How much do hil engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for hil engineer in Illinois is $94,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a HiL engineer?

A HIL (Hardware-in-the-Loop) Engineer is responsible for developing, testing, and validating embedded control systems using HIL simulation techniques. They design and implement test environments that simulate real-world conditions for automotive, aerospace, or industrial applications. HIL Engineers work with simulation models, hardware components, and software tools to ensure that control systems function correctly before deployment. Their role helps reduce development costs and improve system reliability by identifying issues early in the design process.

What does a HiL engineer do?

As a HiL Engineer, a typical day involves developing and maintaining simulation environments, executing test plans for embedded control units, and analyzing test results to identify and troubleshoot system issues. You’ll frequently collaborate with software and hardware engineers, providing feedback and working together to resolve integration challenges. The role often includes scripting automation, updating HiL platforms, and participating in review meetings to ensure alignment with project requirements. Over time, HiL Engineers gain deeper knowledge of system architectures and testing methodologies, opening paths to lead engineer or technical specialist positions. This dynamic work environment offers opportunities to work on innovative products and expand your expertise in automotive or industrial system validation.

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

To excel as a HiL Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechatronics engineering, proficiency in control systems and embedded software testing, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) simulation platforms like dSPACE, NI (National Instruments), or Vector, as well as knowledge of tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills are crucial for collaborating in cross-functional teams. These abilities ensure reliable system validation, streamlined error diagnosis, and efficient interaction in fast-paced automotive or industrial development environments.

$79k-$139k Hil Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING) Sep 26

3B Staffing LLC

HIL Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Hi! We have 2 OPENINGS. Its for the L6 machines which are very complex. HIL Engineer-cat-mossville il 3+ years industry experience BSEE Dspace HIL testing and experience writing test automation ...

3B Staffing LLC

HIL Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Hi! We have 2 OPENINGS. Its for the L6 machines which are very complex. HIL Engineer-cat-mossville il 3+ years industry experience BSEE Dspace HIL testing and experience writing test automation ...

3B Staffing LLC

HIL Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Hi! We have 2 OPENINGS. Its for the L6 machines which are very complex. HIL Engineer-cat-mossville il 3+ years industry experience BSEE Dspace HIL testing and experience writing test automation ...

3B Staffing LLC

HIL Engineer

Mossville, IL · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Hi! We have 2 OPENINGS. Its for the L6 machines which are very complex. HIL Engineer-cat-mossville il 3+ years industry experience BSEE Dspace HIL testing and experience writing test automation ...