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National Instruments Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic ...

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic ...

Inspect clean instruments for damage and tests for proper function and sharpness. * Assembles all ... High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or certificate from a nationally recognized ...

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National Instruments information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33K

$82.2K

$155K

How much do national instruments jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for national instruments in Chicago, IL is $82,171.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $97,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a National Instruments Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, instrumentation, and automation, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with NI LabVIEW, TestStand, and certifications such as Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) are commonly required technical assets. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for designing, implementing, and troubleshooting automated test and measurement systems that meet industry standards.

What are National Instruments engineers?

National Instruments engineers are professionals who work with hardware and software solutions developed by National Instruments (now known as NI), a company specializing in automated test and measurement systems. These engineers typically use products like LabVIEW, PXI, and data acquisition devices to design, test, and automate processes across various industries such as electronics, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Their work involves creating custom measurement and control systems, integrating hardware and software, and optimizing test workflows to improve efficiency and accuracy.

What is the difference between National Instruments vs Test Engineer?

AspectNational InstrumentsTest Engineer
Primary RoleDesigning and developing test systems using NI hardware/softwarePlanning, executing, and analyzing product tests to ensure quality
Required SkillsExperience with NI LabVIEW, hardware integration, automationKnowledge of testing methodologies, scripting, and product specifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, engineering teams, hardware/software integrationManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, quality assurance teams
CertificationsNI certifications, engineering degrees often preferredEngineering degrees, testing certifications beneficial

National Instruments professionals focus on developing test systems using NI hardware and software, often working closely with hardware integration. Test Engineers design and execute product tests to verify quality, utilizing testing methodologies. While both roles require technical skills, National Instruments roles emphasize hardware/software development, whereas Test Engineers concentrate on testing processes and analysis.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working at National Instruments, and how can new hires effectively navigate them?

Engineers at National Instruments often work on complex, interdisciplinary projects that require collaboration across hardware, software, and test engineering teams. New hires may find it challenging to quickly learn the company's proprietary tools, such as LabVIEW, and to adapt to the fast-paced, innovation-driven environment. To navigate these challenges, it's helpful to proactively seek mentorship, participate in internal training programs, and communicate openly with team members to clarify project goals and expectations. Embracing a collaborative mindset and being willing to ask questions can accelerate your integration into the team and enhance your contributions.
Infographic showing various National Instruments job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,171 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Principal / Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer

Principal / Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 352 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

107th of 527 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
The successful candidate will join Northrop Grumman's Defense Systems (DS) Specialized Tactical Electronic Warfare Systems (STEWS) team in Rolling Meadows, IL. The role focuses on the development, testing, and sustainment of legacy and advanced electronic systems for U.S. Air Force platforms, including RF microwave airborne RADAR, infrared (IR) sensors, laboratory test stations, and transportable flightline electronic warfare combat test sets.
Our team provides sustainment support for the US Air Force platforms. Our team members complete engineering, reverse engineering, and logistics solution efforts to solve complex obsolescence problems and ensure warfighter training, combat and supportability.
You will support execution of various program activities to include test system design and evaluation, design and development of RF systems and components, radar, power and/or electrical systems architecture, components, circuits, and products for aircraft and flight line. The position will research, develop, design, and test electrical components, perform equipment, systems, and design evaluations and provide general engineering support for defense or commercial systems.
The role demands hands-on troubleshooting of field failures, supplier coordination, and the ability to mentor junior engineers while interfacing with customers and program leadership.
Roles and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
  • Lead or support system integration activities, coordinating with cross-functional teams to deliver end-to-end system functionality.
  • Design, develop, integrate, test, and deploy hardware and system modifications.
  • Create and execute Verification and Validation (V&V) plans that ensure radar-system requirements satisfy mission objectives and customer needs.
  • Diagnose hardware and sub-assembly failures, determine root causes, and implement corrective actions.
  • Facilitate smooth transitions from design to production.
  • Produce and maintain engineering documentation, including specifications, change notices, parts lists, bills of materials, test plans, test procedures, and test reports to support the engineering development lifecycle and program goals.
  • Establish milestones and monitor adherence to master plans and schedules.
  • Evaluate, integrate, and test hardware and software components to reduce development risk and investigate anomalies.
  • Interface with internal and external customers, delivering clear presentations and status updates.
  • Provide troubleshooting support for field failures, leveraging deep knowledge of both hardware and software interfaces within the system and subsystem components.
  • Offer technical assistance to Northrop and USAF technicians and collaborate with suppliers to resolve hardware issues.
    **This position may be filled at either Principal or Sr. Principal Level.

Principal Electronics Engineer Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; or a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience with:
  • Exposure to airborne RADAR and Electronic Warfare (EW)
  • Familiarity in C++, Python or MATLAB development and/or debugging
  • Familiarity with National Instruments (NI/Emerson) LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW.
  • Understanding of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms implemented on FPGAs.
  • Familiarity with PathWave RF Synthesis (Genesys)
  • U.S. Citizenship and eligibility to obtain a US Government Secret security clearance.

or
Sr. Principal Electronics Engineer Basic Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline, with a minimum of 9 (nine) years of relevant experience or a Master's degree in a relevant STEM discipline and 7 (six) years of related engineering experience with:
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication abilities, coupled with excellent organizational skills.
  • Proficiency with airborne RADAR and Electronic Warfare (EW)
  • Proficiency in C++, Python or MATLAB development and/or debugging
  • Proficiency with National Instruments (NI/Emerson) LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW.
  • Proficiency of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms implemented on FPGAs.
  • Proficiency with PathWave RF Synthesis (Genesys)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Altium Designer, RF and Digital test and measurement equipment.
  • U.S. Citizenship and eligibility to obtain a US Government Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Proven experience with airborne RADAR Electronic Warfare (EW)
  • Proficiency in C++, Python or MATLAB development and/or debugging
  • Proficiency with National Instruments (NI/Emerson) LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW.
  • Strong understanding of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms implemented on FPGAs.
  • Proficiency with PathWave RF Synthesis (Genesys)

Professional Experience in any of the following:
  • RADAR product data analysis
  • Software requirements definition and verification
  • Supplier Management of Hardware/Embedded Software system
  • Operations and Sustainment of fielded systems
  • Proposal development and review
  • Root Cause and Corrective Action Investigations
  • Test and evaluation of Software design solutions and tools
  • Experience with data analysis, simulation, and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB toolboxes,)
  • Experience with configuration management, issue tracking/trending, and basic software engineering practices.
  • Proficiency in one or more technical languages: MATLAB/Simulink, Python; C/C++ embedded/real time implementations.
  • Ability to comprehend and analyze complex problems, develop solutions, and make decisions that impact the organization's credibility, operations and services.
  • Documented ability to interpret numerical data for reporting purposes and prepare and analyze data and figures.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate in a team environment across with multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Ability to diagnose/troubleshoot/repair hardware components
  • Experience with test planning at the circuit card, equipment, and system level
  • Experience generating and diagnosing automated test software
  • Analog, Digital, RF, EMI / EMC signal integrity experience

Primary Level Salary Range: $108,800.00 - $163,200.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $135,800.00 - $203,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939