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

Sentinel

Systems Engineer

Barrington, IL · On-site

$65K - $120K/yr

Responsibilities We are seeking a Systems Engineer to provide onsite support and enhancements for ... Exposure to security practices and tools * Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

Auria

Lead Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$145 - $170/hr

Government TOP SECRET security clearance (requires U.S. Citizenship) and SCI eligibility * Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related field * 7+ years of related systems ...

New

FTE Factory Advisors

AI Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

This position supports an engagement with client-specific security and export control requirements ... Practical experience with MLOps, system observability, or reliability engineering in production ...

Motorola

Sr. Systems Engineer

Schaumburg, IL

$90K - $100K/yr

Department Overview At Motorola Solutions, safety and security are at the heart of everything we do ... We are seeking a Sr. Systems Engineer to serve as a high-level technical escalation point for our ...

Motorola

Principal Systems Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

System Engineering * Drive product and feature requirements, architecture, design, and test ... S. citizen with the ability to obtain necessary security clearance as required by government ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsSecurity Systems Engineer JobsSecurity Systems Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Security Systems Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$60

$88

How much do security systems engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for security systems 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 is a security systems engineer?

Security Systems Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and maintain security systems that protect an organization's physical and digital assets. Their work includes configuring surveillance cameras, access control systems, intrusion detection, and cybersecurity solutions. They analyze security risks, develop strategies to mitigate threats, and ensure systems comply with industry standards. Security Systems Engineers often collaborate with IT teams, management, and vendors to ensure robust and reliable protection for facilities and information.

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

AspectSecurity Systems EngineerSecurity Analyst
CredentialsCertifications like CISSP, CISA, CompTIA Security+Certifications like GIAC, CISSP, CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining security systemsMonitoring, analyzing, and responding to security incidents
Employer & Industry UsageIT security firms, large corporations, government agenciesFinancial institutions, healthcare, cybersecurity firms

While both roles focus on security, Security Systems Engineers primarily design and deploy security infrastructure, whereas Security Analysts monitor and respond to security threats. Both roles often require similar certifications and work within the same industries, but their daily responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a security systems engineer?

To thrive as a Security Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in computer science, network security, and systems architecture, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in IT or cybersecurity. Familiarity with security tools such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), SIEM platforms, and certifications like CISSP or CompTIA Security+ are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in collaborating with teams and responding to security incidents. These skills and qualifications are crucial to designing robust security infrastructures and protecting organizations from evolving cyber threats.

How does a security systems engineer typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

Security Systems Engineers frequently work alongside IT, facilities, and operations teams to design, implement, and maintain security infrastructures such as surveillance, access control, and alarm systems. Effective communication and coordination are essential, as these engineers must understand the unique needs and constraints of each department to ensure security solutions are both robust and user-friendly. Regular meetings, cross-functional project work, and incident response drills are common ways Security Systems Engineers foster collaboration and keep security measures aligned with organizational goals.
What are popular job titles related to Security Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? For Security Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Security Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Security Systems Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Security Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Security Systems Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $125,404 per year, or $60.3 per hour.

Staff Systems Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$169K - $253K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

We are seeking capable, talented, and motivated team-contributors at our Northrop Grumman Rolling Meadows site. Our products range from advanced sensing technologies to state-of-the-art targeting and tracking systems that are deployed in Electro-Optical Infrared (EOIR) and Radio Frequency Electronic Warfare (RFEW) systems. These systems are designed, developed, built, integrated, and tested by the capable folks at our company to protect the lives of US and Allied warfighters in present and future conflicts. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today. If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on this team, we invite you to apply.

The Staff Systems Engineer owns responsibility for executing the overall systems engineering effort on the program and directs the execution of all systems engineering activities. The Staff Systems Engineer shall ensure the integrity of the systems engineering processes, including assigned engineering personnel understanding and following Engineering processes and procedures to achieve timely, compliant development of core and emerging systems engineering work products.

This position will be full-time, on-site at our Rolling Meadows, IL location.

This position is contingent upon funding/contract award, special access program, and acquiring and maintaining the necessary U.S. Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

Basic Qualifications:

  • BS degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, Physics or other STEM field with 12+ years of related experience, MS degree in STEM field with 10+ years of related experience, or PhD in STEM field with 8+ years of related experience
  • Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in creating and delivering technical presentations to internal and external leadership
  • Experience working collaboratively on complex projects that encompass hardware, software, and firmware
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a U.S. Government Secret Clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start
  • U.S. Citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience in all aspects of the engineering process from proposal / requirements analysis through verification testing and fielding of systems
  • Experience in a Systems Engineering Integration & Test environment from one or more of the following specialty areas: EOIR systems, sensors, optics, antenna design, direction finding, geolocation, threat analysis
  • Experience decomposing requirements for DoD-based platforms or systems
  • Experience in development and Earned Value Management (EVM) of cost accounts and schedules
  • Demonstrated expertise in SysML modeling and MBSE tools (e.g., IBMRationalDOORS, EnterpriseArchitect, Cameo). Ability to develop and maintain system models, traceability matrices, and verification crossreference artifacts
  • Active U.S. Government Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00The 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

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