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Microprocessor Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

... and firmware design experience in an embedded environment utilizing popular 8/16 bit ... Must be strong with C/C++ programming 2. Excellent digital and analog hardware knowledge3.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware design and development, with a proven ... microprocessor-based systems Experience taking a project from concept all the way to production ...

Design : Power distribution system design, including specifying and selecting power system and ... Developing settings for and programming of microprocessor relays, microgrid controllers and ...

Staff Hardware Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware design and development, with a proven ... microprocessor-based systems • Experience taking a project from concept all the way to production ...

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware design and development, with a proven ... microprocessor-based systems Experience taking a project from concept all the way to production ...

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware design and development, with a proven ... microprocessor-based systems • Experience taking a project from concept all the way to production ...

... engineering project including detailed design for high voltage substation projects through 500kV ... Development of Protective Relay Settings for microprocessor relays including: SEL, GE, ABB and ...

... engineering project including detailed design for high voltage substation projects through 500kV ... Development of Protective Relay Settings for microprocessor relays including: SEL, GE, ABB and ...

... engineering project including detailed design for high voltage substation projects through 500kV ... Development of Protective Relay Settings for microprocessor relays including: SEL, GE, ABB and ...

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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 III - Communications

Electrical Engineer III - Communications

OTTO Engineering

Carpentersville, IL

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Electrical Engineer III - 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 powermanagement 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 ...

  • Digital, analog, and audio circuit design
  • SDIO, IC, SPI, RS232, UART, JTAG, parallel/serial interfaces
  • GPS, accelerometers, IMUs, speakers, microphones
  • Bluetooth, USB, and related protocols
  • Schematic/layout tools; Altium preferred

As our Electrical Engineer III you will design advanced circuitry for our communications and powermanagement products. Work across the full development cycle-from concept through production-developing analog, digital, audio, sensing, and batterypowered systems while driving handson bringup, validation, and crossfunctional integration. This role requires technical depth, initiative, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, with minimal supervision. Includes resolving field and production issues and influencing overall project direction. Degree of supervision required to perform job duties should not exceed 20%.

The Electrical Engineer III will:

  • Lead fullcycle development - Drive design, bringup, HW/SW integration, factory support, validation, and customer support.
  • Own component selection - Specify and evaluate components for performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
  • Design digital systems - Architect interface logic, sensors, peripherals, microprocessors, memory, and connectivity.
  • Develop audio circuitry - Work with A/D and D/A converters, audio power amps, opamps, and signalchain components.
  • Engineer advanced analog circuits - Filters, FETs, linear/switchmode power supplies, battery monitoring, and charging.
  • Validate product performance - Test, analyze, and document performance to meet customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Support existing products - Implement updates, troubleshoot issues, and assist factory and field teams.
  • Create productionready documentation - Generate schematics (Altium), BOMs, ECNs, test plans, and specifications.
  • Guide PCB design - Provide direction on routing, highspeed interfaces, impedance control, power distribution, and EMC compliance.
  • Perform handson troubleshooting - Use oscilloscopes, DMMs, and lab equipment to debug and refine designs.
  • Define and execute testing - Lead performance, reliability, EMC, and failureanalysis testing.
  • Establish production test requirements - Define boardlevel and endofline test strategies and select appropriate equipment.
  • Collaborate crossfunctionally - Work with Sales, Quality, Mechanical, Firmware, and Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Drive design reviews - Participate in design reviews and DFMEAs to ensure robust, highquality designs.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance - Coordinate with test labs and agencies to meet industry standards.
  • Support project planning - Help define timelines and ensure adherence to project schedules.
  • Take on evolving challenges - Contribute to additional engineering tasks as projects grow and shift.
  • Assists with other related duties as required or assigned.

About you - What you'll bring to the table:

  • BSEE degree
  • U.S. Citizen
  • 5+ years of concepttoproduction experience
  • Expertise in digital, analog, and audio circuit design - Including bringup and HW/SW integration.
  • Microprocessor interface experience - SDIO, IC, SPI, RS232, UART, JTAG, parallel/serial interfaces.
  • Sensor and audio subsystem knowledge - GPS, accelerometers, IMUs, speakers, microphones.
  • Connectivity proficiency - Strong understanding of Bluetooth, USB, and related protocols.
  • Batterysystem knowledge - Charging circuits, battery technologies, and powermanagement fundamentals.
  • EMC/ESD mitigation experience - Designing for noise reduction, compliance, and robustness.
  • Embedded software familiarity (a plus, not required)
  • Failureanalysis capability - Diagnose issues, interpret test results, and drive design improvements.
  • CAD proficiency - Schematic/layout tools; Altium preferred.
  • Strong execution discipline - Able to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork
  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • Independent, resultsoriented problem solver - Flexible, proactive, and effective in both solo and team environments.

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: $90,000 to $105,000, 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

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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.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME