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Hardware Startup Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Traveltechessentialist

TechOps Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75 - $100/hr

... startup. You'll be the go-to person for day-to-day IT needs - especially those related to Mac support, hardware lifecycle management, and office IT logistics. This is a role for someone who thrives ...

Perk

TechOps Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

... startup. You'll be the go-to person for day-to-day IT needs-especially those related to Mac support, hardware lifecycle management, and office IT logistics. This is a role for someone who thrives in ...

Great Lakes Group

Be Seen First

PLC Programmer - Allen-Bradley

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Program and troubleshoot HMI systems , sensors, drives, industrial networks, and related automation hardware. * Participate in machine startup , equipment installation, system integration, and ...

Rundoo

Implementation Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$82K - $111K/yr

... startup for 1.5ish years. * Humberto - Business and Information Technology specialist with 8 years of hardware store and ERP system experience. * Lej - Passionate about tech and helping people; here ...

ITW Avery Weigh-Tronix

Embedded Software Engineer

IL

$135K - $178K/yr

... hardware and firmware. • Diagnose issues related to startup behavior, communication failures, timing issues, memory, and interaction between firmware and hardware. Cross Functional & Customer ...

Until

Head of Legal

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$250K - $300K/yr

Prior in-house experience at a growth-stage company (e.g. as a first or second legal hire at a startup) * Comfort working across hardware, software, and biological IP. * Familiarity with legal ...

Eliyan

Architecture - I/O Architect

Mundelein, IL · On-site

Join the leading chiplet startup! As an Eliyan NuLink PHY IO Architect, you will be working at a ... Definition of a firmware first based hardware architecture approach. * Protocol Design: Design ...

Aquabyte

Embedded Software Engineer

Mundelein, IL · On-site

$130K - $190K/yr

Our product operates at three levels: on-site hardware for image capture, cloud pipelines for data ... Experience at a small & quickly growing startup Benefits * Competitive salary and equity

TransMarket Group

Infrastructure Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$110K - $145K/yr

... also is like a startup because the potential of our group is at least one order of magnitude ... Performing hardware installation and troubleshooting existing hardware * Documenting both new and ...

Sterling Engineering

Control Engineer

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$160K/yr

Debug and validate hardware and software performance * Review electrical schematics and support ... Travel 25-30% for equipment startup and integration Qualifications * 1+ years of experience in ...

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Hardware Startup information

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How much do hardware startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware startup in Illinois is $23.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $27.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hardware startup?

A hardware startup is a company focused on designing, developing, and bringing to market physical products or devices that typically incorporate electronics, mechanics, or related technologies. These startups often work on innovative consumer gadgets, industrial equipment, or connected devices (IoT). The process usually involves prototyping, manufacturing, and scaling production, which can present unique challenges compared to purely software-based startups. Hardware startups require expertise in product design, engineering, supply chain management, and may need significant capital for manufacturing and distribution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware startup founder?

To thrive as a Hardware Startup Founder, you need a solid background in engineering, product development, and business strategy, often supported by relevant degrees or entrepreneurial experience. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, supply chain management systems, and fundraising platforms is typically essential. Leadership, resilience, and effective communication are standout soft skills for successfully guiding teams and building partnerships. These competencies are crucial for navigating technical challenges, attracting investment, and bringing innovative hardware products to market.

What are some common challenges faced by team members working at a hardware startup, and how can they be addressed?

Team members at hardware startups often encounter challenges such as tight development timelines, limited resources, and the need to iterate quickly on physical prototypes. Collaboration between engineers, designers, and supply chain specialists is essential to ensure that the product moves efficiently from concept to production. Open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to take on varied responsibilities are key to overcoming these challenges and driving the company’s success.

What is the difference between Hardware Startup vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectHardware Startup

AspectHardware Startup

Hardware Startup professionals focus on developing new hardware products from concept to prototype, often working in small teams or startups with a flexible environment. Hardware Engineers typically work within established companies, focusing on designing, testing, and maintaining hardware components. Both roles require technical skills in electronics and engineering, but Hardware Startups emphasize innovation and product development, while Hardware Engineers prioritize reliability and manufacturing processes.

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Startup jobs in Illinois?

For Hardware Startup jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hardware Startup jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Hardware Startup jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Hardware Startup jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Hardware Startup job openings:

Hardware Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Startup job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,569 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Reserve Engineer (On-site) - Austin, TX

Cobalt AI

West Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

About Cobalt AI



Cobalt AI utilizes a combination of human expertise, robotic technology, and monitoring intelligence solutions to effectively resolve any security incidents. Our dedicated team patrols and monitors sites 24/7 to proactively prevent break-ins, identify significant leaks, and provide our customers with visibility over their space, their assets, and their data.


Cobalt's team is composed of renowned technologists and security professionals and is backed by world-class investors such as Sequoia, Bloomberg Beta, and Coatue. In 2019, Cobalt was recognized as one of the Best Places to Work by the Silicon Valley Business Journal and the San Francisco Business Times.


We're looking for people who want to make an impact with us and help build a company that is known for its excellence in engineering, passion for progress, and dedication to customers.


___________________________________________________________________________


About The role: The Reserve Engineer (RE) is someone who is knowledgeable with computer hardware and provides our clients with top-notch customer service. The RE serves as Cobalt's "boots on the ground" and are part of our rapid-response field-operations team in the event a hardware-failure happens at a client site. Occasionally, REs assist with field projects and new robot deployments. The RE an essential role-player in keeping our robots operating and our clients happy. Please note, this is not a remote position.


What You'll Do


  • Learn our robot hardware inside and out to be comfortable servicing and maintaining our machine. (we'll provide the paid training)
  • Communicate with both technical and non-technical teammates with field repairs and projects.
  • Ensure hardware failures on our robots are addressed, and resolved within a safe and timely manner.
  • Occasionally assist with field operation projects and new robot deployments
  • Be dispatched to client sites within your area to resolve hardware failures 1-3 times a month(potentially more)
  • Reports to a Regional Project Manager for tasking and delegation.

You're a Great Candidate If


  • You're excited about robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and willing to learn
  • You're familiar with hardware assembly and disassembly.(Tool kit with basic hand tools will be provided)
  • You're Familiar with computer hardware and small electrical components(proprietary training will be provided)
  • You're an excellent communicator and comfortable collaborating and receiving instruction on platforms such as Slack, GoogleMeet/Hangout etc.
  • You are available during days and times within Mon-Fri, 9a-5p. (Flex/Oncall schedule)
  • You're open to support jobs that may occur after hours(5pm-9am) and on weekends.(Flex/Oncall schedule)
  • You're presentable and comfortable speaking to clients from Fortune 100 & 500 companies.
  • You love providing great customer service.

Bonus Skills


  • Experience with robotics
  • Experience with computer hardware and electrical components
  • Experience working in a fast-paced startup environment.
  • Military/First Responder
  • Associate degree or higher


The Reserve Engineer is a 1099 contractor position at Cobalt AI and is NOT a remote position. Compensation range is between $20-$50/USD hr DOE. Cobalt AI does NOT pay for relocation for this role.


Cobalt AI is an equal employment opportunity employer and values diversity. Qualified candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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