1

Microprocessor Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Summary Electrical Engineer needed to design and develop new products and modify and improve ... Experience with embedded microcontroller and microprocessor design. * Ability to interpret customer ...

Summary Electrical Engineer needed to design and develop new products and modify and improve ... Experience with embedded microcontroller and microprocessor design. * Ability to interpret customer ...

Software Engineer III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Join Our Team as a Software Engineer III! As a Software Engineer III , you'll be crucial in ... Design embedded application firmware for microprocessor-based switch and fault interrupting ...

Software Engineer III

Chicago, IL · On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Join Our Team as a Software Engineer III! As a Software Engineer III , you'll be crucial in ... Design embedded application firmware for microprocessor-based switch and fault interrupting ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Microprocessor Design Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$35K

$107.6K

$151.4K

How much do microprocessor design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for microprocessor design engineer in Chicago, IL is $107,639.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,100.00 and $125,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Microprocessor Design Engineer do?

A Microprocessor Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing the core processing units (microprocessors) used in computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices. Their work involves creating detailed architecture and logic designs, verifying circuit functionality, collaborating with software and hardware teams, and optimizing performance and power consumption. These engineers use specialized design tools and simulation software to ensure that microprocessors meet technical specifications and industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Microprocessor Design Engineers during the chip development cycle?

Microprocessor Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as meeting stringent performance, power, and area requirements while ensuring design correctness and manufacturability. Coordinating with cross-functional teams—such as verification, physical design, and software engineering—can be complex, especially when addressing last-minute design changes or debugging unexpected hardware behaviors. Additionally, staying up-to-date with evolving design tools, methodologies, and semiconductor technologies is essential for success in this fast-paced field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microprocessor Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Microprocessor Design Engineer, you need a solid background in computer engineering or electrical engineering, with expertise in digital logic design, microarchitecture, and VLSI principles. Proficiency with hardware description languages (such as Verilog or VHDL), simulation tools (like ModelSim or Synopsys), and familiarity with EDA tools are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating innovative, reliable, and efficient microprocessor designs that meet rigorous performance and industry standards.
What are popular job titles related to Microprocessor Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Microprocessor Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Microprocessor Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Microprocessor Design Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Electrical Engineer II - Communications

Electrical Engineer II - Communications

OTTO Engineering, Inc.

Carpentersville, IL • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Electrical Engineer II - Communications
Why join OTTO Engineering?
  • At OTTO, we don't just manufacture products-we engineer mission-critical solutions with precision and pride. Our Communications Division designs and manufactures ruggedized, application-specific communication systems built to perform when failure isn't an option, serving the military, law enforcement, public safety, and industrial customers worldwide.
  • As a core value, we focus on delivering for our customers through innovative technology, superior quality, value, and responsiveness ... as a result, our growth continues!
  • Employees are our greatest asset, which is why we share our company's profits to celebrate our collective success.
  • As a privately-owned company, we are proud to invest significantly in our community and in our own growth, focusing on long-term business success.
  • We are proudly American!

You'll love our Engineering Team!
Join a team where your engineering talent directly supports the people who protect and serve. At OTTO Engineering, we design and build innovative communications and power-management products used by Public Safety professionals and Military teams around the world. You'll help create rugged, reliable, and innovative products that professionals depend on every day. If you're excited by meaningful engineering challenges and the chance to build technology that truly matters, this role is a great fit.
Specifically, we are seeking experience with ...
  • Op-amps, filters, transistor circuits, codecs, and power supplies
  • Digital and microprocessor design
  • Portable/battery-powered product
  • Compliance exposure; EMC, ESD, UL/ATEX/FM Intrinsically Safe
  • Schematic entry proficiency; Altium experience a plus

As our Electrical Engineer IIyou will design advanced circuitry for our communications and power-management products. Will participate in new product design from concept to full production, tackle analog, audio, digital, and battery-powered design challenges, and help resolve technical issues in both field and manufacturing environments. This role demands initiative, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to work independently with moderate supervision. Degree of supervision required to perform job duties should not exceed 40%.
The Electrical Engineer II will:
  • Design and prototype circuits - Develop analog and digital circuitry, build prototypes, and validate performance against demanding specs.
  • Select and specify components - Make informed choices that balance performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
  • Create production documentation - Generate schematics, BOMs, and guide PCB layout to ensure robust, scalable designs.
  • Test and verify product performance - Evaluate, document, and refine designs to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Support technical sales - Provide engineering insight that helps customers understand and adopt our solutions.
  • Define and validate production tests - Establish test requirements and collaborate with Production to qualify test equipment.
  • Sustain and improve existing products - Troubleshoot issues, enhance reliability, and support continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate across teams - Work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Sales to drive successful product outcomes.
  • Maintain engineering records - Keep schematics, BOMs, ECNs, drawings, and layouts accurate and up to date.
  • Take on evolving challenges - Contribute to additional engineering tasks as projects grow and shift.
  • Assist with other related duties as required or assigned

About you - What you'll bring to the table:
  • BSEE degree
  • U.S. Citizen
  • 2+ years of product-development experience - Hands-on involvement from concept through production.
  • Strong analog/audio design skills - Op-amps, filters, transistor circuits, codecs, power supplies, etc.
  • Digital and microprocessor design experience
  • Portable/battery-powered product experience (preferred)
  • Schematic entry proficiency - Altium experience a plus.
  • Embedded coding familiarity (bonus)
  • Compliance exposure - EMC, ESD, UL/ATEX/FM Intrinsically Safe experience a plus.
  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • Strong work discipline - Self-motivated, proactive, communicates clearly, meets commitments.
  • Detail-driven problem solving - Critical thinker with a results-oriented mindset.
  • Excellent communication skills - Clear, confident written and verbal communication.

What OTTO offers for this specific position:
The hiring range listed in this posting is what we, in good faith, anticipate relying on when confirming a base salary for this position; exceptions may be considered for highly experienced candidates with multiple years of at-level experience.
  • Target base salary hiring range: $80,000 to $95,000, based on qualifications and experience.
  • Profit Sharing Bonus - OTTO believes that it's fair to share the profits that the employees help to make; profit sharing is distributed to employees twice a year. OTTO's profit sharing plan is paid at the discretion of the company and is not a guaranteed bonus or any part of a compensation plan.
  • Vacation: 80 hours -vacation time is earned on the anniversary date.

OTTO's Benefits:
Health:
Medical Insurance-
  • HMO Plan
  • Standard PPO Plan
  • Enhanced PPO Plan
  • High Deducible PPO Plan
  • FSA, LFSA, and HSA

Dental Insurance-
  • Base Plan
  • Buy-Up Plan

Vision Insurance
401(k) with a company match
Life insurance:
  • Life/AD&D
  • Voluntary Life/AD&D
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Long-Term Disability

10 paid holidays
Company picnic
Holiday party
AND numerous OTTO celebrations throughout the year!
To review all of OTTO's available opportunities,
please visit our career page by clicking on the link below:
https://otto-engineering-inc.breezy.hr/
OTTO Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran
Federal Notices
Federal EEOC - Know Your Rights
NLRB Notice
E-Verify
Request for Assistance / Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, please let us know if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the online application process. You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.
If you need an alternative method for applying, please contact OTTO Engineering via telephone at 847-428-7171or email at HRDepartment @ ottoexcellence.com
These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests; please do not inquire as to the status of an application.
OTTO Engineering does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters, agencies, or similar organizations; any submissions will not be honored.