systems. This ...

Graduate Hardware Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180 - $220/hr

As a Hardware Engineer at IMC, you are responsible for spotting new opportunities, solving problems ... Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related degree * Strong analytical skills and a desire to ...

... to engineering management Requirements Skills and Qualifications 10+ years of hands-on experience ... hardware development 10+ years of PCB design experience using ECAD tools (Altium Designer or ...

As a Hardware Engineer at IMC, you are responsible for spotting new opportunities, solving problems ... Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related degree * Strong analytical skills and a desire to ...

As a Hardware Developer, you'll be responsible for designing, optimizing, and maintaining our ... Strong skills in solving complex mathematical and engineering challenges Please Apply If: * You are ...

Staff Hardware Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

... to engineering management Requirements Skills and Qualifications • 10+ years of hands-on ... hardware development • 10+ years of PCB design experience using ECAD tools (Altium Designer or ...

Work hands-on with hardware engineers to implement, verify, and deploy ML inference solutions from proof-of-concept through production * Track and evaluate emerging research in neural architecture ...

... Engineering, Computer Engineering or equivalent experience • Extensive circuit prototyping ... may span hardware, firmware and system software • Experience with instrumentation like ...

... Engineering, Computer Engineering or equivalent experience Extensive circuit prototyping experience Circuit testing and debugging skills Circuit simulation experience is a plus Experience with ...

As a Hardware Engineer at IMC, you are responsible for spotting new opportunities, solving problems ... Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related degree * Strong analytical skills and a desire to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hardware Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$49.4K

$141.7K

$190.4K

How much do hardware engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware engineering in Illinois is $141,701.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,700.00 and $158,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges hardware engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Hardware engineers often work closely with software developers, product managers, and manufacturing teams to bring products from concept to reality. A common challenge is ensuring that design specifications align across disciplines, which may require frequent adjustments and open communication. Misalignment can lead to delays or design revisions, so it's essential for hardware engineers to be proactive in meetings and documentation. Effective collaboration involves balancing technical constraints with project timelines and user requirements.

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, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and hardware testing, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, PCB design tools (such as Altium Designer or OrCAD), and industry certifications like Certified Hardware Engineer (CHE) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set top candidates apart in this field. These skills ensure the development of reliable, innovative hardware solutions that meet project specifications and industry standards.

What is hardware engineering?

Hardware engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on designing, developing, testing, and maintaining physical components of computers and electronic systems. This includes creating circuit boards, processors, memory devices, and other related hardware. Hardware engineers work closely with software engineers to ensure that hardware and software function together efficiently. They play a crucial role in advancing technology by developing faster, smaller, and more reliable electronic devices.

What is the difference between Hardware Engineering vs Electrical Engineering?

AspectHardware EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Computer EngineeringBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Electrical Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing physical hardware components, working in labs or manufacturing settingsDesigning electrical systems, power distribution, and circuitry, often in labs or field sites
Industry UsageConsumer electronics, computer hardware, embedded systemsPower systems, telecommunications, control systems
Common Search/ComparisonHardware Engineering vs Electrical Engineering

Hardware Engineering focuses on designing and developing physical electronic components and systems, while Electrical Engineering covers a broader range of electrical systems, power, and circuitry. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often overlap in industry applications, but hardware engineers are more specialized in physical hardware design.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Engineering jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Hardware Engineering jobs in Illinois are:
Infographic showing various Hardware Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,701 per year, or $68.1 per hour.

Hardware Engineering Manager 3

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 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