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Senior Computer Operator Jobs in Waukegan, IL (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Bring BS in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering 10+ years ... Linux operating systems (Ubuntu, Yocto Poky, Debian, Alma for example), including BSP creation ...

Senior Software Engineer, Firmware

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$113K - $150K/yr

What You'll Bring * BS in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering * 10+ ... Strong familiarity with different microprocessor firmware or Linux operating systems (Ubuntu, Yocto ...

Senior Software Engineer, Firmware

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$113K - $150K/yr

What You'll Bring BS in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Electrical Engineering 10+ years ... Linux operating systems (Ubuntu, Yocto Poky, Debian, Alma for example), including BSP creation ...

Senior Program Manager

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$110K - $110K/yr

... comfortable operating in ambiguous, fastmoving environments. As the Senior Program Manager ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, Business, or a related discipline. * Minimum of 10 years of ...

Senior Program Manager

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$110K - $110K/yr

... comfortable operating in ambiguous, fastmoving environments. As the Senior Program Manager ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, Business, or a related discipline. * Minimum of 10 years of ...

Senior Program Manager

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$110K - $110K/yr

... comfortable operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments. As the Senior Program Manager ... Bachelor's degree in computer science, Business, or a related discipline. * Minimum of 10 years of ...

Qualifications Education & Experience Must have MS in statistics, biostatistics, computer science ... AbbVie is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving ...

Qualifications Education & Experience Must have MS in statistics, biostatistics, computer science ... AbbVie is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives, serving ...

Senior Java Developer

Glenview, IL · On-site

$56.50 - $72/hr

Troubleshoot development and production problems across multiple environments and operating ... Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field * 10+ years experience in an application ...

Senior Business Analyst

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$93K - $120K/yr

How you'll make an impact The Senior Business Analyst partners with a variety of technical and ... considering computer equipment capacity and limitations, operating time, and form of desired ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Computer Operator information

See Waukegan, IL salary details

$23.8K

$76.3K

$155.4K

How much do senior computer operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior computer operator in Waukegan, IL is $76,293.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,400.00 and $97,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior computer operator?

Senior Computer Operators are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing the operation of computer systems and related equipment in an organization. They monitor system performance, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure that scheduled tasks such as data backups and batch jobs run smoothly. Additionally, they may supervise junior operators, document procedures, and coordinate with IT staff to resolve complex problems. Their role is crucial for maintaining the reliability and efficiency of computer operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior computer operator?

To thrive as a Senior Computer Operator, you need strong knowledge of computer systems operations, troubleshooting, and a background in IT or computer science, often supported by relevant certifications or experience. Familiarity with operating systems (such as Windows, Linux, or mainframes), job scheduling software, and monitoring tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help resolve issues efficiently and coordinate with technical teams. These skills ensure smooth workflow, system reliability, and rapid response to operational challenges in enterprise environments.

What are some typical challenges senior computer operators face when managing large-scale IT systems?

Senior Computer Operators often encounter challenges such as ensuring system uptime during maintenance windows, quickly resolving unexpected hardware or software failures, and effectively coordinating with IT support teams to minimize service disruptions. They must also stay vigilant against security threats and maintain detailed logs for audits and troubleshooting. Strong communication skills and the ability to prioritize tasks under pressure are critical for handling these responsibilities in a fast-paced IT environment.

What is the difference between Senior Computer Operator vs Computer Operator?

AspectSenior Computer OperatorComputer Operator
CredentialsTypically requires more experience, possibly certifications in computer operations or related fieldsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentData centers, large IT departments, or control rooms with complex systemsOffice settings, smaller data centers, or manufacturing environments
ResponsibilitiesOverseeing daily operations, troubleshooting, and supervising junior staffMonitoring systems, running scheduled tasks, basic troubleshooting
Usage in IndustryCommonly used in large organizations with complex IT infrastructureWidespread across various industries for routine system operations

The main difference between a Senior Computer Operator and a Computer Operator lies in experience, responsibilities, and scope of work. Senior Computer Operators typically handle more complex tasks, supervise others, and have more industry experience, whereas Computer Operators focus on routine system monitoring and basic troubleshooting.

What career paths can a senior computer operator take?

A senior computer operator can advance to roles such as systems administrator, network administrator, or IT supervisor by gaining additional certifications and technical skills. They may also move into IT management, cybersecurity, or database administration, depending on their interests and experience.

Which senior computer operator job has the highest salary?

Senior computer operators with specialized skills in systems management, automation, and experience with enterprise-level hardware and software tend to have the highest salaries. Salaries can also vary based on industry, certifications, and location, with those working in finance, technology, or large corporations typically earning more.

What cities near Waukegan, IL are hiring for Senior Computer Operator jobs?

Cities near Waukegan, IL with the most Senior Computer Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Computer Operator job openings in Waukegan, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,293 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Sr. Principal Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Rolling Meadows, IL • On-site

$126K - $174K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 368 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: SAPTRAVEL: 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.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our Engineering and Sciences (E&S) organization pushes the boundaries of innovation, redefines engineering capabilities, and drives advances in various sciences. Our team is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter. Come be a part of our mission!

As a Sr. Principal Software Engineer at Northrop Grumman you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.

Northrop Grumman is looking to add to our talented team of Embedded Software Engineers. Our engineers are self-starters who are part of a team of software professionals developing world-class software to meet our customer's high expectations. The Embedded Software Engineer designs, develops, operates, and maintains software and firmware components and computing systems software to be applied to and integrated with engineering, scientific and manufacturing requirements. The individual shall apply the appropriate standards, processes, procedures, and tools throughout the system development life cycle to support the generation of engineering applications and products within the Targeting Business Unit. This includes interfacing with customers, suppliers, application users and other technical and support personnel. The ideal individual will have experience including the full software development life cycle, which includes requirements, design, coding, testing, and integration.

#MSRMTA

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 US Government security clearance per customers' requirements prior to start.

Basic Qualifications for Sr. Principal Embedded Software Engineer:

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or similar engineering discipline with a minimum of 8+ years of engineering experience, or 6+ years with a Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or similar engineering discipline or in lieu of degree, an additional 4 years of experience is required.
  • Object Oriented Programming in C++
  • Familiarity with Software architecture (design patterns, objected oriented design)
  • Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc)
  • Experience Developing Embedded Software running Linux or VxWorks Operating Systems
  • Familiarity with software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile
  • Familiarity with various version control systems (Git, Gitlabs, Github, Bitbucket, ClearCase. etc) and Agile software planning tools (Rally, Jira, etc)
  • US Citizenship
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a minimum of a Secret clearance with additional customer specified clearance prior to start.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with Object Oriented Programming in C++11
  • Knowledge with scripting languages (Python, Bash, Batch, etc)
  • Experience with Software development methodologies and frameworks such as Waterfall Methodology and/or Agile.
  • Experience testing, debugging, and integrating Embedded Software on target hardware.
  • Experience with complex systems of systems that utilize Parallel Processing, Multi-Threading, Distributed Processing, Multi-Core, System-on-Chip, and Secure Processing.
  • Active Secret Clearance
  • Differentiating characteristics include demonstrated leadership and teamwork capability, interpersonal communication skills and activities.
Primary Level Salary Range: $131,100.00 - $196,700.00The 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