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Microprocessor Design Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 ...

Embedded Software Engineer (DSP)

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$63.80K - $97.60K/yr

Design, implement, and test embedded software subsystems using Object-Oriented development ... Experience with ARM-based or DSP microprocessor architectures and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

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 ...

... design for high voltage substation projects through 500kV, with a focus on "Client First" approach ... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Senior Relay Settings EIT 2

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

$106K - $138.10K/yr

... 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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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 Jun 3, 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 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Microprocessor Design Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,639 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Staff Hardware Engineer

Staff Hardware Engineer

HP Tuners

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

HP Tuners is currently seeking a full-time Staff Hardware Engineer to join our team in Buffalo Grove, IL. At HP Tuners, we develop hardware and software products to suite the aftermarket needs of automotive enthusiasts. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware design and development, with a proven track record of taking projects from concept to production. This role requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to work collaboratively across multiple teams.
This is an on-site position and requires the candidate to work in our Buffalo Grove, IL office (relocation assistance is available).
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Develop innovative full system embedded architecture for new products
• Lead the design and development of hardware projects from concept through production
• Take into consideration and balance functional requirements, maintainability, reusability, scalability, extensibility and cost effectiveness
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including software, mechanical, and sourcing to ensure seamless integration of hardware solutions
• Perform schematic entry and layout using Altium Designer
• Prepare PCB projects for manufacturing
• Prototype and test new hardware designs
• Debug and validate electronic circuits
• Participate in the board bring-up process by working side-by-side with the firmware team
• Being able to write proof of concept firmware applications is a plus
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to fellow hardware engineers
• Develop detailed design specifications, schematics, and documentation
• Work with suppliers to source components and finished assemblies
• Manage project requirements and deadlines. Work with the Project Management team on creating and maintaining project schedules
• Develop and breakdown functional requirements into well-defined tasks
• Perform peer design reviews
• Provide expert technical input into product planning and concepts
• Further knowledge of new development processes in the field and leverage new advancements when appropriate
• Conduct technical research and studies into new technologies, providing recommendations to engineering management
Requirements
Skills and Qualifications
• 10+ years of hands-on experience and a proven track record in hardware development
• 10+ years of PCB design experience using ECAD tools (Altium Designer or similar)
• 5+ years of hands-on PCB layout experience; Of those, at least 3 years of hands-on experience within the last 10
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or equivalent experience
• Proven track record of technical leadership
• Demonstration of a successful track record in managing complex problems and successfully providing innovative solutions
• Extensive circuit prototyping experience
• Circuit testing and debugging skills
• Circuit simulation experience
• Experience with advanced PCB design skills such as Impedance Control and Length Matching
• Friendly, flexible, and a team player
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work autonomously while meeting required deadlines
• Good problem-solving skills
• Open-minded, positive approach to problem solving and working with others
• Proven experience working in a fast-paced environment to agreed upon timelines
• Demonstration of excellent judgment and decision making abilities
Relevant Experience
Experience designing microcontroller/microprocessor-based systems
Experience taking a project from concept all the way to production
• Ability to diagnose issues that may span hardware, firmware and system software
• Experience with instrumentation like oscilloscopes, logic/protocol analyzers for debugging embedded systems at HW level
• Experience with automotive OBD-II On-Board Diagnostics and Vehicle Communication protocols is a plus
Physical Requirements
• Working Conditions: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and work at a desk or workbench for prolonged periods of time.
Please Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of HP Tuners.
At HP Tuners LLC, we understand that compensation plays a key role when considering a new opportunity. We are dedicated to ensuring fair pay for all employees and continually work towards greater transparency in our compensation practices. The estimated base salary range for this position is $140,000 - 170,000, with actual pay determined including factors such as location, skills, experience, and other relevant considerations. This position also qualifies for a discretionary bonus and a complete benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, paid time off (PTO), and a 401(k) program with employer matching.
HP Tuners LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class. HP Tuners LLC does not use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to make decisions in the hiring process. If AI (Artificial Intelligence) is utilized, HP Tuners LLC will include a disclaimer in the relevant job posting.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Services Agreement, we will not consider, or agree to, payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event that a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, we explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency.