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Senior Protocol Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Software Engineer, AI

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126.30K - $166.50K/yr

Senior Software Engineer, AI Fitch Solutions is currently seeking a Senior Software Engineer, AI ... Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers for Fitch Solutions; stay at the bleeding edge of AI ...

Senior Software Engineer, AI

Chicago, IL · On-site

$126.30K - $166.50K/yr

Senior Software Engineer, AI Fitch Solutions is currently seeking a Senior Software Engineer, AI ... Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers for Fitch Solutions; stay at the bleeding edge of AI ...

Senior AI Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Senior AI Engineer - Geneva Trading, Chicago Geneva Trading is a technology-driven proprietary ... Familiarity with emerging standards and protocols in the AI tooling space (e.g., MCP) * Background ...

Senior AI Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$200K - $300K/yr

Senior AI Engineer - Geneva Trading, Chicago Geneva Trading is a technology-driven proprietary ... Familiarity with emerging standards and protocols in the AI tooling space (e.g., MCP) * Background ...

Sr. Manufacturing Engineer Abrasive Form LLC Bloomingdale - Bloomingdale, IL 60108 Overview Salary ... Use of appropriate PPE and adherence to all safety protocols required. Benefits Offered: * Medical ...

As a Senior Embedded Software Development Engineer, you will work in the Product Development ... Development can consist of wireless protocols. hardware drivers, embedded software applications ...

As a Senior Embedded Software Development Engineer, you will work in the Product Development ... Development can consist of wireless protocols. hardware drivers, embedded software applications ...

As a Senior Embedded Software Development Engineer, you will work in the Product Development ... Development can consist of wireless protocols. hardware drivers, embedded software applications ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Protocol Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.3K

$130.4K

$189K

How much do senior protocol engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior protocol engineer in Chicago, IL is $130,372.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,600.00 and $147,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Protocol Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of network protocols, distributed systems, cryptography, and strong programming skills, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with protocol design tools, languages like Rust, Go, or C++, and experience with blockchain frameworks or RFC standards are often required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help in leading teams and navigating complex technical challenges. These abilities are crucial for designing secure, efficient protocols and ensuring reliable communication within advanced technology ecosystems.

How does a Senior Protocol Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the protocol development lifecycle?

As a Senior Protocol Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential throughout the protocol development lifecycle. You will work closely with product managers to understand requirements, coordinate with security engineers to ensure protocol robustness, and partner with frontend/backend engineers to support implementation. Regular communication, code reviews, and design discussions are common, as you’ll often serve as a technical lead, guiding architecture decisions and ensuring alignment across teams. This collaborative approach helps ensure the protocol meets both technical and business objectives while maintaining high standards for security and performance.

What does a Senior Protocol Engineer do?

A Senior Protocol Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing communication protocols that enable secure and efficient data exchange over networks or within distributed systems. They work on developing new protocols or improving existing ones, often focusing on areas like blockchain, networking, or cryptography. Their role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, troubleshooting protocol-related issues, and ensuring that protocols are robust, scalable, and secure. Additionally, they may mentor junior engineers and contribute to open-source projects or standards bodies.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software engineering, data engineering, and specialized roles like senior protocol engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-demand industries or companies. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, particularly in technology and finance sectors.

What is the difference between Senior Protocol Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSenior Protocol EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CCNP, CCIEBachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and optimizing network protocols, often in R&D or specialized teamsManaging and maintaining network infrastructure, troubleshooting connectivity issues
Industry UsageTelecommunications, data centers, networking hardware companiesIT departments, service providers, enterprise networks

The Senior Protocol Engineer focuses on developing and optimizing network protocols, requiring deep technical expertise. In contrast, a Network Engineer manages and maintains network infrastructure, ensuring connectivity and performance. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Senior Electrical Engineer

Senior Electrical Engineer

Sterling Engineering Inc.

Skokie, IL

$120K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Title: Senior Electrical Engineer
Location: Skokie, IL
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $120k-$130k/yr.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with Company Match, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays

The Senior Electrical Engineer will be responsible for LED driver and electronic component design and development, qualifying new power supplies, and guiding suppliers through new product development.

Job Duties:
  • Select, evaluate, and qualify power supplies and control components for new products.
  • Collaborate with suppliers on the development of new power supplies.
  • Lead design and evaluation of LED drivers, controls, and electrical projects including IoT.
  • Troubleshoot power supplies, analog circuits, and digital circuits.
  • Oversee electrical testing performed by lab technicians and provide technical guidance.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical support as needed.
  • Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to achieve company goals and resolve technical issues.
  • Maintain reliability, punctuality, and professional workplace presence while upholding company values.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
  • Minimum of 7 years of experience designing phase-cut dimmable LED drivers.
  • Strong knowledge of Buck, Boost, Flyback, and LLC power supply topologies.
  • Experience with power supply qualification and reliability testing.
  • Proficiency in EMI mitigation and lighting control protocols including 0–10V, DALI, and DMX.
  • Experience using oscilloscopes, power meters, and electronic loads.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools such as PSpice and LTspice.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.