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Hardware Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Principal Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Define sub-system requirements for on-aircraft and ground-based IFEC hardware / servers. * Design ... Work with Software Developers to refine feature-level software designs. * Work with Testers to ...

Systems Engineer

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site

$108K - $144K/yr

The Systems Engineer at CNH Industrial America LLC in Oak Brook, IL will collaborate with the ... Interface with the electronic component team to gather hardware specifications of electronic ...

Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100 - $150/hr

We are seeking a Hardware Systems Engineer to take ownership of hardware products from concept through validated production release. This is a hands-on, cross-functional position. You will work ...

System Engineering * Drive product and feature requirements, architecture, design, and test ... Software, Electrical Hardware, Mechanical Hardware, FPGA, Test Engineering Customer Technical ...

Systems Engineer

Oak Brook, IL ยท On-site

$108.08 - $144.38/hr

The Systems Engineer at CNH Industrial America LLC in Oak Brook, IL will collaborate with the ... Interface with the electronic component team to gather hardware specifications of electronic ...

Systems Engineer - Sentinel

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$70 - $175/hr

Auria supports the Air Force's sustainment, development, production and deployment of hardware and ... WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO DO As a System Engineer (SE) you will be assigned to an Agile Scrum Team ...

Systems Engineer - Traveling

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$50 - $60/hr

Experience with hardware refreshes, server migrations, and data center deployments * Familiarity with disaster recovery (DR) environments, backup strategies, and failover testing * Experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Hardware Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$52.6K

$150.8K

$202.6K

How much do hardware systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware systems engineer in Chicago, IL is $150,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $127,300.00 and $168,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware systems engineer?

To thrive as a Hardware Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and hardware integration, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency with CAD tools (like Altium or OrCAD), simulation software, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications such as IPC or IEEE is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set exceptional engineers apart. These skills ensure reliable hardware solutions, efficient development processes, and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are some common challenges faced by hardware systems engineers during cross-functional projects?

Hardware Systems Engineers often work closely with software teams, product managers, and manufacturing to deliver integrated solutions. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment across these diverse teams, especially when requirements or timelines shift. Additionally, balancing system performance, cost, and manufacturability can be complex, requiring careful coordination and frequent design iterations. Proactively engaging with stakeholders and maintaining thorough documentation can help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.

Are hardware systems engineers in high demand?

Hardware systems engineers are in high demand due to the growth of industries such as telecommunications, aerospace, and consumer electronics. They are needed to design, develop, and test complex hardware components, often requiring skills in circuit design, embedded systems, and proficiency with tools like CAD software. The demand is expected to remain strong as technology continues to advance and integrate more hardware solutions.

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

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

Infographic showing various Hardware Systems Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,757 per year, or $72.5 per hour.

Principal Systems Engineer

SES S.A Brazil

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

SES Commercial Aviation team has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Systems Engineer. You will help us design and develop solutions aimed at providing key features, functionality, and future vision for Commercial Aviation connectivity to deliver an at home internet access experience while sitting on an airplane. Solutions integrate many individual sub-systems from the usersโ€™ connected devices, through the aircraft, across satellites, ground-based teleports, data centers, and to the internet. Solutions are knit together and defined with various development teams and disciplines, product management, and support organizations.

The ideal candidate for this role will be a working member of the Commercial Aviation systems engineering team delivering quality technical solutions that address strategic technical and business needs carrying through concept, design, deployment, and field support. This role requires solid understanding of networking, ability to learn cutting edge technology and to drive its application to next generation solution realization, being able to communicate technical solutions and concepts in both written and verbal means to a variety of people and organizations, and contribute to cross-functional teams (such as hardware engineering, network engineering, satellite engineering, operations, satellite capacity planning) within SES, with suppliers, and with customers.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS
  • You will investigate new technologies and prove out their applicable use to SES' Commercial Aviation in-flight entertainment and communication (IFEC) systems.
  • Define system-level technical requirements for IFEC systems.
  • Define sub-system requirements for on-aircraft and ground-based IFEC hardware / servers.
  • Design and document high-level architecture for IFEC systems.
  • Work with Product Owners to review and refine epic and feature-level business requirements.
  • Work with Software Developers to refine feature-level software designs.
  • Work with Testers to ensure test cases accurately cover all technical requirements.
  • Be the point person resolving issues that appear in the field.
COMPETENCIES
  • Proven ability to understand complex systems comprised of communication, computing, and internet technologies.
  • Ability to aggregate, organize, and present complex technical information.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects efficiently.
  • Excellent analytical skills and ability to think critically.
  • Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in an international, multi-site environment.
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.
  • Minimum of 4 years' experience writing technical requirements for embedded and/or telecommunication systems, system-level would be a bonus
  • Excellent working knowledge of common web / networking protocols (e.g. QUIC, TCP / IP, HTTP Services), RF communication protocols (e.g. 802.11), hardware functional understanding (e.g. compute resources and memory, communication mechanisms such as ethernet and discretes), and software functional understanding (e.g. VMs, Docker containers, software engineering concepts).
  • Knowledge and understanding of the following areas:
    • Web service and cloud computing infrastructure.
    • Network infrastructures including routers, gateways, SD-WANs, deep packet inspection systems, load balancers, and firewalls.
    • Wireless communication systems and protocols particularly 802.11 and Satellite (MEO, LEO, GEO).
  • Experience with front end process flow; understanding of process inputs from Product Management and needed outputs to Development and Test.
OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS
  • Data management experience in areas such as data capture and distribution, data storage techniques, and data display techniques.
  • End-to-end knowledge of 5G and satellite systems.
  • Masterโ€™s degree in telecommunications, engineering, computer science, or a related major.
  • Experience with Jama Connect or another requirements management tool.

SES and its Affiliated Companies are committed to providing fair and equal employment opportunities to all. We are an Equal Opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law.

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