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Security System Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Security Engineer

Chicago, IL

$118K - $161K/yr

Senior Security Engineer Our Engineering Standards at Karbon: Balance Speed and Quality Engineers ... Build and Maintain Systems Engineers are responsible for building new capabilities while ...

Security Engineer (Splunk)

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$78 - $135/hr

... engineering and architecture experience--including requirements definition, architecture ... Documented success integrating multiple security tools (SIEM, AV, intrusion detection systems, etc ...

New

Integrate systems using APIs (Graph API, REST, etc) to enhance security workflows. * Work with AI and our AI engineering teams to ensure the security of the environment Risk Assessment & Security ...

Integrate systems using APIs (Graph API, REST, etc) to enhance security workflows. * Work with AI and our AI engineering teams to ensure the security of the environment Risk Assessment & Security ...

Senior Security Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

The Senior Security Engineer is responsible for engineering and implementing solutions to enhance ... Ensure security systems are upgraded by monitoring security environment, identifying security gaps ...

Senior Security Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$114.80 - $172.30/hr

The Senior Security Engineer is responsible for engineering and implementing solutions to enhance ... Ensure security systems are upgraded by monitoring security environment, identifying security gaps ...

Senior Security Engineer

Chicago, IL

$118K - $161K/yr

The Senior Security Engineer is responsible for engineering and implementing solutions to enhance ... Ensure security systems are upgraded by monitoring security environment, identifying security gaps ...

Senior Security Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$118K - $161K/yr

The Senior Security Engineer is responsible for engineering and implementing solutions to enhance ... Ensure security systems are upgraded by monitoring security environment, identifying security gaps ...

Security Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Integrate systems using APIs (Graph API, REST, etc) to enhance security workflows. Work with AI and our AI engineering teams to ensure the security of the environment. Risk Assessment & Security ...

New

Showing results 41-60

Security System Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$60

$88

How much do security system engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for security system engineer in Chicago, IL is $60.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.05 and $69.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a security system engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Security System Engineer, you need a strong background in network security, systems architecture, and information technology, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+ are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure robust protection of organizational assets, effective risk mitigation, and clear collaboration with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What is the difference between Security System Engineer vs Security Analyst?

AspectSecurity System EngineerSecurity Analyst
CertificationsSecurity+, CISSP, CEHSecurity+, CISSP, GIAC
Work EnvironmentDesigns and implements security systems, often in technical or engineering teamsMonitors, analyzes, and responds to security incidents, often in security operations centers
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, security firms, large enterprisesFinancial institutions, government agencies, corporate security teams

Security System Engineers focus on designing and deploying security infrastructure, while Security Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same industry sectors, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What is a security system engineer?

Security System Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and maintain security systems to protect buildings, assets, and information from unauthorized access or harm. They work with technologies such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, access control, and cybersecurity measures. Their responsibilities include assessing security risks, selecting appropriate technologies, configuring system components, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that all security systems comply with relevant laws and standards. Security System Engineers often collaborate with IT teams, facility managers, and law enforcement to provide comprehensive protection solutions.

What are some common challenges security system engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructures?

Security System Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new and legacy hardware, maintaining system uptime during upgrades, and addressing potential security vulnerabilities introduced by new components. Additionally, they must coordinate with IT, facilities, and management teams to minimize disruptions and adhere to compliance standards. Proactive planning, thorough testing, and clear communication are essential to successfully integrating advanced security solutions.
What are popular job titles related to Security System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Security System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Security System Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Security System Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $125,404 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer

Thales Defense & Security, Inc.

Aurora, IL โ€ข Hybrid

$133K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. (TDSI) Headquartered in Clarksburg, MD, is a U.S. company that has been serving domestic and international defense Air, Land and Sea domains for 60+ years. With over 1000 employees, TDSI and its four subsidiaries (Advanced Acoustic Concepts, Digital Receiver Technologies, Tampa Microwave, and Trusted Cyber Technologies), supports U.S. Joint Services, special operations forces and multi-national partners with a variety of communication, visualization, signal intelligence/electronic warfare, and sensor/sonar capabilities. TDSI's key technologies include tactical handheld radios, expeditionary satellite terminals, helmet-mounted displays, optics and target recognition capability, advanced radars, undersea sensing and missile systems. Lives depend on what we do!

Top Benefitsย (Subject to terms of applicable policies/plans)

  • Competitive Salary
  • Yearly Incentive Compensation Plan
  • Medical insurance for self and eligible family members
  • Generous 401(k) program- up to 7% company contribution and 100% immediate vesting
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Paid wellness, vacation, and holiday leave
  • Paid maternity, paternity, and parental leave
  • 9/80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)
  • Hybrid Working Environment

We currently have an opening in ourย Aurora, IL office for a Principal Systems Engineer. This position reports to the Mechanical/ Systems Engineering Manager.ย  The Principal Systems Engineer provides Technical Leadership on Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) design activities including bids, requirements decomposition and flow down, verification, testing and troubleshooting. The candidate will work as a member of a design team that includes Systems, Software, Electrical, Mechanical and Field Service. The candidate must be comfortable working directly with customers and potential customers, and will work with and support Business Development in the early phases of business capture. The candidate will need to possess extensive knowledge of head and helmet-mounted display systems.

Responsibilities:

  • Support Business Development with customer meetings, requirements elicitation, architecture development, and systems implementation.
  • Provide subject matter expertise as a project design authority of Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) systems.
  • Support product development teams with use case analysis, requirements capture and allocation, architectural analysis and design, unit level testing, integration, verification and validation efforts, and transition to manufacturing.
  • Collaborate with our European divisions in the development of new products and product roadmaps capturing unique requirements for the U.S. market.
  • Develop technical proposals and support cost estimations.
  • Evaluate competing product and solution offerings.
  • Represent Thales at relevant industry forums.
  • Serve as a customer liaison, supporting design reviews and other technical interchanges.
  • Support field installation, testing, evaluation, and troubleshooting of equipment.
  • Provide technical consultation for solving design issues in HMD, Crash and Ejection safety analysis and tests.
  • Provide technical consultation on emerging and adjacent markets.
  • Provide technical counsel to engineering management.
  • Travel up to 25% of the time.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • U.S. Citizenship required. - Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering or related discipline.
  • 8+ years as a Systems Engineer in Aerospace (Military or Commercial) or related industry.
  • Strong knowledge of Avionics products and related technology is required, Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) technology a large plus.
  • Must have working knowledge of relevant industry standards (DO-254, DO-160, DO-178, MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-810).
  • Experience integrating subsystems onto aircraft or helicopters.
  • Experience working within AS9100D or similar process environments.
  • Ability to take ownership of assigned work.
  • Must have experience in troubleshooting and resolution of technical problems.
  • Experience in requirements definition, bidding and execution.
  • Must be capable of working independently or as part of a team on assigned tasks.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills. - Fluent in English
  • Ability to comply with all Company guidelines, policies, procedures and embrace Company Core Values.

The annualized pay range for this role is $133,410- 170,469ย USD along with a target incentive compensation plan (ICP) of 5%. The pay range provided is a good faith estimate representative of the experience level for the role described above. ย TDSI considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.

For specific questions about this job posting, candidates may contact talent acquisition atย careers@thalesdsi.com.

Thales Defense & Security, Inc. is committed to non-discrimination as applicable under federal, state and local laws. We are an E-Verify Employer.

If you need an accommodation or assistance in order to apply for a position with Thales, please call Human Resources at 202-961-1016.

#LI-JD1ย #LI-Hybrid