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Senior Hardware Design Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Sr. Hardware Design Engineer

Morton Grove, IL · On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

Create technical design documentation, engineering specifications, and verification/validation test plans. * Perform system integration, debugging, verification, and performance testing of hardware ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

Your Job Molex is looking for a Senior Hardware Engineer to design and develop Active Electrical Cable (AEC) products for Hyperscalers. Our Team We are the Copper Solution Business Unit of Molex ...

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HP Tuners is currently seeking a full-time Senior Hardware Engineer to join our team in Buffalo ... The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware design and development, with a proven ...

Description HP Tuners is currently seeking a full-time Senior Hardware Engineer to join our team in ... The ideal candidate will have a strong background in hardware design and development, with a proven ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Carol Stream, IL · Hybrid

$114K - $152K/yr

As a Senior Hardware Engineer , you will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of the hardware circuitry of controls and PCBAs that are embedded within our commercial ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Hardware Design Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$89.6K

$134.7K

$179.8K

How much do senior hardware design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior hardware design engineer in Illinois is $134,714.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,800.00 and $148,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior hardware design engineer?

Senior Hardware Design Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test electronic hardware components and systems. They typically lead hardware development projects, create detailed schematics and layouts, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the successful integration of hardware with software. In addition to technical design work, they often mentor junior engineers, oversee prototyping, and troubleshoot complex hardware issues. Their expertise is vital for developing advanced electronics found in products such as computers, mobile devices, automotive systems, and industrial equipment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior hardware design engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Hardware Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and experience with industry standards, usually supported by a relevant degree and several years of design experience. Proficiency with schematic capture tools (e.g., Altium Designer, Cadence, or OrCAD), PCB layout software, and simulation systems is essential, and certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective cross-functional communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure reliable product development, successful project execution, and seamless collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

How do senior hardware design engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

Senior Hardware Design Engineers regularly work alongside software engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams to ensure the seamless integration of hardware with other systems. This often involves participating in design reviews, troubleshooting interdisciplinary issues, and aligning hardware specifications with overall project goals. Effective communication and documentation are crucial, as is the ability to provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers within the team.

What is the difference between Senior Hardware Design Engineer vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Hardware Design EngineerHardware Design Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering or related field; 5+ years experienceBachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field; 1-3 years experience
ResponsibilitiesLeading complex hardware projects, mentoring junior engineers, system architectureDesigning and testing hardware components, supporting project development
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, collaborative projectsDesign labs, development teams, manufacturing support

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Hardware Design Engineers lead projects and mentor others, while Hardware Design Engineers focus on designing hardware components. Both roles require similar technical skills but differ in scope and leadership expectations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Design Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Hardware Design Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Senior Hardware Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Senior Hardware Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Hardware Design Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,714 per year, or $64.8 per hour.

Sr. Hardware Design Engineer

Xylem

Morton Grove, IL • On-site

$109K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Xylem rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

296th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and maintain embedded hardware for intelligent control and monitoring systems.
  • Build analog, digital, and mixed-signal schematics, component selection, power management systems, and sensor interfaces.
  • Design multi-layer printed circuit boards using electronic computer-aided design (ECAD) software.
  • Create technical design documentation, engineering specifications, and verification/validation test plans.
  • Perform system integration, debugging, verification, and performance testing of hardware and software.
  • Conduct root-cause analysis and engineering diagnostics on deployed products at both hardware and software levels.
  • Support and participate in Embedded Firmware development using programming languages such as C/C++ language, different development environments.
  • Coordinate with software, firmware, and mechanical packaging teams to ensure smooth system integration and compliance including EMC/EMI, FCC, CE, UL, CSA, and other applicable product certifications.
  • Provide technical support for manufacturing, production testing, and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Travel to customer sites as required to investigate, diagnose, and resolve field issues involving installed products.
  • Translate Voice of Customer (VoC), market needs, and commercial requirements into hardware and software design specifications.
  • Support New Product Development (NPD) activities following the Xylem Product Development (XPD) process.
  • Interface with customers, installers, consultants, distributors, suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams to resolve technical issues and improve product performance.
  • Participate in design reviews, technical risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in embedded systems, electronic controls, or industrial automation, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience developing products utilizing Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) in industrial or commercial pumping, HVAC, or similar applications.
  • Experience working within global engineering teams and structured product development processes.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, product management, and customer-facing teams.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (approximately 10-20%) for customer support, product validation, and technical meetings.

Technical Expertise

Required Experience

  • Embedded systems development using PIC microcontrollers or similar embedded platforms
  • PCB design, layout, and manufacturing support
  • Digital and analog circuit design, simulation and testing using lab equipment
  • Embedded firmware development in C/C++
  • Industrial communication protocols including Modbus, BACnet, DeviceNet, TCP/IP, Zigbee, CAN, RS-485.
  • Integration of pressure, flow, temperature, level, and other industrial sensors and actuators
  • Communication gateways and Industrial IoT connectivity for remote monitoring and diagnostics

Strong Working Knowledge Of

  • Hardware development lifecycle from concept through production
  • Proficiency in Altium or equivalent PCB Desing Software
  • Proficient in using Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, Power Supplies and logic analyzers
  • Knowledge of Software development best practices including version control, code reviews, unit testing, integration testing
  • Engineering analysis and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, and PSIM
  • Product verification and validation methodologies
  • Regulatory compliance including UL, CE, EMC, and applicable industrial standards
  • Manufacturing support, DFM (Design for Manufacturability), and production test methodologies
  • Control system architecture and control algorithm development
  • Closed-loop control of motors and pumping systems

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience developing smart connected products or Industrial IoT solutions.
  • Experience with motor control systems and variable speed pumping applications.
  • Familiarity with cybersecurity concepts for embedded devices and connected products.
  • Experience with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless communication technologies.
  • Knowledge of cloud-connected monitoring platforms and communication gateways.
  • Experience supporting products through field deployment and post-launch continuous improvement.
  • Project leadership or technical leadership experience within cross-functional engineering teams.

The salary range for this position is $100,000 to $120,000 plus bonus. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience, and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem, we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

#LI-SUTTONMOORE

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.

At Xylem, you'll not only contribute to solving water issues but also have the chance to make a difference through our paid Volunteer Program, Xylem Watermark. We prioritize our employees' well-being through inclusion and belonging as well as our Employee Resource Groups (ERG). Proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (including disability and veterans) and Affirmative Action workplace, Xylem fosters an inclusive environment free from discrimination or harassment.

Please note that the information in this job description outlines the general nature of the position and is not an exhaustive list of duties. Xylem is dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all employees to perform their essential job functions. We reserve the right to modify this job description and assign additional duties as needed. Embrace the opportunity to be part of Xylem's transformative journey in shaping the future of water technology! #XylemCareers #GlobalImpact #WaterInnovation


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